Atlus 2021 Online Consumer Survey Released, Includes Smartphone and Covid Questions

By
Reggy
-
0

Atlus has released their annual Japanese online consumer survey for 2021, in order to learn more about their customers and improve their game development. This year will mark the seventh annual Japanese survey.

Atlus is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Every year, the survey contributes meaningfully to development at Atlus, especially with the “free description” section which regularly includes many passionate opinions from customers.

The survey duration is estimated to take approximately 45 minutes.

The Japanese questionnaire is set to last from March 5, 2021 to March 8, 2021 at 18:00 JST.

Previous Surveys

The questions from the survey can be seen below. For questions that I feel are especially interesting and should be highlighted, see Questions 12, 15, 30, 55, 56, and 62.

Q1: Please enter your email address.

Q2: Please tell us your gender.

Q3: Please tell us your age.

Q4: Do you live in Japan?

Q5: Please tell us about your area of residence.

Shown if answer to Q4 is “no.”

Q6: Please tell us where you leaned about this survey.

6 options, including the official website for Atlus series games, the Atlus YouTube video, Twitter, etc.

Q7: Please tell us about your profession.

Q8: Please select one of the following concerning your living arrangement with family and friends.

9 options for different household arrangements.

Q9: Please select all of the following game devices that you own.

Q10: Among the platforms you own, how often do you play them?

Q11: How often do you play games on the following (mobile) devices?

Q12: To those who have played games on a personal computer (Windows) or personal computer (Mac). Do you use Steam to play games on your computer? If you do, please answer the last time you played on Steam.

  1. Every day
  2. Within a week
  3. Within a month
  4. Within half a year
  5. Played more than half a year ago
  6. Never played

Q13: From devices answered “I own” in a previous question: On average, how much time do you spend on these devices during weekdays?

6 options per device, ranging from not used during weekdays to  hour to 10 hours or more.

Q14: From devices answered “I own” in a previous question: On average, how much time do you spend on these devices during weekends and holidays?

6 options per device, ranging from not used during weekdays to  hour to 10 hours or more.

Q15: To those who have played games on Steam. How much time do you spend playing games on Steam on average per day?

6 options for weekdays, and the same for weekends and holidays:

  1. I don’t use it.
  2. More than 1, less than 2 hours.
  3. More than 2, less than 5 hours.
  4. More than 5, less than 10 hours.
  5. More than 10 hours.

Q16: Among the dedicated home consoles you play the most (for TV screens, non-handhelds), why do you play on them?

23 possible answers, including:

  • To relieve stress
  • To experience exhilaration
  • To feel immersed in the game world
  • To get a sense of accomplishment
  • To immerse myself in the game story
  • To express myself
  • To forget everyday life

Q17: Among smartphone gaming (iPhone, iPad, Android mobile apps), why do you play on them?

Same 23 possible answers as the above.

Q18: Please select all that apply that compel you to download games for smartphones.

11 possible answers, including app stores, commercials, and different social media such as LINE and Twitter.

Q19: Please select the reasons for why you are currently playing games on your smartphone.

  1. Because they’re fun to play.
  2. Because they’re updated frequently.
  3. Because it has become a habit due to login bonuses and such.
  4. Because my friends, colleagues, and family are playing.
  5. Because it’s popular now.
  6. I feel it would be a waste to quit now.
  7. Because there are no other games to play.
  8. Because I use it to kill time.
  9. Other

Q20: Please select the reasons for why you would quit playing a smartphone game.

12 possible answers, including “I’m tired of the game,” “Because I have another game to play,” or “Because no one else among my friends, colleagues or family are playing.”

Q21: What are your favorite game genres when it comes to home consoles (stationary machines or portable machines)?

