In an exclusive sit-down with Noisy Pixel, Junzo Hosoi, the head honcho at Gust since 2020, revealed some intriguing insights about the beloved Atelier series. During the discussion, he candidly shared the high stakes surrounding Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, stating that had it flopped commercially, it might have been curtains for the entire franchise. Fortunately, Ryza resonated with fans and became a triumph for Gust, paving the way for the upcoming Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land, which is generating considerable excitement among followers of the series.
“When I stepped in as producer, the pressure was immense. If Ryza failed, it could have been the end of the Atelier series.”
“For me, Atelier Ryza was the most challenging project. The pressure was incredible, but it ended up opening new doors for the entire franchise.”