Famitsu has published their annual feature where 127 Japanese creators in the game industry discuss their keywords, aspirations, and things they’re paying attention to in the year 2022.
Four of these developers are directors and producers from Atlus: Shinjiro Takada (1st Production), Katsura Hashino (Studio Zero), Naoto Hiraoka (Atlus Managing Director), and Kazuhisa Wada (Persona Team). Hiraoka, Takada, and Wada previously talked about their favorite games of 2021.
Shinjiro Takada (1st Creative Department)
Shinjiro Takada is the product manager of Atlus’ 1st Creative Department, which handles the “Shin Megami Tensei” series. As a producer himself, he was involved with Shin Megami Tensei V release in 2021.
Keywords for 2022
Challenge
Aspirations for 2022
I chose “challenge” as the keyword for 2022, 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.
Latest Report
Shin Megami Tensei V‘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 to Look for in 2022
I’ve been looking forward to the sequel of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for a long time. It’s a game I was so passionate about that I forgot to eat and sleep, so just the thought of playing it again excites me.
Last year, Takada discussed his focus on developing Shin Megami Tensei V and finally releasing the game.
Katsura Hashino (3rd Creative Department – Studio Zero)
Katsura Hashino is the creative producer and game director whose representative works include Persona 3, Persona 4, Persona 5, Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne and Catherine.
Keywords for 2022
“To be cautious and careful from beginning to end” (慎始敬終)
Aspirations for 2022
Until last year (2021), Atlus released titles from various series. It’s finally time to develop a completely different new game from Atlus. The development of Project Re Fantasy, which was announced a few years ago, is now reaching its climax, despite some twists and turns, so I want to remain focused and work as a team to bring it to fruition. This is also an important year for us to start working towards the future.
To the best of my capabilities, I would like to continue to create games that will add to the enjoyment of the game life of all players.
Latest Report
We can’t say anything concrete yet, but we’re preparing for a lot of things. Look forward to it!
What to Look for in 2022
In recent years, there has been a lot of uncertainty in the world, but the announcements and releases of various games give us something to look forward to. We want to do our best to make sure that the content of our games will be something to look forward to. Thank you for your continued support this year!
In December 2020, Hashino had also said that Project Re Fantasy‘s development had reached its climax.
Naoto Hiraoka (Atlus Managing Director)
The Atlus Managing Director. He has been involved with Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, Persona 3, Persona 4, etc. He is currently in charge of the entire game development behind Atlus.
Keywords for 2022
Worldwide
Aspirations for 2022
Last year (2021), Atlus celebrated its 35th anniversary. The Persona series has also reached its 25th anniversary. This year (2022), we will continue to work on commemorative measures and focus on making it more enjoyable for everyone. Once the coronavirus has settled down, we would like to actively create opportunities for direct contact with fans (not only in Japan), which we have not been able to do for a long time.
Latest Report
We’ve finally released Shin Megami Tensei V, and I’m relieved to have the weight off my shoulders.
For future Atlus titles, we have received various requests from everyone, and we are always referring to them. We hope you’ll look forward to them.
What to Look for in 2022
For games, I’m looking forward to the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I think its unique game experience is what made me so passionate about it, so I’d love to see it again. Personally, I’m also looking forward to Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of a Dark Dusk (for Aria of a Starless Night, I stormed the theater on the first morning of its release!).
Kazuhisa Wada (2nd Creative Department – Persona Team)
Kazuhisa Wada is a creative producer and chief director of the Persona Team. After working on the Persona Dancing series, he released Persona 5 Royal in 2019.
Keywords for 2022
Persona’s 25th Anniversary
Aspirations for 2022
As we work on various projects simultaneously, I would like to keep in mind flexible thinking and decision making, responding to changes as they occur without wavering from the goal. It’s hard to see years ahead in the future, and right now our priorities are shifting from speed and timing, to certainty and maximization. The key is to be optimistic and scramble through any obstacle that is pushing against you.
Latest Report
Following the release of Persona 4 Golden for Steam, we will be releasing a remaster of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax in 2022. Of course, we are steadily working on new things, but for the Persona series, I think it’s also important that as many people as possible around the world can enjoy the series through a variety of media, including past titles, events and collaborations. The 25th anniversary of Persona will continue to go on, so please stay tuned!
What to Look for in 2022
The most interesting question is when people’s lifestyles and social guidelines will settle down. In terms of entertainment, it’s a real event. I’d like for someone to go look a few years ahead (laughs).
Last year, Wada also talked about moving forward with steadfast resolve, even if unexpected obstacles might arise.
The Famitsu 2021 developer aspirations from Atlus developers can be read in last year’s post.
— Famitsu