Update (2020-02-10): Atlus received a record number of respondents—far more than they expected—and the survey has been closed about three days early on February 10th at 15:00 JST instead of the originally planned February 12th at 23:59 JST. Atlus thanks those who participated.

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Atlus has released their annual Japanese online consumer survey for 2020, with the usual objective of learning more about their customers and improving their game development as a result. This year will mark the sixth survey.

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 35 minutes.

Previous Surveys

The Japanese questionnaire is set to last from February 7, 2020 to February 12 at 11:59 PM JST.

The questions from the survey can be seen below. For questions that I feel are especially interesting and should be highlighted, see Questions 12, 34, 38, 44, 45, and 47 (this one is for the Nintendo Switch ports).

Q1: Please tell us about your profession.

Q2: Who are you currently living with?

Q3: Among the following platforms, which do you own?

Q4: Among the platforms you own, how often do you play them?

Q5: For the devices that you do not currently own (including those that will be released in the future), please select among the applicable options below:

4 possible answers for the devices that were not selected in Q3:

I am going to buy this device. I know about this device, but I’m not sure if I’m going to buy it. I know about this device, but I’m not going to buy it. I don’t know about this device.

This option includes the PlayStation 5.

Q6: Please select among the options that apply regarding your display situation when playing on a stationary, home console (connected to a TV).

8 possible answers concerning the quality of the screen the person plays on, including a 4K TV, a 4K monitor, a less than HD monitor or a projector.

Q7: 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

Q8: Among smartphone gaming (iPhone, iPad, Android mobile apps), why do you play on them?

Same 23 possible answers as the above.

Q9: Among the following smartphone games (iPhone, iPad, Android mobile games), which ones do you know of?

52 possible choices including including Fire Emblem Heroes, Granblue Fantasy, Identity V, Fate/Grand Order, Shin Megami Tensei Dx2 Liberation, etc.

Q10: 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.”

Q11: What are your favorite game genres when it comes to home consoles (stationary machines or portable machines)?

14 different options:

Tirn-based RPG Turn-based strategy RPG Action RPG 3D Dungeon RPG Roguelike RPG Puzzle game Action Adventure Text Adventure Fighting Game Music Game Sports Card Game Board Game Other

Q12: Choose all of the game worlds you might be interested in.

The list includes the following options:

Modern Japan (urban areas) Modern Japan (suburbs) Modern America Modern China Modern Europe Fantasy world (Medieval European style) Japan period drama Future Japan (Science-Fiction) Other

Interestingly, this question has not appeared in an Atlus annual consumer survey since the very first one in 2015.

Q13: 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:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PS4, October 2019)

Tales of Arise (PS4, Xbox One, PC, TBD release date)

Granblue Fantasy Versus (PS4, February 2020)

Project Sakura Wars (PS4, December 2019)

Life is Strange 2 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, March 2020)

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

Q14: Among the following home console games (stationary and portables), which have you purchased?

Among the games selected in Q13, there are 4 possible choices:

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

Q15: Among the following unreleased home console games (stationary and portables), which are you planning to purchase?

Among the unreleased games selected in Q13, there are 3 possible choices:

I am going to purchase it. I am considering purchasing it. I will not purchase it.

Q16: How much free time do you usually have per day?

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

Weekday Holiday

Q17: 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.

Q18: 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.

Q19: Which media do you usually obtain game information from? Please choose all that apply.

20 answers, including:

Twitter

Facebook

Google+

LINE

YouTube

AbemaTV

Nico Nico Douga

Nico Nico Live Broadcast

Game Magazines

Q20: How much do you use a PC or a smartphone when gathering game information on the internet?

3 possible answers for both the PC and the smartphone: “Often,” “Occasionally,” “Not at all.”

Q21: For those who obtain game information on Twitter, how do you do so?

10 possible answers, including:

Looking at a friend’s post.

Look at posts from people who often send out game information.

Look at posts of talents and voice actors.

Look at the official accounts for each game title.

Q22: Do you ever write criticisms for games you play on online media? Please select the following that applies.

3 possible choices consisting of:

I frequently write I sometimes write I do not write

Q23: Do you recommend games to friends on social media? Please choose all that apply.

