April 2015 will see the launch of Bandai Namco Games’ new licensing program that allows developers to freely use 16 of the company’s franchises in their own games . Don’t start making the next Pac-Man just yet, however. This offer is currently only available to Japanese game developers, and companies must submit applications in order to use the material legally.
If approved, developers will be allowed to use the characters, music, and stories from the following properties:
- Pac-Man
- Xevious
- Galaxian
- The Tower of Druaga
- Tower of Babel
- Dragon Buster
- Wonder Momo
- Galaga
- Battle City
- Valkyrie no Bōken (The Adventure of Valkyrie)
- Yōkai Dōchūki (Shadow Land)
- Wagan Land
- Dig Dug
- Star Luster
- Sky Kid
- Genpei Tōma Den
Namco Bandai has stated that the application process is simply a method of filtering out any obscene or offensive content, and that they expect to approve most applicants.
The company wasn’t shy about their intentions either. They have stated outright that this program is a tactic to revive interest in otherwise diminishing properties.That said, Bandai Namco isn’t just in it for the publicity. As per the agreement, participating developers who create paid games must fork over a percentage of the profits, while those creating free games will have to include advertisements, with Bandai Namco taking a cut of the revenue.
Are you not a Japanese developer, but still want to use these properties? You’re in luck! Bandai Namco is currently considering offering applications to foreign and indie developers as well. Let’s hope we get a new Dig Dug in the near future, or some sort of redemption from Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures.
