During a recent interview, Kazuhisa Wada, known for producing the Persona series, suggested that remakes of the original two Persona titles could very well happen in the future. These insights come as Atlus builds excitement for its upcoming release, Persona 4 Revival, following the launch of Persona 3 Reload earlier in 2024.
The Persona Team’s Commitment to Its Origins
Following the launch of Persona 3 Reload, Atlus — renowned for its mix of supernatural storylines, school life, and life simulation — is shifting focus to the February release of Persona 4 Revival. While the studio continues to revisit its successful formulas, discussions indicate that Atlus is also exploring ways to revisit and reintroduce its earliest games.
Speaking with RPS, Wada revealed that the proposals for remaking Persona 3 and Persona 4 originated at approximately the same time. Due to shifting priorities, Persona 4’s remake development was postponed, but the ultimate goal from the outset was to allow players to enjoy modernized versions of both titles. Wada discussed the sense of duty involved, noting, “I think a remaster or remake is some kind of cultural preservation,” underscoring Atlus’s obligation to keep its older titles accessible for new players.
Will Persona 1 and 2 Get Their Turn?
Wada also spoke during the same interview about the franchise’s oldest entries, stating, “Persona 1 and 2 are something we’ll probably eventually do, too.” This aligns with Atlus’s larger vision to make every main Persona installment available on modern gaming hardware. Currently, Persona 1 and Persona 2 stand out as the only core installments not purchasable on current platforms, which highlights Wada’s comment about the danger of these games being “lost to time.”
Atlus’s choice to start this line of remakes with Persona 3 was logical; the game famous for introducing features like social links and dating simulation that became hallmarks of the series. Additionally, the process of remaking Persona 3 involved fewer obstacles compared to earlier titles, largely due to the controversial themes and content found in the series’ earliest games.
Rumors and Early Leaks
Discussions about bringing the first two Persona games back to life have been ongoing for several years. A notable leak from a Sega source previously indicated that work was underway on Persona 1 and 2 remakes, as well as an upgraded version of Persona 4—even before its official reveal. Despite the rumors, Atlus has kept details on the direction and breadth of potential remakes tightly under wraps.
Although no formal development announcement for Persona 1 and Persona 2 remakes has been made by Atlus, Wada’s latest remarks strongly suggest that work on these projects could soon begin. Should these games be adapted for contemporary systems, it would represent a significant milestone for both preservationists and life-long Persona fans, ensuring the series’ foundational titles are preserved for future RPG enthusiasts.