Without the anime I wouldn't be here.
The anime helped me like im@s more because I couldn't play the games.
I should really stop being so edgy.I didn't mean to drive potential fans out, by the way, but it sort of disappointing to find out that many fans' understanding of the idols do not go beyond the anime. As that is the case then the anime should've been a verbatim adaptation of the games.
It's also worth mentioning that the franchise have lasted for at least 6 years since the arcades (9 if you count the beta) before the anime, and that there were plethora of ways for people to be introduced into the franchise. Hell, Home Haruka brought me into the fandom, out of all available options.
(Speaking of the anime I'm super hyped for the Side M anime *u* Even if the majority of the fanbase is cringing. >_>)
And here's another unpopular opinion; I'd welcome that anime too. The anime will be less likely to mess up with the personalities, even expanding on them, just like it did with CG, as they're pretty shallow compared to 765/876pro.