Atlus to launch Atlus Online social gaming network
Atlus USA is to launch a new community-driven game portal for fans of its online games and anime.
Aptly titled Atlus Online, the folks behind it have promised a "content-rich, reward-driven platform for social interaction," and are encouraging everyone interested to pre-register here.
Once live, members will be able to help shape the evolution of the portal with feedback, and will get exclusive access to unannounced online games.
Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, feels that, "Atlus Online will emerge as an extremely user-focused destination" and added that the site will "be a premiere interactive entertainment destination for online gamers and anime fans alike."
Just imagine the look of pure ecstasy washing over the faces of Persona and Trauma Center fans as we type.
Full press release after the jump.
February 3, 2009 - IRVINE, Calif. – Feb. 3, 2009 – Online gaming and anime fans around the world will soon have a new destination for sharing their passions, meeting friends and experiencing numerous forms of distinctive interactive entertainment. Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading video game publishing company, today announced the inception of a new online division with plans to launch a game portal dedicated to providing a community-driven, quality content-focused entertainment hub with an emphasis on online games and anime. Atlus Online, referring to both the new online division and portal, promises to go beyond the traditional online game model by offering community members a content-rich, reward-driven platform for social interaction.
"Atlus has long wanted to create an online portal that would become the daily destination for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging online entertainment experience," said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus. "Atlus Online will emerge as an extremely user-focused destination that is fully accessible to each and every one of its members. From amazing games to play to exciting contests, exceptional content and great community interaction, we are convinced that Atlus Online will be a premiere interactive entertainment destination for online gamers and anime fans alike."
At the helm of Atlus Online is a team of respected industry veterans who bring their expertise to the new division and portal. Spearheading the venture is Director of Online Games Tyler Kim, who has a decade of experience in the digital media and content industry with K2 Network, ArenaNet and GoPets, as well as a number of publishers and developers in South Korea. Head of Business Operations Jamie Ortiz spent the last four years working on Atlus' critically acclaimed console titles, including the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona and Trauma Center series. They are joined by Jun Hyun Kim, Atlus Online's head of game operations, formerly the chief operating officer of Webzen America, and Online Project Manager Kevin Crawford, who produced K2 Network's flagship title Knight Online.
As an immediate example of its unmatched commitment to community, Atlus Online is encouraging fans to be among the first to pre-register for the upcoming portal. Once the site goes live, registered members can interact with community managers and provide feedback that will help shape the way the online destination evolves.
In addition, registrants will be granted early access to the portal's as-of-yet-unannounced first online game. The division will launch services globally, with the site's games operating on a hybrid subscription model that is supported by multiple payment options.
Gamers and anime fans looking for additional information about Atlus Online, or eager to be among the first to receive information on its debut product, can visit http://www.atlusonline.com.
About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Founded in 2008, Atlus Online was created to provide online gamers and anime fans around the world with an entertainment and community destination like no other. The online entertainment division is dedicated to providing a portal, Atlus Online, with unmatched levels of community involvement and interaction, with community members driving the very direction of the site and its content. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com/.