Sega Sammy’s 2013 acquisition of Index Corporation’s businesses brought the game business that became Atlus into the group. Sega Sammy said it wanted to pair its existing game-IP capabilities with Index’s mobile-content experience and expand its portfolio of established properties. Later Persona milestones show the franchise’s reach, but they do not prove the acquisition’s overall financial return—or establish that Sega called it one of its most successful buyouts.
What Sega Sammy acquired in 2013
Sega Sammy’s 2014 annual report describes the transaction as a transfer of Index Corporation businesses to SEGA DREAM CORPORATION, a wholly owned Sega subsidiary—not simply as a purchase of the entire company. The business-combination date was November 1, 2013. Sega Sammy reported ¥14.1 billion in cash consideration and ¥14.359 billion in total acquisition costs, including direct costs. Sega Sammy 2014 annual report
The subsidiary was renamed Index Corporation in November 2013 and ATLUS CO., LTD. on April 1, 2014. That is the link between the Index transaction and the Atlus name familiar to game players. Sega Sammy 2014 annual report
Why did Sega buy the Index businesses?
Sega Sammy described the deal as a way to increase the group’s enterprise value by combining its game-IP capabilities with Index’s experience planning and developing mobile content. The company also pointed to Atlus properties’ established brand power and their potential to broaden the group’s intellectual-property portfolio. Sega Sammy 2014 annual report
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.
- Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes and character interactions, additional voiceover, and a reloaded soundtrack.
- Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.
- Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
In its investor-relations message, Sega Sammy additionally discussed applying group strengths such as network technology and free-to-play expertise to develop Atlus IP. These were the buyer’s strategic expectations; the statements do not establish that every planned synergy was achieved. Sega Sammy investor-relations message
How much did Sega pay for Atlus?
The annual report gives ¥14.1 billion as cash consideration for the business transfer and ¥14.359 billion as total acquisition costs once direct costs are included. Those are distinct reported figures, so the larger total should not be described as the cash consideration alone. Sega Sammy 2014 annual report
Rank #2
- Prepare for the award-winning RPG experience in this definitive edition of Persona 5 Royal
- This title is packed with beloved characters, confidants, story depth, and plenty of locations to explore with many opportunities to strengthen your abilities in the metaverse and in your daily life
- Explore Tokyo, unlock Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, experience alternate endings, and more
- Become the ultimate Phantom Thief and defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice in the definitive version of Personal 5 Royal
What Persona milestones followed the acquisition?
Persona 5 passed 2 million copies
On November 30, 2017, Atlus announced that Persona 5 had sold more than 2 million copies worldwide across PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. Atlus U.S.A. president and CEO Naoto Hiraoka called it an important year for the company and its ambitions for Japanese games in the West; he was describing the company’s year, not evaluating the acquisition. Atlus announcement, November 30, 2017
The Persona 5 series passed 10 million units
Sega Sammy reported that the Persona 5 series exceeded 10 million units worldwide in December 2023. Its FY2024/3 winter shareholder report linked the milestone to the series’ growth through multi-platform releases, remasters, and spin-offs. This is a series-wide total, not sales of one Persona 5 edition. Sega Sammy FY2024/3 winter shareholder report
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- IGN and GameSpot "Game of the Year" and "Best RPG" from The Game Awards
- ATLUS' newest fantasy JRPG with beautiful anime cutscenes
- Free demo with save-data carry over
- Awaken 40+ "Archetypes," magical powers that lie dormant in your heart
- Innovative battle system that blends strategic turn-based combat and dynamic real-time combat
Do those milestones prove the acquisition was highly profitable?
No. The Persona figures demonstrate commercial reach for Atlus-related games and the franchise’s later expansion, but sales totals are not the same as profit, margin, cash flow, or return on invested capital. The cited company materials do not provide a complete deal-level calculation of the acquisition’s financial return.
Nor do the available sources substantiate the title’s wording as a direct Sega quote or a measured ranking of Sega’s acquisitions. A defensible assessment would need comparable deal consideration, acquired assets and rights, strategic fit, attributable earnings or cash flow, and any disclosed impairment or return measures across the deals being compared. The cited sources do not support that ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The 5th numbered game in the series, created by renowned developers! The core development team of the recent Persona titles unites again for this upcoming game.
- A deep and engaging storyline - The thrilling story of a team of defiant teenagers, growing through every trial they face, begins now. Each case will take you one step closer to the truth veiled in darkness...What awaits our heroes: glory or ruin?
- Unique and interesting dungeons with various tricks and traps await - Overcome various obstacles with graceful Phantom Thief action. The simple-to-learn, but hard-to-master controls will be enjoyed by newcomers and veteran Persona players alike.
- Language - A stable of talented voice actors have provided English voice-overs while ATLUS’ celebrated localization team offers an English script that provides a faithful and engaging play experience.
Rank #4
- Discover the Thrilling Midnight Channel: Immerse yourself in a dual-layered narrative set in the peaceful yet unsettling town of Inaba. Investigate supernatural occurrences, solve murders, and unravel the secrets of the Midnight Channel alongside your teammates in a story-driven gameplay experience.
- Exhilarating Turn-Based Battles: Exploit enemy weaknesses, unleash powerful "All-Out Attacks," and master the strategic use of Personas to overcome formidable foes. Acquire or fuse new Personas and develop your unique battle style as you uncover the secrets behind the Midnight Channel.
- Shape Your Year and Your Destiny: Immerse yourself in the life of a teenager, where every day is filled with new choices. Balance sports, part-time jobs, school life, and friendships, all while preparing to confront the mysteries of the Midnight Channel. Every decision you make shapes your journey, leading to unique and unforgettable experiences and endings.
- Anime Cutscenes & Memorable Characters: Experience beautifully updated anime-style and 3D cutscenes and strengthen bonds with irreplaceable characters. Every heartfelt connection impacts your journey and shapes the story.
- A Beloved Remake for Fans and Newcomers: Rediscover the iconic Persona adventure with enhanced visuals, improved gameplay, modern aesthetics, and exciting new quality of life updates features that bring the classic to life like never before.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