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

Q24: Among live streams and live video, pleases select “let’s players” and “Virtual YouTubers” you’ve watched (from Nico Nico to YouTube, etc.).

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

Q25: 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

Q26: 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.

Q27: 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

Q28: For console games (stationary and portable), have you reserved games before purchase? If you have reserved a and purchased, please select all that apply.

14 options with reasons influencing one’s decision to pre-order from watching trailers to social media, with a 15th option of “I have never pre-ordered before.”

Q29: Have you ever played the “Persona” series? If you have, choose the first game in the series you played.

21 options, listing every single Persona console game released from Revelations: Persona for the PlayStation and Windows in September 1996 to Persona 5 Royal for the PS4 in October 2019 (with the 21st option being “never played the Persona series”).

Q30: Have you ever played the “Etrian Odyssey” series? If you have, choose the first game in the series you played.

11 options, listing every single Etrian Odyssey game released from Etrian Odyssey for the Nintendo DS in January 2007 to Etrian Odyssey Nexus for the 3DS in August 2018 (with the 11th option being “never played the Etrian Odyssey series”).

Q31: Have you ever played the “Shin Megami Tensei” series? If you have, choose the first game in the series you played.

77 options, listing every single Shin Megami Tensei game released from Digita Devil Story Megami Tensei for the Famicom in September 1987 to Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux for the 3DS in October 2017 (with the 77th option being “never played the Shin Megami Tensei series”).

Q32: 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”).

Q33: 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 Royal, Catherine: Full Body, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim), these are the following 6 options:

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

For the following questions, media for games that can be played on home consoles (stationary and portables) will be shown. Please answer each question after seeing them carefully.

Each of these questions have the following possible answers:

It seems it can be played for a long time. The visual design is cool. It feels like Atlus. It seems like an interesting game. I would like to play this with friends. I would like to play this if I have free time. I would like to play this on a big screen TV with a console. I like the colors. I would like to play this on a handheld game machine. The characters are attractive. I would like to play this for free. I would like to play this as a smartphone game. The story seems interesting. None of the above applies.

Q34: Please take a look at the game visuals and select what you feel.

Project Re Fantasy was not included in the 2019 survey, however it was in the 2018 survey.

Q35: Please take a look at the game visuals and select what you feel.

Q36: Please take a look at the game visuals and select what you feel.

Q37: Please select all that apply among the following regarding “Atlus-likeness.”

16 choices:

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

Q38: The above is a lineup of titles that Atlus plans to release in the future. After reviwing them, please select one of the applicable ratings for the future of the Atlus brand.

The 3 games listed are the images in questions 34, 35, and 36, representing Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers, Project Re Fantasy, and Shin Megami Tensei V in that order.

The 4 possible ratings are:

I have great expectations I have some expectations I have little expectations I have no expectations

Q39: What are your impressions on the possible following initiatives Atlus would take in its future?

3 possible choices:

I’d love to support you If anything, I would like to support you I don’t think I would support you / I’m not interested

For the following:

Efforts to develop completely new titles Development of large numbered titles based on an established series (“Shin Megami Tensei V”, etc.) Development of spin-offs based on an established series (Persona Dancing series, Persona Q series, etc.) Remaking past titles (“Etrian Odyssey Untold”, “Catherine: Full Body”, etc.) Porting of past titles, or remastering (“Dragon’s Crown Pro”, etc.) Effort to develop content for existing games (animation, etc.) Aggressive collaboration with other company content (competitors’ games, etc.)

Q40: To those who answered supporting Atlus to develop a completely new title, in the future, when a completely new game among the following is released, how much do you want to play it?

4 possible choices:

I’d love to play Depending on the content, I would like to play it I do not think I would play it / I’m not interested I do not know

For the following:

Completely new Vanillaware game Completely new game by the “Shin Megami Tensei” team (excluding the “Shin Megami Tensei” series) Completely new game by the Persona Team (excluding the “Persona” series) Completely new game by Studio Zero Completely new game by the “Etrian Odyssey” team (excluding the “Etrian Odyssey” series)

Q41: When the following game sequel (numbered title) is released, which would you want to play for which devices?

