After speculations and talk of Sega going after the recently declared bankrupt Index Holdings, the parent company of publisher Atlus Co., Atlus Japan has confirmed that Sega will purchase Index Holdings for 14 billion yen (approximately 141 million dollars). Index Holdings declared bankruptcy back in June, leaving the fate of Atlus and its many IPs — such as Shin Megami Tensei, Persona and Trauma Center — up in the air.
While this is good news seeing Atlus not go under, I wonder how much meddling Sega will do with its new acquisition. Atlus has garnered a strong cult following with its over-the-top, Japanese-style games. It’s a very small niche, but a much appreciated one in an industry of first person shooters and MMOs. Hopefully Sega will stay out of the creative process and let Atlus continue on their own path, making the same type of games they’ve always made.
Really though, I’m just ready for Persona 5 to be announced — and for Sonic the Hedgehog not to be included.
