Overview
Darkness and demons. Atlus rejected JRPG conventions—no chosen heroes saving the world, but ordinary people negotiating with demons in modern settings. Shin Megami Tensei offered moral ambiguity; Persona explored teenage psychology; Etrian Odyssey demanded cartography. Sega’s 2013 acquisition provided stability while Atlus maintained creative independence, culminating in Persona 5’s mainstream breakthrough.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1986.
- Location: Tokyo, Japan.
- Acquired by: Sega (2013).
- Signature: SMT, Persona franchises.
Key franchises
| Series | Focus |
|---|
| Shin Megami Tensei | Demon negotiation |
| Persona | Social simulation RPG |
| Etrian Odyssey | Dungeon mapping |
| Catherine | Puzzle narrative |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Expression |
|---|
| Difficulty | Challenging gameplay |
| Maturity | Adult themes |
| Moral ambiguity | No clear good/evil |
| Style | Distinctive aesthetics |
Shin Megami Tensei
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| SMT | 1992 | Super Famicom |
| SMT: Nocturne | 2003 | PS2 |
| SMT IV | 2013 | 3DS |
| SMT V | 2021 | Switch |
Persona phenomenon
| Achievement | Scale |
|---|
| P5 sales | 10+ million |
| Cultural impact | Mainstream recognition |
| Spin-offs | Multiple genres |
| International growth | Western fanbase |
Localisation history
| Era | Approach |
|---|
| Early | Limited releases |
| PS2 era | Cult following |
| Modern | Day-one localisations |
See also