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[graywolf323]

oh dear God please no

 

[grandjedi6]

SEGA has released 8 niche jrpg titles in the last 3 years, none of them was released in the West.

[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020-II (SEGA) {2013-04-18}
[PSV] Phantasy Star Online 2: Special Package (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Ark (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Blade (SEGA) {2012-03-15}
[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020 (SEGA) {2011-11-23}
[PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2: Infinity (SEGA) {2011-02-24}
[PSP] Valkyria Chronicles III (SEGA) {2011-01-27}
[PSP] Shining Hearts (SEGA) {2010-12-16}

Now, now. Those are also all on the PSP, which should be rather telling.

 

[Bulbagarden]

The irony of this?

Sega Sammy might not be able to make a Persona 4 Pachislot machine for quite some time, since Atlas already licensed out the rights to make those to NewGin.

 

[Soriku]

SEGA has released 8 niche jrpg titles in the last 3 years, none of them was released in the West.

[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020-II (SEGA) {2013-04-18}
[PSV] Phantasy Star Online 2: Special Package (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Ark (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Blade (SEGA) {2012-03-15}
[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020 (SEGA) {2011-11-23}
[PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2: Infinity (SEGA) {2011-02-24}
[PSP] Valkyria Chronicles III (SEGA) {2011-01-27}
[PSP] Shining Hearts (SEGA) {2010-12-16}

No surprise when all except one are PSP games, and then a Vita game.

 

[Busaiku]

Sega Sammy wants Atlus to make some IOS/Smartphone games too.

According to the article.

I'm done.
Atlus is dead.

 

[Byronic Hero]

This made me laugh harder than it should have.

This means I'll get my Atlus-developed Resonance of Fate sequel though, right?

 

[KillerTravis]

SMT is trending on twitter japan.

May be other SMT.

 

[NeededSleep]

I'm so sad right now.

Seriously sad.... Just because i fear what Sega will do with the Atlus franchises i love.






/sad

:,(

 

[dungtongue]

Goddamn. Now we only have XSEED to bring over the niche Japanese games

 

[goomba]

If the choice is owned by a platform holder but treated right vs. whored out by a third party at every street corner where there's a smartphone, I'd be fine with a platform holder owning it.

treated right like Psynosis? (Sony Liverpool)

 

[Nirolak]

I hope you own a 3DS

True, Sega is known as a staunch 3DS supporter with their niche Japanese titles.

(Edit: In case it wasn't obvious, they actually have been fairly inactive on the platform outside of Sonic and music games.)

 

[thebaroness]

I am Dazed and Confused by this news.

 

[OnFire331]

This is a point that really needs to be raised much more than it is currently. In lieu of doing my own research, here's a copypasta from Nirolak about devs that Sega has bought and generally treated well, allowing them to maintain relative independence, continue working on the same sorts of things, and even expanding:



(In the case of Creative Assembly, Sega even picked up the Warhammer license for them.)



This is absurd. Look at some of the other options in Japan and tell me honestly that this would be worse than... Konami? Than Square-Enix?

So the evidence shows that the complete opposite of what this thread is suggesting is what's likely to happen, this gives me hope.

 

[Eusis]

This is absurd. Look at some of the other options in Japan and tell me honestly that this would be worse than... Konami? Than Square-Enix?

Yeah, Sony'd actually be one of the better ones if we just sniped away the console exclusivity issues, and it's not as if Konami or SE have been great on the digital front so they can suck and just pull a bunch of Atlus games because. Though if we were to go with platform holders Nintendo's a bit worse (and has the same core problem of console exclusivity issues), and Microsoft's far and away the worst for reasons I outlined. Though I forgot to bring up that they'd probably either kill Atlus USA or fuck them up entirely.

So the evidence shows that the complete opposite of what this thread is suggesting is what's likely to happen, this gives me hope.

Mostly. If I was Japanese I wouldn't worry at all, but Atlus USA is the new variable in these SEGA buyouts. The best case scenario is something akin to Hudson that actually works in the long term due to Atlus being generally more successful and viable. Worst case scenario may in fact not even be Sega making them mobile developers, but letting Atlus Japan be left alone and run like they are, but to destroy Atlus USA and fail to localize all but the biggest Atlus games. Then not license them period so we can't even get the smaller ones through companies like XSEED, Aksys, or a hypothetical new company formed from Atlus USA staff. At least when stuck to mobile there'd be a good chance of Atlus staff leaving and going to other companies or forming new ones, who'd then have fresh chances for their games to be localized.

 

[grandjedi6]

This is not actually a plausible scenario.

I never said it was plausible. That was just the exaggerated worst case.

 

[Scum]

This is not actually a plausible scenario.



