Gab Hernandez 
A slate of Atlus RPGs including Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, and Metaphor: ReFantazio are reportedly all under consideration for TV adaptations through streaming services.
Sega has experienced a renaissance in the 2020s. Although the publisher experienced success in the 2010s with transformative releases like Yakuza 0 and Persona 5, the 2020s have been hit after hit. Persona 3 Reload, the Like a Dragon series, and upcoming reboots establish Sega’s powerhouse IPs still have plenty to offer.
Sega’s expansion plans don’t stop at video games. The publisher did a film industry test-run with Sonic the Hedgehog and got one of the highest-grossing movies of 2020. The success led to a sequel and a spin-off series starring Knuckles from the Sonic franchise. With the recent announcement of a Yakuza series for Amazon Prime, it’s clear Sega has massive plans for its IPs.
There may be forward movement on a live-action Persona TV series
Sega confirmed plans to adapt Persona for a live-action series.
Midori, a notable Sega insider who broke the news on Persona 3 Reload before its official announcement, claims Shin Megami Tensei and Metaphor Re: Fantazio are under consideration for a streaming series adaptation.
It’s worth noting that the Persona franchise is no stranger to adaptations. Persona 3 had multiple anime movie adaptations, including one set 10 years after the events of the game. Persona 4 had TV series that covered the game’s series, and then a spin-off that added new content based on Persona 4 Golden. Persona 5: The Animation continued the trend with a TV series that was succeeded by two OVAs.
However, Sonic live-action producer Toru Nakahara expressed an interest in adapting the Persona series to live-action. Sega of America COO Shuji Utsumi echoed this in an interview with CNBC, discussing multimedia expansion plans for its IPs. Of course, Persona isn’t the only hyped JRPG from Sega.
It’s unclear what the new adaptation would be. While the games could be adapted into a live-action series, it’s also possible that an original story could be written for the series.
Will Metaphor: ReFantazio get a TV show?
Metaphor: ReFantazio may get a TV or film adaptation on streaming services.
Atlus has made it clear that it has high hopes for Metaphor: ReFantazio. The game is being developed by key figures from the Persona series. It has many gameplay similarities but differentiates itself with a high-fantasy setting.
None of these series are known to have been greenlit. If Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, or Metaphor: ReFantazio get new TV adaptations, live-action or anime, it’s uncertain where they could end up.
Netflix may be the most likely candidate. Sega is reportedly partnered with Netflix already for original releases through Netflix Games, including a new Shin Megami Tensei game. Sega’s plans to have reliable pillar IPs have paid off, and these adaptations may further cement the success of these plans.
