Persona, Metaphor Director Says JRPGs Are on the Brink of a New Era

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Japanese RPGs are having a moment, and it’s not just due to the recent buzz and debate surrounding the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Recently, JRPGs have been incredibly strong, with games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter receiving a lot of praise and attention.

Look, Atlus, the team behind the Persona games, is still totally leading the way when it comes to modern JRPGs. So when the director, Katsura Hashino, starts talking, everyone – including me – really listens!

Katsura Hashino, the creative force behind the Persona games and Metaphor, thinks JRPGs are about to enter a new phase – what he terms “JRPG 3.0”.

In a recent interview with 4Gamer (as reported by GamesRadar), developer Hashino discussed the evolution of JRPGs, breaking it down into three phases. He considers older titles the “1.0” version, current games the “2.0” version, and envisions future JRPGs as “3.0”.

He argues that today’s Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) stand out from older titles because they’re much more interactive and react better to what players do. This means modern JRPGs generally have designs that are easier to pick up and play, with gameplay that keeps you more engaged.

So, what about the next stage, often called “3.0”? Hashino says they’re very close to reaching it, and he’s eager to contribute to this new direction.

Hashino believes these games will be a significant step forward, fundamentally changing how the genre looks and plays, though he hasn’t shared specifics yet.

It’s a fascinating subject, we think, especially since current JRPGs are already trying new things

Action elements are becoming increasingly common in RPGs. Games like Metaphor and the recent Trails titles blend action-based combat with traditional turn-based systems, and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series fully combines action and command-based battles.

Hashino seems to be discussing overall changes in game development, but the growing popularity of fast-paced, action-focused gameplay will definitely influence how JRPGs look and play in the future.

What are your thoughts on where JRPGs are headed? Does it seem like we’re on the verge of a new era, as Hashino suggests? Share your opinions in the comments!

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2025-11-24 22:37