We're witnessing some significant changes across existing publishers lately. After Konami clarified its restructuring plans two weeks ago and Sega revealed it will be splitting up its divisions, changes are afoot at Bandai Namco, too.
Announced within its latest financial report, veteran Masaru Kawaguchi has now been appointed President and Representative Director. He's got a long history within the company, having joined Bandai back in 1983, and, since 2019, he's acted as Bandai Namco Entertainment's part-time director.
Effective from April 1st, one of his biggest initial duties will be overseeing a merger of Bandai Namco's Toy and Gaming divisions, becoming one singular "Entertainment Unit". Having been planned since last August, it's now finally due to take effect with the new financial year.
Speaking further about this, Bandai Namco advised:
From April 2021, each business will join together in a united effort to a greater degree than before under the ALL BANDAI NAMCO concept in preparation for the next Mid-term Plan. The Company will reorganize its Unit structure to further strengthen its IP Axis Strategy in the global market, and will change to a new structure for its directors.
It's unclear whether this will impact upcoming releases, though Bandai Namco believes this internal merger will let it better utilise existing franchises. When you consider that ranges from Pac-Man to Dark Souls, we're certainly curious to see how that shapes up.
Do you expect this to impact their upcoming releases? Share your thoughts down below.
[source videogameschronicle.com, via bandainamco.co.jp]
Comments 14
I dunno why, but this doesn't seem like the best of ideas. I know it likely won't affect the games too much, but I don't trust companies that fall under the general "entertainment" umbrella to be that great at making games.
Make Pac-Man great again.
"Microsoft buys Namco!" speculations incoming.
In before Xbox fans start throwing around crazy rumours of Microsoft buying Bandai Namco
But seriously, this is such an odd thing to do. Toys and video games are vastly different industries, makes no sense to merge them together.
inb4 Digimon Survive delayed again and I cry.
@FragRed I think they are very similar myself
In other words, "bamco" will became even worst.
Sega splitting up divisions is clearly a sign of selling.
Bandai Namco merging divisions is clear sign of reducing costs.
Hey its the smash guys!
Ah yes Managers, puting their Stamp onto Companies no matter what it will cost.
It’ll be fine. They do this all the time. They’ve been merging since 2005. Also a part of me wants to believe this is their 2021 April Fool’s joke.
Maybe they’ll release Dark Souls 2 & 3 for switch sometime?
@GorgeousG it's too late for that. I believe bandai will focus on next gen and ps4/xbo even more now.
Hopefully, they saw how successful Mario Kart Live Home Circuit was and pooling resources to make Ace Combat Garden with drones!
You all know you want it lol.
Namco has been slow on releases as of late. Merging your divisions does help. Ask Nintendo. Who merged their divisions. Here is hoping Namco keeps doing great.
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