17 different options (the bolded have been added this year):

  1. Tirn-based RPG
  2. Action RPG
  3. Turn-based strategy RPG
  4. 3D Dungeon RPG
  5. Roguelike RPG
  6. Puzzle game
  7. Action Adventure
  8. Text Adventure
  9. Fighting Game
  10. Music Game
  11. Sports
  12. Card Game
  13. Board Game
  14. Racing Game
  15. Real-Time Strategy Game
  16. FPS/TPS Games
  17. Other

Q22: What are your favorite game genres when it comes to smartphone games?

  1. Turn-based RPG
  2. Action RPG
  3. Turn-based strategy RPG
  4. Automatic RPG
  5. MMORPG
  6. Puzzle game
  7. Competitive action game
  8. Tower defense
  9. Table game
  10. Music game
  11. Card game
  12. Life simulation
  13. Racing game
  14. Location-based game
  15. Other

Q23: For games that can be played on smartphones, when do you play them?

13 possible answers, including during work/class, while walking, in the bathtub, or while meeting people.

Q24: Among the following smartphone games (iPhone, iPad, Android mobile games), which ones do you know of?

51 possible choices including including NieR Reincarnation, Granblue Fantasy, Identity V, Fate/Grand Order, Shin Megami Tensei Dx2 Liberation, etc.

Q25: Among the following smartphone games (iPhone, iPad, Android mobile games), which have you played?

For each game selected in the previous question, the options “I play it continuously, even now,” “I have played it before, but not now,” and “I have never played it.”

Q26: Among the following games for home consoles (stationary and portables), which ones do you know of?

A list of 57 games, including Atlus games and such games as:

  • Tales of Arise
  • Shin Megami Tensei V
  • Ghost of Tsushima
  • NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
  • New Sakura Wars

“Project Re Fantasy (TBD)” is listed once again.

Q27: Among the following home console games (stationary and portables), which have you purchased?

Among the games selected in Q26, there are 3 possible choices:

  1. I bought this (regardless of new or used).
  2. I am considering purchasing.
  3. I have not purchased this, and I am not considering to in the future.

Q28: Among the following unreleased home console games (stationary and portables), which are you planning to purchase?

Among the unreleased games selected in Q26, there are 3 possible choices:

  1. I bought this (regardless of new or used).
  2. I am considering purchasing.
  3. I have not purchased this, and I am not considering to in the future.

Q29: How much free time do you usually have per day?

2 answers, with 10 options ranging from 1 hour to 18 hours or more.

  1. Weekday
  2. Holiday

Q30: Has there been any change to your living hours compared to before the coronavirus pandemic (before February 2020)?

4 answers, with 5 possible choices each. The answers:

  1. Time at home
  2. Commuting time
  3. Time spent working/studying
  4. Sleeping time
  5. Game playing time

The choices:

  1. Much more
  2. Slightly more
  3. No change
  4. Slightly less
  5. Much less

Q31: To those who have significantly increased their time at home compared to before the pandemic, please answer all the reasons for why you have increased your time at home.

  1. To work/study at home full-time
  2. To work/study at home part-time
  3. Because I have fewer opportunities to leave on business trips or vacations
  4. Because there are fewer events where people gather
  5. Because store business hours have been shortened
  6. There are fewer opportunities to meet people
  7. Other

Q32: How often do you purchase game software (including physical and digital versions) for home consoles (stationary and portables)? Please choose the one that applies the most to you.

7 possible answers, from “2 or more every month” to “less than 1 per year.”

Q33: Please select all applicable locations and sites that you use to purchase home video game console games.

11 possible answers, with 5 physical locations (Animate, game specialty store, etc.) and 6 online (Amazon, PlayStation Store, etc.).

Q34: Has there been any change in the number of games purchased compared to before the coronavirus pandemic (before February 2020)?

3 answers, with 6 possible choices each. The answers:

  1. Packaged games purchased locally
  2. Packaged games purchased online
  3. Digital games

The choices:

  1. Very much increased
  2. Somewhat increased
  3. No change
  4. Somewhat decreased
  5. Very much decreased
  6. I’ve never purchased one before

Q35: Did you start purchasing the digital versions of games after the pandemic? Please answer all the reasons why you chose to purchase DL versions over packaged versions.

