Atlus Producer Hints at Persona 1 and 2 Remakes for 'Cultural Preservation'
Series producer Kazuhisa Wada suggests the franchise's earliest titles will likely be modernized to ensure they aren't lost to time.
Atlus is eyeing the earliest chapters of its flagship RPG series for potential modernization. Series producer Kazuhisa Wada has indicated that remakes of Persona 1 and 2 are likely on the horizon, framing the move as a necessity for the series' long-term legacy.
Speaking on the future of the franchise, Wada stated that remakes of the first two entries are "something we'll probably eventually do." This signal comes as Atlus continues a concerted effort to bring its catalog to current-generation hardware. The studio is currently preparing for the launch of Persona 4 Revival, a full remake of Persona 4 Golden, which is scheduled for release on February 18, 2027. This follows the recent success of Persona 3 Reload, establishing a clear pattern of revisiting and refining the series' most impactful titles.
The Drive for Preservation
The push to revisit the series' origins is rooted in a philosophy of accessibility. Currently, Persona 1 and 2 remain the only mainline games in the series that are not readily available on modern gaming systems. For many players, these titles exist only on legacy hardware or through unofficial means, creating a gap in the series' availability.
Wada views the process of updating these games as more than just a commercial opportunity. He described the act of creating a remaster or remake as a form of "cultural preservation," arguing that developers have a responsibility to their history. "It's your duty to take the things you've done and make sure they're not lost," Wada explained, suggesting that the goal is to ensure the foundations of the Persona universe remain playable for new audiences.
Industry Implications
Bringing the first two Persona games to modern platforms would represent a significant shift in Atlus's strategy. While the company has focused heavily on the "modern" era of the series—specifically the titles that introduced the social simulation and calendar management systems—returning to the origins signals a commitment to the entire legacy of the brand.
For the market, this move ensures that the series' evolution is fully traceable on a single generation of hardware. It also allows Atlus to capitalize on the massive growth of the Persona fanbase, which has expanded exponentially since the release of Persona 5. By treating the early titles as a cohesive part of the body of work rather than obsolete relics, Atlus strengthens the brand's overall value.
Looking Ahead
While the intent is clear, a concrete timeline for Persona 1 and 2 has not yet been established. The studio's immediate priority remains the February 2027 release of Persona 4 Revival. Fans will be watching to see if Atlus opts for straightforward remasters or full-scale remakes similar to Persona 3 Reload, which would involve updating the visual style and gameplay loops to match contemporary standards.