I'm not going to be nearly this optimistic, but I would note that Atlus USA is probably a hell of a lot cheaper to run than Sega USA used to be and could probably put together profitable localizations on some titles that Sega otherwise couldn't.

So Atlus USA turns into Sega USA...?

 

[MechaX]

This is absurd. Look at some of the other options in Japan and tell me honestly that this would be worse than... Konami? Than Square-Enix?

Konami can barely be assed to do anything that's not Lords of Shadow/Metal Gear/PES related. With that said, none of their smaller series were really that popular and we know that Atlus's IPs can at least make a profit. In a strange sense, Konami might be in a better position to say "fuck it" and leave Atlus to its own devices as long as it brings them money.

Capcom is too schizophrenic to get a good bead on these days. And Namco-Bandai would be either bizarre or ATLUS would be the new testing ground for this F2P phase Namco seems to be going through right now (Tekken Revolution, Ace Combat Infinity).

Square-Enix would be objectively awful. Some people say that Microsoft would be bad, but I would say that Microsoft just wouldn't do too much with ATLUS. I could see Square-Enix's management and directorial incompetence literally sinking a lot of these franchises.

 

[Sophia]

True, Sega is known as a staunch 3DS supporter with their niche Japanese titles.

Atlus has been a pretty big supporter of the 3DS too, except for where Persona is concerned.

 

[BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO]

SEGA has released 8 niche jrpg titles in the last 3 years, none of them was released in the West.

[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020-II (SEGA) {2013-04-18}
[PSV] Phantasy Star Online 2: Special Package (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Ark (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Blade (SEGA) {2012-03-15}
[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020 (SEGA) {2011-11-23}
[PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2: Infinity (SEGA) {2011-02-24}
[PSP] Valkyria Chronicles III (SEGA) {2011-01-27}
[PSP] Shining Hearts (SEGA) {2010-12-16}

Man........

 

[Zornack]

True, Sega is known as a staunch 3DS supporter with their niche Japanese titles.

Hasn't P5 been in development for a few years now, though? Unless it started as a 3DS game I would hope they wouldn't gut the project and move it to a handheld.

 

[BronsonLee]

True, Sega is known as a staunch 3DS supporter with their niche Japanese titles.

Dohohohohoho

So the evidence shows that the complete opposite of what this thread is suggesting is what's likely to happen, this gives me hope.

Pretty much. I've been trying to remember the last time Sega fucked up a company they bought. It's been a long damn time.

Atlus has been a pretty big supporter of the 3DS too, except for where Persona is concerned.

That's because (correct me if I'm wrong, of course) until P4 Arena, Persona games were all on Sony platforms. They split it: Sony got Persona, Nintendo got SMT.

 

[Starfish Hero]

SEGA has released 8 niche jrpg titles in the last 3 years, none of them was released in the West.

[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020-II (SEGA) {2013-04-18}
[PSV] Phantasy Star Online 2: Special Package (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Ark (SEGA) {2013-02-28}
[PSP] Shining Blade (SEGA) {2012-03-15}
[PSP] 7th Dragon 2020 (SEGA) {2011-11-23}
[PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2: Infinity (SEGA) {2011-02-24}
[PSP] Valkyria Chronicles III (SEGA) {2011-01-27}
[PSP] Shining Hearts (SEGA) {2010-12-16}

It's almost like the PSP has been dead in the West for several years.

 

[Dysun]

No Yakuza? That's weird. I have 4 titles that are translated in English on my shelves. Must be some fairies brought them here.

As if you didnt know I meant 5 or future titles...derp

 

[Rad-]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

 

[HellsimusPrime]

This made me laugh harder than it should have.

This means I'll get my Atlus-developed Resonance of Fate sequel though, right?

Hehe after they send the game to die by launching it a week after FF13, fat chance. Doubt they will even localize the new Vita phantasy star game.

 

[TheSeks]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

SMT in Japan?

 

[androvsky]

Those franchises sold like garbage and thus stopped coming over here. Surprised we even had Yakuza games past two.



Pretty sure stuff like Persona and SMTIV sold more than VC ever did.

Atlus USA knows how to market niche Japanese games, they might have more success with the Yakuza games than Sega did.

Spoiler

Especially when we start talking limited editions.

I think Sega was starting to catch on with Yakuza 4, but they were still trying to apply big-budget marketing tactics like the trailers with the awesome narrator without the budget to actually run that trailer in a lot of places (iirc). Atlus and the other small localization companies have a dedicated fanbase they know how to whip up into a frenzy without spending a ton of money.

 

[web01]

This is terrible say goodbye to Atlus localisations in the west, SEGA doesn't even bring across their own games.

 

[Laughing Banana]

True, Sega is known as a staunch 3DS supporter with their niche Japanese titles.

Atlus has been a pretty big supporter of the 3DS too, except for where Persona is concerned.

