Atlus welcome to dormant Sega IP post-acquisition
Sega is happy for Atlus to work its magic on neglected properties from its new owner's back catalogue.
According to Siliconera's translation, Sega Sammy’s chief operating officer, Naoya Tsurumi told Famitsu that Atlus's RPG talent is something the publisher would like to leverage.
"The fact that they’ve been able to capture fans from North America is really huge. That said, for Sega, it’s a big plus to have more IPs, but an even bigger plus to have more genres," he said.
"While we have no intention of forcing this, we’d definitely love to have them utilise any of Sega’s dormant IPs," he added.
The magazine listed Sakura Wars, Jet Set Radio, and Space Channel 5 as examples, but Tsurumi wouldn't confirm.
"There are plenty that haven’t been active. However, the new company just recently got started, so there’s nothing on the table for now, but we’ll definitely be giving it more thought."
Space Channel 5 done Persona-style, anyone? Oh, wait. That's kind of already a thing.
Tsurumi also reiterated that Atlus will remain independent.
"As a new company, we will venture together, with Index working as an independent company. The plan is to have Atlus and Sega continue shining as brands, while aiming to increase their degree of independence," he said.
"Similar to the studio we’ve acquired from overseas, they’ll continue managing their own brands and IPs, and making them bigger. Then, Sega will be the ones to sell them. So, think of it as us telling them 'Continue working on your own IPs with pride and confidence - the sky is the limit.'
"Everything will remain the same. The people of Index will continue working thoroughly, and Sega have no plans to undertake any of their work. However, we’re at a point where Sega is offering Index to freely make use of any resources they may have, that Index does not. Index will be keeping many of their fine qualities, such as Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei IP, and many others."
Sega Sammy Holdings acquired Atlus parent company Index Corporation in September after Index ran into financial trouble. Mind you, Sega's finances aren't exactly a bed of roses.