The JRPG genre is thriving, and leading developers like Bandai Namco and Atlus are embracing remakes and remasters to keep fans engaged between mainline releases. These revitalized classics not only capitalize on nostalgia but also attract new players to long-running franchises. By leaning into remakes and remasters, both studios are laying the groundwork for a steady stream of high-quality JRPGs over the next few years.
Bandai Namco is set to honor the Tales of series’ 30th anniversary with Tales of Graces f Remastered, while Atlus is following its recent success with remakes like Persona 3 Reload. The impressive reception of these titles has encouraged both companies to revisit older games in their catalogs, creating a wave of remasters and remakes that could define the next era of JRPGs.
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Tales of Graces f Highlights Bandai Namco’s Strategy
The Tales of series has become a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, and Bandai Namco’s commitment to celebrating its 30th anniversary reflects the series’ enduring popularity. With Tales of Graces f Remastered set to release in early 2025, the studio is revisiting one of its most acclaimed entries, giving it a fresh coat of paint for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Yusuke Tomizawa, producer of the Tales of series, has highlighted the importance of these remasters in preserving the series’ legacy while looking to its future. By modernizing classic titles, Bandai Namco ensures that the Tales of franchise remains accessible to new audiences without losing its signature charm. Combined with other anniversary projects, the company is leveraging remasters to strengthen the series’ presence in the crowded JRPG market.
Persona 3 Reload Signals Atlus’ Remake Potential
Atlus has found immense success with its recent remakes and remasters, including Persona 3 Reload and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. These releases have been met with critical and commercial acclaim, proving that revisiting older titles can be a lucrative strategy. Persona 3 Reload in particular has reignited interest in earlier entries in the series, with fans now clamoring for remakes of Persona 1 and Persona 2.
The strong reception of Persona 3 Reload has reportedly encouraged Atlus to consider remaking more games in its catalog. Fan demand for Persona 1 and Persona 2 is significant, as these titles are considered classics that shaped the franchise’s identity. The success of recent remakes underscores Atlus’ ability to modernize its older games while staying true to their original spirit. Beyond the Persona series, Atlus has also demonstrated its versatility with new IPs like Metaphor ReFantazio and collaborations such as Unicorn Overlord, which it developed alongside Vanillaware.
The Success of Remakes Benefits JRPG Fans and Developers
Bandai Namco’s focus on revitalizing Tales of Graces f is a testament to its faith in the Tales of series’ legacy. Hopefully next in line, acclaimed series entries like Tales of the Abyss will also see their return to the limelight. Similarly, Atlus is using remakes like Persona 3 Reload to gauge interest in older titles while giving fans what they’ve been asking for. If the company moves forward with remakes of other licensed games such as Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga duology, the company will only continue to please fans.
The resurgence of remakes and remasters is not just a commercial strategy. It’s a boon for fans eager to experience classic titles on modern platforms. Both Bandai Namco and Atlus are showing how these upcoming 2025 projects can serve as bridges between major releases while expanding their franchises’ reach.
For JRPG enthusiasts, this means an exciting future filled with both nostalgia and innovation. By carefully balancing remakes with new titles, Bandai Namco and Atlus are proving that the JRPG genre has never been more vibrant.
Atlus
- Date Founded
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April 7, 1986
- Headquarters
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Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
- Subsidiaries
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Atlus USA
, Career Soft