Kazuhisa Wada identifies the 2006 release of Persona 3 as a pivotal moment. Prior to its launch, 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 pre-Persona 3, market considerations were almost taboo within the company. However, Persona 3 shifted Atlus' approach. The "Only One" philosophy gave way to "Unique & Universal," focusing on creating original content with wider accessibility. In essence, Atlus began prioritizing market appeal, aiming for user-friendly and engaging experiences.
Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this shift. The "pretty package" represents stylish design and appealing characters, broadening the game's reach, while the "poison" embodies Atlus' continued commitment to impactful and surprising moments. This "Unique & Universal" strategy, Wada asserts, will underpin future Persona titles.