Sega is looking to expand further into film and TV by exploring potential live-action adaptations for games developed by Atlus.
In an exclusive reveal to IGN, Sega says that expanding storytelling forms is a new and important part of Sega’s overall business strategy. This is why Sega is opening up Atlus’ critically-acclaimed library of games — which includes series like Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and Catherine — to potential live-action film and TV adaptations.
“Atlus’ worlds are filled with high drama, cutting-edge style and compelling characters,” says Toru Nakahara, Sega’s lead producer on the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movies and Sonic Prime TV series. “Stories like those from the Persona franchise really resonate with our fans and we see an opportunity to expand the lore like no one has seen — or played — before.”
Nakahara, who is also Sega’s head of entertainment productions for film and TV adds, “Together, Sega and Atlus, are working to bring these stories and worlds to life through new mediums and for new audiences.”
Sega didn’t confirm which production companies it’s interested in working with, other than to say that it is currently exploring live-action film and TV projects with various studios and producers.
Atlus was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1986 and is famous for its character and story-driven JRPGs. One of its most popular franchises is Persona, a series typically centered around high school students who encounter occult forces that threaten the world. The most recent entry into the franchise, Persona 5 Royal, is one of the best-reviewed RPGs of the generation. Check out IGN’s Persona 5 Royal review here.
The Persona series is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and recent games like Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are expanding to new consoles such as PC, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.
Sega’s previous experiences with live-action adaptations resulted in commercial hits like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, though the initial Sonic reveal was anything but smooth. Sega isn’t the only company looking to adapt its video games for TV and movies. Sony is leveraging its game franchises for TV adaptations including The Last of Us, Horizon, and God of War.
But given Sega’s proven success in live-action adaptations, the company is hoping to repeat Sonic’s success with games like Persona.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
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