The director of Metaphor ReFantazio, Katsura Hashino, has expressed his ambition for the new role-playing game (RPG) to become a significant franchise for Atlus, akin to the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Despite the initial success of the game, which launched in October 2024, Hashino emphasizes the importance of not rushing into a sequel.
In an interview with Game Informer, Hashino articulated the aspirations behind Metaphor ReFantazio. He stated, “When we set out to create [Metaphor ReFantazio], we had the ambitions of hoping to cultivate this game into one of our brands within Atlus, like a pillar.” This statement reflects the strategic vision for the franchise, highlighting a desire for it to stand among Atlus’ most cherished properties.
The game, which features turn-based combat and in-game elements reminiscent of Persona, such as monthly calendars and social statistics, has garnered critical acclaim. It won awards for Best RPG, Best Narrative, and Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2024, and was also nominated for Game of the Year.
Despite this recognition, Hashino is cautious about the future. “Just because we had a certain level of success, we don’t want to just jump on that and quickly put out something as a sequel,” he explained. The director underscored the need for thoughtful development, ensuring that any continuation of the series aligns with the values and quality established in the first game.
While the prospect of a sequel, tentatively titled Metaphor ReFantazio 2, remains uncertain, Atlus is already focusing on its next major release. Anticipation is building for Persona 6, which coincides with the series’ 30th anniversary. The developer plans to share more information in 2026 about this upcoming installment, alongside details regarding a Persona 4 Remake.
As the gaming community awaits further news, Hashino’s commitment to nurturing Metaphor ReFantazio into a lasting franchise illustrates his dedication to quality and fan satisfaction, setting a thoughtful tone for future projects at Atlus.
