Although Persona has always been a popular franchise, the release of Persona 5 really catapulted developer Atlus and put it on more people’s maps than ever before. Atlus had a pretty good 2021 as well: Persona 5 Strikers released worldwide earlier this year, with Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster and Shin Megami Tensei 5 also dropping. It also announced the Switch port of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Remastered.
Still, many eyes are now on the new year in 2022, including eyes at Atlus. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Atlus’ 1st Creative Department product manager Shinjiro Takada discussed his thoughts, aspirations, and plans for 2022.
As a keyword for 2022, Takada chose “challenge” and goes on to say “with the hope to release a game that will become a pillar for Atlus. All of us at Atlus are working hard to develop this game so that it will be interesting and satisfying for everyone, so please look forward to it.” What this title is remains to be seen, but chances are, it’s Atlus’ Project Re Fantasy if anything among Atlus' 10 games in development. It was first announced five years ago and development is close to its end, seemingly suggested by Atlus over the past couple of years. However, Takada doesn’t end there.
Personally, Takada also discussed his plans for 2022: “Shin Megami Tensei 5’s development has just come to an end, and I’m taking a breather, but I’m sure I’ll be able to announce something this year (2022) as well, so look forward to it!” What Takada is working on after Shin Megami Tensei 5 remains to be seen, but Atlus appears to be a busy beaver. Alongside any unannounced games, there’s the aforementioned Project Re Fantasy, an Atlus titled called Project Pen with an Australian rating, and Persona 6.
Persona 6 is almost uncertainly not the 2022 title, however. During summer 2021, Atlus posted a job listing for more game developers and mentioned that the “next step” of Persona is already in preparation. The company further stated that there was a certain pressure for Persona 6 to surpass Persona 5, but regardless, Persona remains one of Atlus’ most important IPs.
All things considered, all fans can do is wait to see what Atlus has up its sleeves next, but if there’s one thing for certain, it’s that a ton of JRPG fans are ready and excited to see what comes for Atlus in 2022.
Source: Famitsu (via Persona Central)