Metaphor: ReFantazio allowed Persona veterans to reconnect with their roots, enhancing their approach for upcoming projects.

After directing titles like Persona 3, 4, and 5, Katsura Hashino reveals that the upcoming JRPG Metaphor: ReFantazio has allowed the developers at Atlus’ Studio Zero to “return to our roots,” providing valuable insights for future projects.

In a recent interview, Hashino discussed the development journey of Metaphor: ReFantazio, describing it as a “new IP” while acknowledging that the team incorporated familiar elements from their previous works, evolving them for this new title. For instance, the Persona calendar system and social links make an appearance, even though the game is set in a distinct fantasy world.

Hashino emphasized that this project marked a significant moment for the team, stating, “It was the first time in a while that we built something from the ground up; it takes me back to when we worked on Persona 3.” He elaborated on the process of creating an entirely new world and lore.

“This opportunity with Metaphor allowed us to revisit our foundational principles of crafting something fresh,” he explained. “It helped us identify which aspects we excelled at and wanted to carry forward, and which ones we could leave behind. This reflection provided a new perspective on our past creations, and I believe this experience will greatly benefit our future titles.”

Hashino also touched on Studio Zero’s ambition to explore the evolution of JRPGs, hinting at a new phase for the genre that he refers to as “JRPG 3.0.” He hopes that Metaphor will exemplify this new direction.

As for the possibility of a sequel, Hashino clarified that the team is not rushing to produce a follow-up in response to the game’s success. Instead, they want to take their time to ensure that any continuation of the series builds on the core values established in Metaphor, creating something truly meaningful for fans.

Interestingly, Hashino noted that any connections fans have drawn between Metaphor: ReFantazio, the modern Persona games, and Catherine are entirely coincidental, stating, “I didn’t plan it at all.”