11 possible choices:

I want to play this on PS4. I want to play this on PS VR. I want to play this on PS5. I want to play this on Nintendo Switch (Lite). I want to play this on a smartphone (subscription service) I want to play this on a smartphone (buy to play) I want to play this on a smartphone (free-to-play with microtransactions) I want to play this on Stadia. I want to play this on Steam. Other I do not want to play this / I’m not interested.

For the following:

“Etrian Odyssey” series “Persona” series “Shin Megami Tensei” series

Q43: The following “Persona” series titles have had collaborations with mobile games. Did you know of them? Please select what applies.

The collaborations are:

Collaboration between “Granblue Fantasy” and “Persona 5” (June 2018) Collaboration between “BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!” and “Persona 5” (July 2018) Collaboration between “Puyo Puyo!! Quest” and “Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth” (December 2018) Collaboration between “Kyoutou Kotoba RPG: Kotodaman” and “Persona 5” (March 2019) Collaboration between “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Persona 5” (DLC distribution from April 2019) Collaboration between “Puzzle & Dragons” and “Persona” series (April to May 2019) Collaboration between “Identity V” and “Persona 5” (August 2019 to November 2019) Collaboration between “Star Ocean: Anamnesis” and “Persona 5 Royal” (from October to November 2019) Collaboration between “Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space” and “Persona 5 Royal” (permanent since December 2019)

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

Q44: 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:

I want to play this on PS4. I want to play this on PS VR. I want to play this on PS5. I want to play this on Nintendo Switch (Lite). I want to play this on a smartphone (subscription service) I want to play this on a smartphone (buy to play) I want to play this on a smartphone (free-to-play with microtransactions) I want to play this on Stadia. I want to play this on Steam. Other I do not want to play this / I’m not interested.

For the following titles:

“Persona” series online RPG “Persona” series Action Adventure “Persona” series board game “Persona 5” fighting game “Persona” series Action RPG “Persona” series card game “Persona” series Text-Adventure “Persona” series strategy game Completely new “Persona 6”

Q45: 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.

11 possible choices:

I want to play this on PS4. I want to play this on PS VR. I want to play this on PS5. I want to play this on Nintendo Switch (Lite). I want to play this on a smartphone (subscription service) I want to play this on a smartphone (buy to play) I want to play this on a smartphone (free-to-play with microtransactions) I want to play this on Stadia. I want to play this on Steam. Other I do not want to play this / I’m not interested.

For the following titles:

Full remake of “Etrian Odyssey” mainline series Full remake of “Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha” series Full remake of “Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers” Full remake of “Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner” Full remake of “Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalyse” Full remake of “Shin Megami Tensei IV” Full remake of “Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne” Full remake of “Persona 4 Golden” Full remake of “Persona 3” Full remake of “Persona 2: Innocent Sin / Eternal Punishment” Full remake of “Revelations: Persona”

Persona 4, Persona 5, Persona Q, Catherine: Full Body and Devil Survivor were previously listed, and have now been removed.

Q46: 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:

Low price Play with the latest hardware Improved graphical quality Improved performance Add new battle elements Add a new story (something that was happening at the same time which was not told in the game before the remake) Add a new story (sequel/events after the game, before the remake) Add a new story (prequel/events before the game, before the remake) Add new characters Other

Q47: If previous Atlus games (games which can be played on other harware, without adding additional elements) were ported to the Nintendo Switch, would you want to play them? Select all of the titles below that you would like to play on the Nintendo Switch.

Port of “Revelations: Persona” Port of “Persona 2: Innocent Sin / Eternal Punishment” Port of “Persona 3,” “Persona 3 FES,” and “Persona 3 Portable” Port of “Persona 4” and “Persona 4 Golden” Port of “Persona 5” and “Persona 5 Royal” Port of “Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne” Port of “Shin Megami Tensei IV” Port of “Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse” Port of “Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner” series Port of “Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers” Port of “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha” series Port of “Etrian Odyssey” series Port of “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim” Port of “Persona Q” Port of “Catherine: Full Body” Port of “Odin Sphere Leifthrasir” Port of “Dragon’s Crown Pro” I do not want to play any on the Nintendo Switch

Q48: If you have a request for Atlus, please write it down.

300 characters or less.