Atlus' approach to making Persona games is reminiscent of “deadly poison in a sweet shell”

Kazuhisa Wada identifies the 2006 release of Persona 3 as a pivotal moment. Prior to its launch, Atlus adhered to a philosophy Wada terms "Only One," characterized by a "take it or leave it" attitude prioritizing edgy content and shocking moments over broad appeal.

Wada notes that pre-Persona 3, market considerations were almost taboo within the company culture. However, Persona 3 shifted Atlus' approach. The "Only One" philosophy was replaced with a "Unique & Universal" strategy. The focus shifted to creating original content accessible to a wider audience, marking a conscious effort to consider market viability and create more user-friendly experiences.

Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this shift. The "pretty package" represents stylish design and appealing characters, while the "poison" is Atlus's continued commitment to intense and surprising narrative elements. This "Unique & Universal" approach, Wada asserts, will underpin future Persona titles.