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Sega: 'No plans to undertake' Index projects, IPs available to Atlus
Sega Sammy's recent acquisition of Atlus' parent company, Index Corporation, left fans concerned that the business transaction would result in fewer Atlus RPGs making it overseas or Sega meddling with their projects. Thankfully, Famitsu magazine's interview with Sega Sammy COO Naoya Tsurumi (translated by Siliconera) suggests that everyone's worrying for nothing. When questioned about the structure of Index's development going forward, Tsurumi stated that Sega has "no plans to undertake any of their work" and that Index will be "working as an independent company." With that said, Tsurumi said he would "love to have them utilize any of Sega's dormant IPs." It's kind of fun to think what Atlus would cook up with the Jet Set Radio or Space Channel 5 franchise, especially with their upcoming venture onto the dance floor. Of course, a new Valkyria Chronicles might make a lot more sense, given the studio's reputation with RPGs. Update: This article originally credited the involved interview to Siliconera. While Siliconera provided a translation, the interview was conducted by Famitsu magazine. We apologize for the mistake.
Report: Sega to purchase Atlus' parent company for 14 billion yen [update: confirmed]
Following reports of Sega bidding on Atlus parent Index Holdings, parent company of Atlus, Japanese media company Nikkei has reported that Sega Sammy will purchase Index Holdings for 14 billion yen ($141.6 million). The deal is to be concluded in November. Sega rattled its cup at the grave of THQ in July, seeking revenue from the publisher that was made through pre-orders for Sega's Company of Heroes 2. We've reached out to Atlus and will update as we learn more. Update: Atlus Japan has confirmed the purchase.
Unlocalized Shin Megami Tensei ends up on iOS
The original Shin Megami Tensei game was never officially released in North America -- until now. Atlus parent company Index has posted what looks like an emulated version of the Game Boy port of the first-person RPG on the iOS App Store, for $13.99. From Japan-only release to digitally distributed on your phone -- that's quite a jump in convenience!Of course, you have to deal with the tiny little issue of the game still being in Japanese. Maybe that part's not so convenient. Combining demons is a pretty delicate art even in your native language![Thanks, Jared.]
Sega signs distro deal with Atlus parent company Index Holdings
Index Holdings, parent company of developer and publisher Atlus, is looking to take advantage of Sega's significantly larger distribution network in Japan, announcing intentions to partner with the Japanese publisher for future distribution. The deal kicks off in April 2012 and will see games across Atlus' various properties distributed under the Sega moniker in Japan.The deal doesn't apply to digitally distributed titles, and it's unclear if this will affect Atlus' distribution in other parts of the world. It seems that the distribution deal arises from Index Holdings' consistently declining revenues and an inability to support Atlus' growth in its most important market. We've reached out to Atlus for further comment.
Report: Atlus releasing three online games in America next year
According to a recent report from Siliconera, Atlus is planning on publishing three online titles from fellow Index Holdings-owned developer, Rosso Index, in North America early next year. The trio of games includes Pandora Saga, Master of Epic, and The Tower of Druaga -- the latter of which may sound familiar, as its an online-enabled remake of an identically titled 1984 Namco arcade game. Hopefully the remake is a little ... faster-paced than its 26-year-old counterpart. We've contacted Atlus for confirmation of the company's plans to port the games to North American internets, and to get a few more details about them. For instance, what is a Master of Epic, and how do we become one?
Demon's Souls shifts Atlus to black profit tendency
Index Holdings, parent company of Atlus, has released its financial results (PDF) for its fiscal 2010, which ended August 31. Things are looking rosy for Atlus USA, thanks largely to the dark and depressing Demon's Souls, which the company points to as a major factor in raising profits. Index Holdings reported that Atlus USA made ¥3.299 billion ($40.7 million) in sales for the year, up from ¥2.732 billion ($33.6 million) in 2009. More importantly, the company posted an operating income of ¥407 million ($5 million), which compares very favorably to last year's loss of ¥104 million ($1.2 million). Hey Atlus, how about we celebrate by shifting Demon's Souls to white tendency for a little while? Please?
Atlus USA president reassures fans
Following Atlus's announcement of a merger into its parent company Index Holdings, you may have been concerned about the state of the developer and publisher. "But what of our RPGs about super-stylish high school students?," you may have asked. "Any news about my beloved sci-fi surgery simulators?" "Will I still have dungeons in which to crawl?" Atlus USA president Shinichi Suzuki issued a statement today to allay our fears. " We want to assure our fans and affiliates that Atlus remains in operation and will continue, as always, to support our beloved community with the finest quality game experiences possible," Suzuki said. You can read the full statement after the break, then take a sigh of relief and get back to your everyday life of wondering when Atlus USA is going to announce a localization of Catherine.
Atlus to be merged into parent company Index Holdings
Index Holdings, the parent company of 3D Dot Game Heroes publisher and Shin Megami Tensei developer Atlus, has announced its intent to completely absorb Atlus to better manage the company's resources. The dissolution is expected to take place on October 1, provided Atlus, Index Holdings and subsidiary company Index agree to the terms of the merger during board meetings being held today. It's unclear how this deal could affect future releases from the prolific RPG developer and publisher. According to Game Watch, a representative from Index Holdings explained that upcoming titles would still be released under the Atlus brand. We've contacted Atlus for further clarification.
Report: Demon's Souls has punished nearly 4 times as many players as expected
It was quite clear, once retailers began requesting re-ups of that dope Demon's Souls product, that publisher Atlus had unleashed a bigger hit than it had anticipated. But just how low had Atlus set its expectations? According to data from parent company Index Holdings (via Siliconera), Atlus had projected a mere 75,000 units in sales of Demon's Souls for North America. Lo and behold, beyond Atlus' wildest, demonic dreams, folks actually enjoyed the game's masochistic mission -- like, a lot of folks, in fact: sales totaled 280,000 units sold through the end of February. And with sales figures like that, Atlus must be pining for an opportunity to peddle a sequel -- of course, as our commenters point out, Sony, which owns the franchise, might want to get in on the North American push, should there be a sequel. Demon's Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki wouldn't mind cooking up another hit, after all.