10 possible answers, including ease of purchase, because it was on sale, or because it loads quickly.

Q36: For console games (stationary and portable), have you reserved games before purchase? If you have reserved a and purchased, please select all that apply.

13 options with reasons influencing one’s decision to pre-order from watching trailers to social media, with a 14th option of “I have never pre-ordered before.”

Q39: Which media do you usually obtain game information from? Please choose all that apply.

17 answers, including:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LINE
  • YouTube
  • AbemaTV
  • Nico Nico Douga
  • Nico Nico Live Broadcast
  • Game Magazines

Q40: Do you ever complain about the games you play on online media? Please select one that applies to you from the following.

  1. Frequently
  2. Sometimes
  3. I do not

Q41: Do you recommend games to friends on social media? Please choose all that apply.

  1. I always recommend games
  2. I recommend games I want to play with friends
  3. I recommend minor games to support them
  4. I recommend games for reasons other than the above
  5. I’ve never particularly recommended a game

Q42: Among live streams and live video, pleases select “let’s players” and “Virtual YouTubers” you’ve watched (from Nico Nico to YouTube, etc.).

52 options including a variety of Japanese let’s players and Virtual YouTubers.

Q43: From the answers in the previous question for “Virtual YouTubers” and “Let’s Players” you’ve watched, have you ever purchased a game or downloaded a smartphone app game after watching their video?

3 options consisting of:

  • I have bought
  • I have considered buying
  • I have not

Q44: How much money on average are you free to use per month?

8 answers, ranging from less than 5,000 yen to 100,000 yen or more.

Q45: Among the money you are free to use, how much on average do you use for smartphone games in a month?

8 answers, with ranges including less than 30,000 yen to the range of 50,000 yen to 100,000 yen

Q46: For what reasons do you pay for smartphone games? Please select all that apply.

7 possible answers, including to progress efficiently and save time, because there’s a character I want, and because I want to increase in-game rewards for a certain period of time (such as a Battle Pass or Month Pass).

Q48: Have you ever played the “Persona” series? If you have, choose the first game in the series you played.

24 options, listing every single Persona console game released from Revelations: Persona for the PlayStation and Windows in September 1996 to Persona 5 Strikers for Steam released in February 2021  (with the 24th option being “never played the Persona series”).

Q49: Have you ever played the “Shin Megami Tensei” series? If you have, choose the first game in the series you played.

80 options, listing every single Shin Megami Tensei game released from Digita Devil Story Megami Tensei for the Famicom in September 1987 to Shin Megami II for Nintendo Switch Online released in February 2021 (with the 80th option being “never played the Shin Megami Tensei series”).

Q50: Have you ever played Atlus x Vanillaware? If you have, choose the first Atlus x Vanillaware game you’ve played.

6 options, listing the Atlus and Vanillaware collaborated games from Dragon’s Crown for the PS3 and PS Vita in July 2013 to 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim for the PS4 in November 2019 (with the 6th option being “never played Atlus x Vanillaware”).

Q51: Among the following Atlus games you purchased, which of the following apply to each Atlus title?

Users must select among 4 choices per 6 option, with the choices being close to A (left side) or close to B (right side). A is positive, B is negative.

Per listed game (Persona 5 Strikers, Catherine: Full Body for Nintendo Switch, Persona 4 Golden, and Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster), these are the following 6 options:

  1. The characters are charming.
  2. The story was interesting (or memorable).
  3. I enjoyed the game systems.
  4. The BGM was good (or impressive).
  5. The play length was appropriate.
  6. The game’s price was fitting.

Q52: Please select all that apply among the following regarding “Atlus-likeness.”

