Bandai Namco opening catalog IP to Japanese creators next month
Pac-Man, Galaxia, Xevious, Mappy, and more included.
Bandai Namco is opening its catalog IP like Pac-Man and Galaxian to Japanese creators via a newly announced “open project” starting in late April, the company announced.
Unlike normal copyright licenses, the approvals process and supervision placed upon game concepts will be streamlined and made simpler, but not entirely eliminated. The 17 catalog IP include:
- Pac-Man
- Galaxian
- Xevious
- Mappy
- Galaga
- DigDug
- The Tower of Druaga
- Battle City
- Star Luster
- Tower of Babel
- Adventure of Valkyrie
- Sky Kid
- Dragon Buster
- Shadow Land
- Genpei Toma Den
- Wonder Momo
- Wagan Land
The project will allow Japanese creators to tap into a wide range of ideas for mobile, browser, and network devices. Any new games that come out of the initiative will only be made available for Japanese consumers Details on permissible platforms and business models, as well as how to submit proposals will be announced at a later date.
Update: The contents of the post have been updated following further clarification from Bandai Namco Games of America.