Kazuhisa Wada identifies the 2006 release of Persona 3 as a pivotal moment. Prior to this, Atlus adhered to a philosophy Wada terms "Only One," characterized by a "like it or not" attitude prioritizing edgy content and shocking moments over broad appeal.
Wada notes that market considerations were previously considered inappropriate within the company culture. Persona 3, however, shifted Atlus' approach. The "Only One" philosophy gave way to a "Unique & Universal" strategy, focusing on creating original content with broader accessibility. In essence, Atlus began prioritizing market appeal, crafting user-friendly and engaging experiences.
Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this shift. The "delicious coating" represents stylish design and appealing characters, while the "poison" is Atlus' continued commitment to intense and surprising narrative elements. This "Unique & Universal" approach, Wada asserts, will underpin future Persona titles.