Atlus

Atlus is a Japanese video game developer and publisher best known for its deep, story-driven role-playing games. Originally founded in April 1986, the company worked as a developer for other publishers before releasing its own titles in 1989. Its flagship series include Megami Tensei, Persona, Etrian Odyssey, and Trauma Center. The company's mascot, Jack Frost, a cheerful snowman-like demon from the Megami Tensei series, appears across many of its games.

Atlus has a complicated corporate history. It operated independently until 2010, when it merged into Index Corporation. Index filed for bankruptcy in 2013, and Sega acquired the company's video game assets. The Atlus name continued as a brand under Sega, and in 2014, the company was formally renamed Atlus. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Sega, with its headquarters in Tokyo. The company also manufactures Print Club arcade machines, popular photo sticker booths in East Asia.

Atlus established a North American branch, originally Atlus USA, in 1991 to localize and publish its games for English-speaking audiences. A European branch followed in 2017, operating out of Sega Europe's London office. The company is known for its high-quality RPGs, stylish art direction, and complex narratives, particularly the Persona series, which has become a global phenomenon with over 22 million units sold as of 2023.[edit]