
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 "like it or lump 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 gave way to "Unique & Universal," focusing on creating original content with broader accessibility. In essence, Atlus began prioritizing market viability, aiming for user-friendly and engaging experiences.
Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this shift. The "delicious coating" represents appealing aesthetics, likable characters, and humor designed for mass appeal, while the "poison" is Atlus' enduring commitment to powerful and surprising narrative elements. Wada asserts that this "Unique & Universal" strategy will underpin future Persona titles.