NIS America Is No Longer Atlus’ European Publisher [Update]

MCV has conducted an interview with Takuro Yamashita, NIS America’s managing director that has revealed the company will no longer publish Atlus games in Europe. When speaking with the outlet, Yamashita said, “Around ten days ago, we terminated our alliance with Atlus in Europe and the US.”

Yamashita went on to say why the partnership between NIS America and Atlus ended. Issues arose after Sega acquired Atlus. Yamashita explained, “Atlus became very picky about selecting the European publishing partner after it was bought by Sega. It always cherry picked its EU publishing partner based on who offered the highest minimum guarantee on a title by title basis. I noticed that it was very difficult for NIS America to establish an equal-partnership with Atlus.” Finally, he also expressed his thanks to Atlus, saying, “Atlus and its European games have contributed a lot to the expansion of NIS America in Europe. I would like to express my greatest appreciation to them for that.”

This news also means Atlus won’t be the retail channel distributor for NIS America.

When speaking to MCV, Yamashita didn’t mention the status of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir. However, Atlus has confirmed that the release will not be affected.Earlier this month, NIS America said it would be publishing the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita game in Europe on June 24, 2016. Earlier this year, NIS America was the European publisher for the Nintendo 3DS’ Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight.