AlthoughPersonahas always been a popular franchise, the release ofPersona 5really catapulted developerAtlusand put it on more people’s maps than ever before. Atlus had a pretty good 2021 as well:Persona 5 Strikersreleased worldwide earlier this year, withShin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD RemasterandShin Megami Tensei 5also dropping. It also announced theSwitch port of13 Sentinels: Aegis RimandPersona 4 Arena Ultimax Remastered.

Still, many eyes are now on the new year in 2022, including eyes atAtlus. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Atlus’ 1st Creative Department product manager Shinjiro Takada discussed his thoughts, aspirations, and plans for 2022.

atlus logo persona 5 cover art

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As a keyword for 2022, Takada chose “challenge” and goes on to say “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.” What this title is remains to be seen, but chances are, it’s Atlus’ Project Re Fantasy if anything amongAtlus' 10 games in development. It was first announced five years ago and development is close to its end, seemingly suggested by Atlus over the past couple of years. However, Takada doesn’t end there.

Personally, Takada also discussed his plans for 2022: “Shin Megami Tensei 5’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 Takada is working on afterShin Megami Tensei 5remains to be seen, but Atlus appears to be a busy beaver. Alongside any unannounced games, there’s the aforementioned Project Re Fantasy, an Atlus titled called Project Pen with an Australian rating, andPersona 6.

Persona 6is almost uncertainly not the 2022 title, however. During summer 2021, Atlus posted a job listing for more game developers and mentioned that the “next step” ofPersonais already in preparation. The company further stated that there was a certainpressure forPersona 6to surpassPersona 5, but regardless,Personaremains one of Atlus’ most important IPs.

All things considered, all fans can do is wait to see what Atlus has up its sleeves next, but if there’s one thing for certain, it’s that a ton of JRPG fans are ready and excited to see what comes for Atlus in 2022.