Bandai Namco Allowing Developers to use Pac-Man and other 80’s Franchises.

Bandai Namco is letting developers make games off of 16 of their franchises including Pac-Man and Dig Dug.
Bandai Namco is letting developers make games off of 16 of their franchises including Pac-Man and Dig Dug.

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. 

Recommended Videos

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.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Related Content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Author
amaadify
Amaad Delmar is a senior double majoring in Game Design and Creative Writing (May 2015 graduate). He's an avid gamer, and narrative creationist. Amaad's favorite game is the best game ever made (whether you like it or not): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.