In an exciting milestone for Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio has quickly become the studio’s fastest-selling title ever, surpassing even the beloved Persona 3 Reload in first-day sales. Released simultaneously across consoles and PC worldwide, the game sold over a million copies within the first 24 hours, a feat that surprised many, including director and creative producer Katsura Hashino. Speaking with 4Gamer, Hashino shares insights on the game’s success and the unexpected surge in interest from PC players.
A Global Phenomenon
Metaphor: ReFantazio marked a new chapter for Hashino, as it was the first game he directed to be simultaneously released on both consoles and PC. While the decision to launch on multiple platforms worldwide presented challenges, Hashino views it as a significant achievement. He notes, “Even as a developer, I believe that there is much merit in each player being able to enjoy the game in their preferred environment, and I’m glad that we were able to accomplish that.”
The simultaneous release across all platforms was designed to unite global fans and ensure that everyone, regardless of location, had the same opportunity to experience the game without delays. This global approach is part of a larger trend, Hashino explains, where Atlus has increasingly embraced a more inclusive, worldwide release strategy.
Surprising Success Among PC Players
What truly took the Metaphor: ReFantazio team by surprise was the overwhelming success of the PC version. Hashino revealed that the number of downloads for the Windows version far exceeded their expectations, signaling a rising demand for PC versions of Atlus games. “Although Atlus is generally associated with console games, our survey results show that the percentage of PC users playing our games is rising year by year,” he shares. Hashino points out that this trend has been evident in long-term data over the past five to ten years, and it’s encouraging to see PC gaming steadily gaining traction.
This success could potentially reshape how Atlus approaches future releases, warming them up to the PC market even more. Hashino hopes that the success of Metaphor: ReFantazio on PC will set a positive precedent for the company, making it more comfortable with the idea of releasing games across both console and PC platforms.
The Importance of Simultaneous Worldwide Releases
One of the key drivers behind the decision to release Metaphor: ReFantazio worldwide, Hashino says, was the desire to ensure that overseas fans could enjoy the game at the same time as players in Japan. He emphasizes that simultaneous releases eliminate the risk of spoilers spreading online and give every fan an equal opportunity to enjoy the story fresh, without the fear of having major plot points revealed ahead of time.
“Fans all over the globe get to play the game at the same time, and it’s great in the sense that everyone can enjoy it together,” Hashino says. The global, simultaneous release not only allows for a shared experience but also mitigates the challenge of spoilers, which can tarnish the experience for those who prefer to dive into a game with no prior knowledge of its twists and turns.
In conclusion, Metaphor: ReFantazio’s success on PC and the global community’s positive reception showcase how well-received Atlus’s efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of gaming have been. For Hashino and the team, it’s an exciting time to be part of the evolution of gaming as it continues to break down geographical and platform barriers, bringing players together from all corners of the globe.
