Dengeki PlayStation Vol. 681, releasing on October 28th, includes an interview with Sega director Toshihiro Nagoshi about Project Sakura Wars, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and the company’s vision for the future.

Part of this interview has Nagoshi discuss Atlus and the importance of managing intellectual property:

Atlus and New IP Creation

“Atlus is in a phase where the company must create in a direction other than Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. Both Sega and Atlus are seriously working on new IP in anticipation of the new generation [of consoles].” “Sega’s selling point is its hidden colorful nature, where you don’t know what we’re going to throw at you next, or where it’s going to land. Although sometimes it’s a wild pitch (laughs). But if it goes well, then it heads right in a good direction. Right now I’m focusing on something new in order to make that happen, and I hope to be able to show it off soon.”

Atlus’ third internal development studio, Studio Zero, was established in December 2016 for the purpose of developing new IP for the company. Project Re Fantasy: A New Journey Begins is the brand new fantasy RPG Studio Zero is currently working on.

IP as a Platform

“I think the ultimate platform in the future will be IP. Considering this, Atlus can become an incredible platform holder. Sega can, as well.” “Since IP is important, you need to get more into the spirit of cherishing it.” “If you just think of IP as a tool to sell things, it will wear out. Until now, that was the destiny for software because the generations have been focused on hardware. But that won’t be the case from now on.” “The story is changing as companies that make software have priority over how to polish and implement their IPs themselves.” “Is Project Sakura Wars likely to be a touchstone for this? Nagoshi: I want it to be. If it’s received well, then I think we should invest in using it as a base for new works.”

Dengeki PlayStation Vol. 681 (or the December 2019 issue) will be released on October 28, 2019. It will also include a postcard featuring the Persona 5 Royal Hero.

— ryokutya2089