Metaphor: ReFantazio And Persona Director Prioritizes Mental Health Over User Feedback

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He Only Checks User Reactions In Moderation!

Story Highlight
  • Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona director Katsura Hashino has claimed that he prioritizes his mental health over user feedback.
  • He says that constantly looking at user reactions is unhealthy, but he does read feedback in moderation after a game launches.
  • Keiichiro Toyama, the Silent Hill creator, is more keen on following user reactions for his next game, Slitterhead.

It is reasonable to say that the success of the Persona franchise is not a bluff by any means. With the insane success of Metaphor: ReFantazio so far, many have wondered just what secret formula Atlus has used to keep its games so successful. The director of both franchises, Katsura Hashino, might just have the answers we’re all looking for. 

Katsura has clarified that he prioritizes his mental health over the abundant user feedback his projects receive from fans and critics alike.

Why it matters: Katsura Hashino prioritizes his mental health over the diverse user feedback for his projects, which suggests that he does not focus on satisfying every gamer. Instead, the director considers general opinions.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fun JRPG filled with huge servings of activities and engaging stories.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fun JRPG filled with huge servings of activities and engaging stories.

In an interview with Famitsu, Katsura Hashina gave his two cents about user reactions in a dialogue with Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama. He tries not to be conscious of what gamers think about his works. That does not mean he entirely gives up on the reactions but keeps a safe distance instead. 

When I need to look something up, I do it quickly in one go, because constantly monitoring user reactions isn’t good for my mental health.

-Katsura Hashina

He only checks what everyone has to say in extreme moderation, mostly after a game launches when it is too late to change anything. He also admits to not using social media either.

The Persona franchise is filled with popular games that allegedly embody some of the best JRPG elements.
The Persona franchise features many popular releases that stand out in the JRPG genre.

Keiichiro Toyama, on the flip side, is more keen on actively listening to what gamers want to help develop Slitterhead effectively with Bokeh Game Studio.

Katsura Hashino’s ideology might be the best option for developers to follow for effective releases. But what are your thoughts regarding his approach? Let us know your opinions in the comments below, or join us for a discussion in the official Tech4Gamers forums.

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