Bandai Namco is reportedly slashing its workforce and has halted or canceled several game projects, including titles featuring characters from Naruto and One Piece, along with a Nintendo collaboration. The company has moved approximately 200 employees to "oidashi beya" or expulsion rooms, where they have no assigned tasks, encouraging voluntary departures to minimize severance payments. This move highlights the struggle within the gaming industry as it faces ongoing challenges with project viability. The company's recent decisions follow the mixed fate of Blue Protocol, an MMO that never launched globally, and the just-released Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, which received positive reviews.
nWhat recent changes is Bandai Namco making within its organization?Bandai Namco is reducing its staff and has paused or canceled multiple game projects, pressuring some employees to leave voluntarily by assigning them to idle roles without tasks.
Bandai Namco has a storied history in the gaming industry, known for publishing popular franchises such as Tekken, Elden Ring, and various animated adaptations. The publisher has consistently faced market challenges, evidenced by the cancellation of Blue Protocol despite initial anticipation. The current developments mark a pivotal time for Bandai Namco as it navigates through tough industry waters, impacting its future in game releases and collaborations.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It’s a bummer to see Bandai Namco facing such tough decisions, especially when they have so many beloved franchises. This shake-up really underscores how volatile the gaming industry can be; even established companies aren't immune to the changing tides.
It's wild to see a company like Bandai Namco, with such a rich gaming legacy, facing these drastic measures; it really underlines how tough the industry is right now. Let’s hope they can regroup and refocus on projects that resonate with fans because there are so many amazing stories left to tell
It's a bummer to see Bandai Namco struggling like this, especially with projects tied to such beloved franchises. This move really underscores the harsh reality of the gaming industry right now, where even big names aren’t immune to the pressures of project viability and market dynamics.