Bandai Namco said on Tuesday that it will invest 15 billion yen (about 130 million USD) in developing an “IP Metaverse” for its gaming portfolio. The metaverse project’s three major goals, according to VideoGamesChronicle, are to link Bandai Namco with game enthusiasts, increase the value of Bandai Namco’s IP, and unite each IP’s world into an interconnected universe known as the “ALL BANDAI NAMCO idea.”
Bandai Namco also plans to invest 25 billion yen (about 216 million USD) in new IP creation, “groupwide IP projects,” and innovation to “maximize IP value.”
In the tech and entertainment worlds, the phrase “metaverse” refers to a persistent virtual world where users can engage with one another and numerous companies. Disney, Epic Games, Microsoft, Facebook, and Square Enix are among the major firms and brands scrambling to get in on the action.
The Dark Souls and Elden Ring franchises, as well as Pac-Man, Gundam, Dragon Ball, Soul Calibur, Katamari, and its library of vintage titles like Dig-Dug and Galaga, are among Bandai Namco’s IP.
Bandai Namco stated, “One of our strengths is our ability to build links with both digital aspects, such as games and the metaverse and physical elements, such as amusement facilities.”
The 15 billion yen will be used to establish a “data basis (data universe)” as well as “content creation.” The realization of the metaverse concept is one of Bandai Namco’s three key initiatives for its digital business unit, according to the company’s mid-term plan.