17 choices:

  1. Characters that are easy to empathize with and have an attractive personality
  2. A world/setting with the feeling of an underground subculture.
  3. The BGM is worth listening to.
  4. A world/setting with an occult feeling.
  5. A fictional world setting that is easy to empathize with.
  6. A world/setting in contemporary Japan.
  7. Good design of non-human characters such as Atlus’ own demons.
  8. A fun and deep story.
  9. Good design of things other than characters, such as user interface.
  10. User interface that emphasizes comfort and tempo.
  11. A world/setting around anarchy or opposing authority.
  12. The feel of the difficulty level and game balance.
  13. Good character design.
  14. A play experience and themes that are thought-provoking.
  15. Other
  16. There is no particular application.
  17. I do not know or understand Atlus.

Q53: When the following game sequel (numbered title) is released, which would you want to play for which devices?

11 possible choices:

  1. I want to play this on PS4.
  2. I want to play this on PS VR.
  3. I want to play this on PS5.
  4. I want to play this on Nintendo Switch (Lite).
  5. I want to play this on a smartphone (subscription service)
  6. I want to play this on a smartphone (buy to play)
  7. I want to play this on a smartphone (free-to-play with microtransactions)
  8. I want to play this on Xbox.
  9. I want to play this on Steam.
  10. Other
  11. I do not want to play this / I’m not interested.

For the following:

  1. “Etrian Odyssey” series
  2. “Persona” series
  3. “Shin Megami Tensei” series

Stadia has been removed as one of the platforms, replaced by Xbox.

Q54: Did you know that Atlus titles have collaborated with the following games? Please select the following that apply:

4 possible options for each, ranging from knowing about the collaboration and having played it to not knowing about the collaboration.

  1. Collaboration (Part 1) between “Kyoutou Kotoba RPG: Kotodaman” and “Persona 5” (March 2019)
  2. Collaboration between “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Persona 5” (DLC distribution from April 2019)
  3. Collaboration (Part 1) between “Puzzle & Dragons” and “Persona” series (April to May 2019)
  4. Collaboration (Part 1) between “Identity V” and “Persona 5” (August 2019 to November 2019)
  5. Collaboration between “Star Ocean: Anamnesis” and “Persona 5 Royal” (from October to November 2019)
  6. Collaboration (Part 2) between “Identity V” and “Persona 5” (November 2019)
  7. Collaboration (Part 1) between “Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space” and “Persona 5 Royal” (permanent since December 2019)
  8. Collaboration (Part 2) between “Puzzle & Dragons” and “Persona” series (July to August 2020)
  9. Collaboration (Part 2) between “Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space” and “Persona 5 Royal” (permanent since October 2020)
  10. Collaboration (Part 2) between “Kyoutou Kotoba RPG: Kotodaman” and “Persona 5” (November 2929)
  11. Collaboration between “AFK Arena” and “Persona 5” (permanent from December 30. 2020)
  12. Collaboration between “Dragalia Lost” and “Persona 5 Strikers” (from January to February 2021)
  13. Collaboration between “The Alchemist Code” and “Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster” (from March 1 to 25, 2021)

Q55: If the following “Persona” series titles were released, would you think “I want to play this”? If that’s what you would think, please answer for which devices.

11 possible choices:

  1. I want to play this on PS4.
  2. I want to play this on PS VR.
  3. I want to play this on PS5.
  4. I want to play this on Nintendo Switch (Lite).
  5. I want to play this on a smartphone (subscription service)
  6. I want to play this on a smartphone (buy to play)
  7. I want to play this on a smartphone (free-to-play with microtransactions)
  8. I want to play this on Xbox.
  9. I want to play this on Steam.
  10. Other
  11. I do not want to play this / I’m not interested.

For the following titles:

  1. A new rhythm action game in the “Persona” series
  2. “Persona” series card game
  3. “Persona” series online RPG
  4. New “Persona” series action RPG
  5. “Persona” series Text-Adventure
  6. “Persona” series board game
  7. “Persona” series strategy game
  8. “Persona 5” fighting game
  9. Completely new “Persona 6”

The bolded are new to this year’s options. “Action Adventure” has been removed as one of the genres. Stadia has been removed as one of the platforms.

Q56: If the following “Shin Megami Tensei” series titles were released, would you think “I want to play this”? If that’s what you would think, please answer for which devices.