So this will open up the possibility of a Persona game on the 3DS, right?

As for Vita, I don't think this will change anything for it in terms of Atlus games, but someone might correct me for this.

 

[Soriku]

Hasn't P5 been in development for a few years now, though? Unless it started as a 3DS game I would hope they wouldn't gut the project and move it to a handheld.

Yeah. The Persona team's last game was Catherine, Persona 5 has been in development now and is obviously going to be a console game (for PS3 and whatever else).

 

[itzy]

Sega seems like a great owner for this company.

I'd love to see Atlus develop a Sonic RPG.

 

[yami4ct]

So Atlus USA turns into Sega USA...?

More likely SEGA USA turns into ATLUS. Kill the localization teams at SEGA, hand all of SEGA's Japanese titles other than big ones like Sonic over to Atlus to handle. Makes way more sense. SEGA has a shit reputation in the western release of Japanese games, as you can see from this thread. Ridding themselves of that trouble and handing the keys over to one of the most well regarded brands around makes so much sense. Also, Atlus knows how to make money on small games. That skill is super valuable.

 

[LOCK]

I have a bad feeling about this.

 

[Biker19]

Sega Sammy wants Atlus to make some IOS/Smartphone games too.

According to the article.

 

[Bravocado]

RIP Persona
No but seriously.... im fucking scared.

Seconded. Fingers crossed.

 

[Nirolak]

So this will open up the possibility of a Persona game on the 3DS, right?

As for Vita, I don't think this will change anything for it in terms of Atlus games, but someone might correct me for this.

I'm being sarcastic they've been mind bogglingly inactive on 3DS for anything but Sonic, some music games, and Puyo.

 

[Kyon]

BYE @ this MESS

 

[BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO]

So this will open up the possibility of a Persona game on the 3DS, right?

As for Vita, I don't think this will change anything for it in terms of Atlus games, but someone might correct me for this.

NO

 

[DSveno]

As if you didnt know I meant 5 or future titles...derp

Venderus said Ishin will come here. I believe in the man.

 

[Namikaze]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

Yep, Persona. The mainline SMT games don't do that badly either.

As long as Atlus USA stays and we get Persona 5, I'll be happy.

 

[1st Course]

I think the biggest question is whether Sammy keeps Atlus separate or absorbs them into Sega itself.

Probably the latter.

 

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

Shin Megami Tensei and Persona both sell pretty well.

 

[BronsonLee]

Sega seems like a great owner for this company.

I'd love to see Atlus develop a Sonic RPG.

I want another Bioware one D:

Godamnit EA

 

[Takao]

Atlus has been a pretty big supporter of the 3DS too, except for where Persona is concerned.

Nirolak was being sarcastic. Outside of Miku, and Sonic SEGA's basically released nothing on 3DS post launch.

 

[Sophia]

That's because (correct me if I'm wrong, of course) until P4 Arena, Persona games were all on Sony platforms. They split it: Sony got Persona, Nintendo got SMT.

So this will open up the possibility of a Persona game on the 3DS, right?

As for Vita, I don't think this will change anything for it in terms of Atlus games, but someone might correct me for this.

I believe Sony has some investment in the Persona series. I doubt it's going to Nintendo anytime soon. I can see like a PS3/WiiU release or something however.

Nirolak was being sarcastic. Outside of Miku, and Sonic SEGA's basically released nothing on 3DS post launch.

Yeah I realized that. Ah well, my point still stands.

 

[yami4ct]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

SMT and Persona sell really well in Japan and relatively well in the US. Their other titles are low budget and can make their money back on niche sales.

 

[Eusis]

I should probably be angry about that, but I've been playing SMT2 on my phone the last few days.

Incidentally, this is why we shouldn't panic just yet. It's one thing to go full on smartphone. It's another to make some cheap smartphone cash-ins while still rapidly putting out meatier games, and given Sega's been pretty active on handhelds still while SE's been in a lurch I'm not overly pessimistic there. Probably just means we get some shitty Persona spin-off that no one cares about, like Mass Effect Galaxies or whatever.

 

[alfredofroylan]

Surprisingly high price. Does Atlus have any IPs that actually sell well?

Persona, Shin Megami tensei, Etrian Odyssey, Trauma center, among others. True none of these games are "OMG millions upon millions of copies sold" like Pokemon or Mh but they're one of the best companies with one of the most loyal fanbase.

 

[tafer]

Yes. Read Charlequin's posts.

Oh, just found it. That's quite reassuring. However, I'm still worried for their USA branch.

 

[grandjedi6]

Persona, Shin Megami tensei, Tactics Ogre, Etrian Odyssey, Trauma center, among others. True none of these games are "OMG millions upon millions of copies sold" like Pokemon or Mh but they're one of the best companies with one of the most loyal fanbase.

One of these things isn't like the other...