It may seem surprising, but the third-highest-rated game of 2024 won’t be expanding into a series—at least not yet. Metaphor: ReFantazio has been a significant success for Atlus, but Katsura Hashino has stated that it will remain a standalone title.

In the current gaming landscape, it’s rare for a successful title not to receive a sequel. A project that breaks boundaries earns a GOTY 2024 nomination, and secures numerous awards would naturally lead many to expect Studio Zero—the team at Atlus behind Metaphor: ReFantazio—to develop a follow-up. However, according to Katsura Hashino, the studio director, there are no plans for a continuation.

The development of Metaphor: ReFantazio began in 2016, shortly after the release of Persona 5. Finally launched in late 2024, the game achieved massive success, earning accolades for Best Narrative and Artistic Direction. It became one of Atlus’s top-selling and most-played titles of the year and was ranked as the third-best game of 2024 on Metacritic.

Persona Central reported that an upcoming issue of Famitsū magazine features an interview with Katsura Hashino and Hiroyuki Kobayashi, producer of Resident Evil. During the interview, Hashino remarked: “There are no concrete plans to turn Metaphor into a saga.”

“If a future project works best with the Sengoku era as a setting, it could become a JRPG similar to Sengoku Basara,” Hashino added. While not ruling out the possibility of extending Metaphor into a series, Hashino clarified that for now, the project begins and ends with this RPG.

Atlus: SEGA’s Best Acquisition

In 2013, SEGA acquired Atlus for $140 million, a decision now considered “the best deal they’ve ever made.” According to SEGA’s financial report from November 2024, acquiring Atlus allowed the company to expand its studio portfolio and release acclaimed titles such as Metaphor: ReFantazio. This strategic purchase has been pivotal to SEGA’s growth and innovation in the gaming industry.

Source: 3djuegos