Many don’t know Atlus, but they are a publisher whose niche is bringing Japanese titles outside of Japan. Best known for Demon’s Souls, Persona 4, and of course Catherine, the publisher is on the block in search of a new owner.

The owner, Index Corporation, has filed for what is essentially bankruptcy, and this has placed Atlus in the position of having to find a buyer. Rumors say that over 20 companies have bid on Atlus, including Sega.

While sources have indicated that Atlus needs to have a new owner by the end of the month, Atlus has had little to say on the subject, other than they will determine a final buyer by the end of the month. Sega has had no comment on its bid to acquire Atlus.

We will have to see how this plays out, but the loss of Atlus could spell the end of many Japanese titles making it outside of Japan. Still, it is hard for a niche player to make money; and with an owner such as Sega the future for Atlus might be brighter.