Shin Megami Tensei Series Character Designer Leaves ATLUS After 35 Years and Joins COLOPL

Kazuma Kaneko, a character designer for the Shin Megami Tensei series, has revealed that he left ATLUS in 2023 and has joined COLOPL.

According to a recent creator interview from COLOPL, Kazuma Kaneko has left ATLUS after 35 years of working under the company and has now joined COLOPL after being involved in the production of numerous games.

Furthermore, the interview has also revealed that the designer is currently working hard on creating an original IP, but not much information can be shared at the moment.

“I can’t go into too many details,” Kaneko said. “But we are working hard to create an original IP.”

“It’s still in the development stage, but Mr. Kaneko has drawn some characters,” Furuyama added.

However, the two have explained the purpose of the new IP in the interview, in which they said that the new title is an original IP that will express Kazuma Kaneko’s worldview, while also incorporating the latest technology in its gameplay.

Kazuma Kaneko has also said that they will focus on creating a solid IP first with the project, and then they will move on to considering other concepts such as stories and worldviews.

As of writing, no information regarding the actual IP is about has been revealed, but knowing Kazuma Kaneko’s contribution to the Shin Megami Tensei series, it will be exciting to see what the character designer has in mind for his next project.

For the uninitiated, Kazuma Kaneko is a Japanese video game artist and designer who previously worked for ATLUS, best known for his demon designs in the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, acting as a character designer across multiple games in the franchise.

Aside from his works in ATLUS, he has also done freelance work for other companies such as Capcom and Konami, with one of his most notable works being the design of Dante and Vergil’s iconic Devil Trigger forms in Devil May Cry 3.

Available Now

On Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, PS4 & Steam

Buy Now

Beatrix

Undying Blue

An elite Society agent and contractor of the seal weapon Embrasque, Beatrix's ferocity when facing primal beasts is rivaled only by her insatiable hunger for glory.

Eustace

Earthrending Thunder

An elite Society marksman and contractor of the seal weapon Flamek Thunder, Eustace is efficient, laconic, and longs to live in a world of peace and quiet.

Fraux

Striking Strength

Pactbearer to The Devil, a primal seeking to create a new world order, Fraux is otherwise an ordinary skydweller whose heart, character, and temperament are filled with love and compassion.

Fediel

Darkness Personified

One of the Six Dragons, entities who exist beyond the confines of the natural world. Having dominion over darkness, she influences the very laws of nature.