It wasn’t long ago that we got the news that
Persona series developer Atlus had become part of Sega. But if you’re worried that Sega’s involvement might dilute
the potential greatness that will be Persona 5, fear not.
https://kotaku.com/atlus-is-becoming-part-of-sega-1338653981
“[Game development] will be the same
as it’s been before.” Sega head honcho – and now Atlus parent company Index’s head honcho – Naoya Tsurumi said in an interview with Weekly Famitsu. “The people at
Index have got everything under control and Sega has no intention of stepping in and disturbing
their pace.” Tsurumi did add that while Sega would not be actively
micromanaging Atlus/Index’s game development, Sega’s resources would be at
their disposal if needed.
While Sega may not be backseat driving on
how games are developed, Tsurumi did state that he would like to see new IPs
and even perhaps some collaboration between companies. “We are a group
company after all.” Tsurumi noted. “There could be the possibility of
IPs crossing over.”
Another potential benefit from the
acquisition would be a revitalization of presently dormant Sega properties
through the hands of Index/Atlus developers. “I have no intention of
forcing them, but if they were able to do something with any dormant Sega IP,
I’d love to let them give it a shot.” Tsurumi said. “We’ve just
started the new company so there’s nothing on the table yet, but I’d love to
consider it.” Ahem… Jet Set Radio
As for the future of the new Index, Sega
will be taking the tactic they’ve been using with most of the other companies
they’ve added to their group arsenal. “As people have seen from what we’ve
done with the overseas companies we’ve acquired in the past, we let the studios
manage and expand the brands and IPs on their own. It’s Sega’s job to sell the
games.” Tsurumi explained.
Free range video game development
management? So long as we get an awesome Persona
5, I’m cool with it.
ファミ通.com [ファミ通.com]
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