The 11 possible choices from Q55 are listed.

The following titles:

  1. “Shin Megami Tensei” series Action Adventure
  2. “Shin Megami Tensei” series card game
  3. “Shin Megami Tensei” series online RPG
  4. “Shin Megami tensei” series rhythm action game
  5. “Shin Megami Tensei” series text adventure
  6. “Shin Megami Tensei” series board game
  7. “Shin Megami Tensei” series strategy RPG
  8. “Shin Megami Tensei” series fighting game
  9. “Shin Megami Tensei” series action RPG

This is the first time since Atlus’ annual surveys began in 2015 that they have had a question asking fans about potential SMT series spin-off titles.

Q57: If a full remake of past Atlus titles was made (adding additional elements to the existing title and brushing it up), would you think “I want to play this?” If that’s what you would think, please answer for which devices.

The 11 possible choices from Q55 and Q56 are listed.

For the following titles:

  1. Full remake of “Etrian Odyssey” mainline series
  2. Full remake of “Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha” series
  3. Full remake of “Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers”
  4. Full remake of “Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner”
  5. Full remake of “Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse”
  6. Full remake of “Shin Megami Tensei IV”
  7. Full remake of “Persona 3”
  8. Full remake of “Persona 2: Innocent Sin / Eternal Punishment”
  9. Full remake of “Revelations: Persona”

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne and Persona 4 Golden were previously listed, and have now been removed.

Q58: If a full remake of a past game (a game improving the quality by adding additional elements to an existing title) was released, what would be the most important to you? Please select all that apply.

There are 10 options:

  1. Low price
  2. Play with the latest hardware
  3. Improved graphical quality
  4. Improved performance
  5. Add new battle elements
  6. Add a new story (something that was happening at the same time which was not told in the game before the remake)
  7. Add a new story (sequel/events after the game, before the remake)
  8. Add a new story (prequel/events before the game, before the remake)
  9. Add new characters
  10. Other

Q59: If previous Atlus games (games which can be played on other hardware, without adding additional elements) were ported to different hardware, would you want to play them? Select all of the titles below that you would like to play based on platform.

8 possible choices for platforms. Previously a Nintendo Switch only question, the platforms include PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Smartphone, Xbox Series X, and Steam (as well as “other”).

  1. Port of “Revelations: Persona”
  2. Port of “Persona 2: Innocent Sin / Eternal Punishment”
  3. Port of “Persona 3,” “Persona 3 FES,” and “Persona 3 Portable”
  4. Port of “Persona 4” and “Persona 4 Golden”
  5. Port of “Persona 5” and “Persona 5 Royal”
  6. Port of “Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne”
  7. Port of “Shin Megami Tensei IV”
  8. Port of “Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse”
  9. Port of “Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner” series
  10. Port of “Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers”
  11. Port of “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha” series
  12. Port of “Etrian Odyssey” series
  13. Port of “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim”
  14. Port of “Persona Q” series
  15. Port of “Catherine: Full Body”
  16. Port of “Devil Survivor” series
  17. Port of “Odin Sphere Leifthrasir”
  18. Port of “Dragon’s Crown Pro”
  19. I do not want to play any.

Devil Survivor was previously unlisted, and has since been added.

Q60: Are you interested in live Atlus music performances? Please answer which applies to you.

2 answers:

  • Atlus “Venue Participation” Music Live Event
  • Atlus “Online Distribution” Music Live Event

4 choices:

  1. I am very interested
  2. I am somewhat interested
  3. I am not very interested
  4. I am not interested at all

Q61: How much would you pay to attend if Atlus has a live stream only online music show? Please answer the one that applies to you the most.

7 possible choices, from “7,000 yen or more” to “0 yen (I don’t want to pay)”.

Q62: Which character do you think of when you think of Atlus? Please enter only one, and only the character name. If nothing applies, please write “nothing applies.”

Q63: If you have a request for Atlus, please write it down.

300 characters or less.