In a recent interview with Game Informer, Katsura Hashino, the director of the upcoming RPG Metaphor ReFantazio, shared insights into Atlus’ ongoing evolution of the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) formula.
Atlus, renowned for genre-defining titles such as Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, is once again at the forefront of innovation as it prepares to launch Metaphor ReFantazio—a key release slated to bolster the Nintendo Switch lineup and further expand the reach of JRPGs around the world. Since its official announcement, Metaphor ReFantazio has garnered significant attention, drawing on Atlus’ established reputation for crafting deeply narrative-driven RPG experiences.
As the landscape of the gaming industry shifts and audiences broaden, developers like Atlus face new challenges in balancing the traditional elements that have come to define the genre with the need to attract newcomers.
Katsura Hashino addressed this balancing act in his discussion with Game Informer.
Reflecting on the studio’s ambitions, Hashino emphasized that Atlus is at a pivotal juncture where it aims to reexamine and reinvigorate its approach to JRPG development.
"Rather than simply adhering to established genre conventions, we're focused on figuring out how to advance our take on JRPGs," he stated.
"Our goal is to elevate what a modern Atlus JRPG can be, while preserving our core strengths, such as intricate narratives and hallmark gameplay elements that fans have come to expect." Hashino went on to highlight the changing expectations among contemporary players and the importance of widening the audience for JRPGs.
"Given the current state of the gaming industry, we recognize the importance of updating our design philosophy.
We're striving to create experiences that are accessible and engaging for a broader audience, not only for traditional JRPG enthusiasts but for newcomers as well," Hashino explained.
"Our aim is to refresh our approach to the genre with this inclusivity in mind." Metaphor ReFantazio is shaping up to be a significant release for both Atlus and the Nintendo Switch, a platform that has played host to many standout JRPGs through the Nintendo eShop and frequent Nintendo Direct showcases.
While Atlus has achieved continued success with critically acclaimed titles and impressive sales milestones, this new project reflects a deeper commitment to both genre evolution and player accessibility. As anticipation around Metaphor ReFantazio grows, Hashino's statements signal clear intent: Atlus is dedicated to refining the JRPG genre, ensuring its enduring appeal while inviting new generations of players to experience the memorable worlds only this style of game can offer.
Atlus, renowned for genre-defining titles such as Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, is once again at the forefront of innovation as it prepares to launch Metaphor ReFantazio—a key release slated to bolster the Nintendo Switch lineup and further expand the reach of JRPGs around the world. Since its official announcement, Metaphor ReFantazio has garnered significant attention, drawing on Atlus’ established reputation for crafting deeply narrative-driven RPG experiences.
As the landscape of the gaming industry shifts and audiences broaden, developers like Atlus face new challenges in balancing the traditional elements that have come to define the genre with the need to attract newcomers.
Katsura Hashino addressed this balancing act in his discussion with Game Informer.
Reflecting on the studio’s ambitions, Hashino emphasized that Atlus is at a pivotal juncture where it aims to reexamine and reinvigorate its approach to JRPG development.
"Rather than simply adhering to established genre conventions, we're focused on figuring out how to advance our take on JRPGs," he stated.
"Our goal is to elevate what a modern Atlus JRPG can be, while preserving our core strengths, such as intricate narratives and hallmark gameplay elements that fans have come to expect." Hashino went on to highlight the changing expectations among contemporary players and the importance of widening the audience for JRPGs.
"Given the current state of the gaming industry, we recognize the importance of updating our design philosophy.
We're striving to create experiences that are accessible and engaging for a broader audience, not only for traditional JRPG enthusiasts but for newcomers as well," Hashino explained.
"Our aim is to refresh our approach to the genre with this inclusivity in mind." Metaphor ReFantazio is shaping up to be a significant release for both Atlus and the Nintendo Switch, a platform that has played host to many standout JRPGs through the Nintendo eShop and frequent Nintendo Direct showcases.
While Atlus has achieved continued success with critically acclaimed titles and impressive sales milestones, this new project reflects a deeper commitment to both genre evolution and player accessibility. As anticipation around Metaphor ReFantazio grows, Hashino's statements signal clear intent: Atlus is dedicated to refining the JRPG genre, ensuring its enduring appeal while inviting new generations of players to experience the memorable worlds only this style of game can offer.
