Summary
BelovedShin Megami Tenseicharacter and monster designer Kazuma Kaneko announced he was parting with Atlus after 35 years as the developer’s prominent “Demon Artist.” Kaneko has been with Atlus since 1988 and is renowned for his illustrations of mythical creatures originating from cultures all over the world. Recently, theShin Megami Tenseiartist announced he was leaving Atlus.
Kaneko is widely credited for his influence on Atlus' JRPG series. The illustrator not only worked as the character designer for many of theShin Megami Tenseifranchise’s iconic demonsbut also as one of the visionaries who molded the world of the franchise and several of its popular spin-offs, such as the belovedPersonaseries and the cult classicDevil Summonergames. While Kaneko notably designed many human characters throughout his career and cultivated a reputation for his interest in modern fashion, he is particularly known for his dark yet eye-catching demon designs, which were often based on real-world cultures and historical artifacts.
Many fans acknowledged that Kaneko’s unique art style has been huge for theShin Megami Tenseiseries and its spin-offs, so it might have come as a surprise when the illustrator announced his departure from Atlus during acreator interview with Colopl. During the talk, the Demon Artist claimed he had been planning on changing studios since 2023 and even hired a job change agent to help him with the transition.
Kaneko did not go in-depth on his reasons for leaving after spending overthree decades working onShin Megami Tensei, only explaining that he wanted to take a chance and create an IP he could call his own. He has since joined Colopl’s development team and has begun work on a brand-new franchise, though Kaneko also notably refrained from revealing further details regarding his unnamed project.
Kazuma Kaneko’s Influence on Shin Megami Tensei
While Atlus' renowned Demon Artist might no longer be involved with the company, his influence as one of the designers of the dark and gritty world of theShin Megami Tenseiseries will likely linger in future games and spin-offs. Longtime fans can also take heart in knowing that Kaneko’s legacy can still be felt through his protege, Shigenori Soejima, who remains with Atlus and is currently working on the upcomingmobile spin-off gamePersona 5: The Phantom X.
It remains to be seen how Kaneko’s departure might affect the development offutureShin Megami Tenseititles. On the one hand, this might let comparatively younger artists push the series' iconic designs. On the other, there’s always a chance that the franchise might lose a vital part of its identity and art style without a veteran illustrator’s guidance.
Shin Megami Tensei
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Shin Megami Tensei (literally True Goddess Reincarnation) is a role-playing video game from Atlus that was originally released on June 10, 2025 in Japan. The game was extremely well received and would spawn a variety of sequels and spin-offs. PLOTThe story is set in Tokyo in the year 199X. Demons from the nether-realm of Makai have found their way back to Earth, and as such have upset the balance of power.A charismatic Japanese leader attempts a coup d’etat using these demons as a potent military force, forcing America to intervene with its military. The player, as the hero, becomes involved when sent a Devil Summoning Program via email which allows him to converse with and recruit demons to fight for him, storing them as digital data on his computer. In the aftermath of the ensuing destruction, the hero must decide what kind of world should be created on its ruins.Will he side with the angels and create a kingdom of absolute order that would last for a thousand years, or will he side with the demons and bring about an eternal anarchy, or will he choose neither, and destroy everyone who opposes him?
