When you think of Atlus games coming to the west, what comes to mind? The initial plans for Catherine to come to the west in the summer of 2011, only for it to be delayed until February 2012? The western release of Persona 5 slipping from 2015 to spring of 2017? Persona 4 Arena’s date shifting from August 2012 to May 2013? The slightly iffy dialogue in Persona 5’s localisation? Well, in the future you might not have to make your way to Deep Silver‘s HQ as you brandish your pitchforks and torches like some kind of Bloodborne goon. Instead, it’s been revealed that Atlus will publish in Europe – the PR manager of Atlus USA has explained that this will enable the company to release special edition products in more territories – but for most European fans it’s probably a relief to see the publisher acknowledge the continent for once.
Atlus will publish in Europe – what changes?
Knowing that Atlus will publish in Europe might not change anything – especially for us sorry folk in the United Kingdom – but for a long time it’s felt like any communication from Atlus to “the West” has had a decidedly American flavour. Disposable Media recalls European Persona fans getting all of their live news from Atlus USA streams, and when the chat flooded with requests for Europe release information John Hardin (who has since left his PR role at Atlus) would shrug and say something along the lines of “eh, I dunno, ask the Europe guys” – not much help when we had given up on them for any kind of information. People can speculate as much as they like about how this might affect releases or promotions, but the news that Atlus will publish in Europe hopefully means that a better connection with gamers in this continent can be established. And if not, you’ll know where to direct your angry tweets…
If you have your own thoughts on the news that Atlus will publish in Europe – especially if you’re a European gamer – leave a comment below
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