Kazuhisa Wada highlights the pivotal role of the 2006 release of Persona 3 in reshaping Atlus' approach to game development. Prior to this game, Atlus adhered to the "Only One" philosophy, which embraced a daring stance on game design, focusing on edginess, shock value, and memorable experiences. This approach was encapsulated by the belief that "if they [the audience] like it, they like it; if they don't, they don't," reflecting a disregard for commercial considerations, which Wada describes as almost "unseemly" within the company's culture at the time.
However, the success of Persona 3 prompted a significant shift in Atlus' strategy, leading to the adoption of the "Unique & Universal" philosophy. This new approach aimed at creating original content that would resonate with a wider audience. Wada explains that Atlus began to consider the market appeal of their games, striving to make them more accessible and engaging. He metaphorically describes this shift as "giving players poison that kills them in a pretty package." Here, the "poison" represents Atlus' traditional commitment to impactful and startling moments, while the "pretty package" signifies the game's appealing aesthetics, including fashionable design and relatable, humorous characters that attract a broad audience.
Wada emphasizes that this "Unique & Universal" strategy will continue to be the foundation for future Persona games, balancing the company's legacy of bold storytelling with a broader appeal to ensure commercial success.
