Bandai Namco Games

Namco was born from two wooden horses installed on the rooftop of a department store.

Established headquarters office in Ginza, Tokyo. Began selling entertainment equipment.

Organizational change to Nakamura Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (capital 5 million yen).

Installed 'Roadway Ride' on the rooftop of Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and later expanded to all Mitsukoshi stores.

Established headquarters factory in Ota-ku, Tokyo, expanding development and manufacturing divisions.

Opened Osaka office in Namba, Osaka.

Established Yaguchi Factory in Yaguchi, Ota-ku, Tokyo (current headquarters building).

Started using the NAMCO brand before the official company name change.

Ducks

Acquired Atari Japan Co., Ltd. from Atari Inc. in the United States and entered the video game console business.

Lincoln

Changed company name to Namco Co., Ltd. (capital 240 million yen). Established Namco Enterprises Asia Ltd. in Hong Kong.

Established Yokohama Service Center in Kōhoku-ku, Yokohama (current service center). Established Namco America Inc. in Sunnyvale, California, USA. Released the first original commercial video game console 'GB'.

Announced the commercial video game 'Galaxian'.

Announced the nuclear robot 'Atom'. Announced the commercial video game 'Pac-Man', sparking a worldwide boom.

Announced the maze escape robot 'Mappy'.

Announced the commercial driving game 'Pole Position'.

Announced the commercial video game 'Xevious'. Gained explosive popularity for its graphics and storyline. Moved Kansai office to Suita, Osaka.

Released 'Galaxian' software for the Family Computer.

Completed new headquarters building (headquarters and sales headquarters) in Ota-ku, Tokyo.

Acquired Italian Tomato, a restaurant chain. Released the family computer software "Pro Baseball Family Stadium." Established the New Technology Promotion Foundation to promote scientific and technological development. Adopted a new corporate emblem.

Sponsored the Japanese tour of the musical "Starlight Express." Announced the first industry communication-enabled drive game "Final Lap."

Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (capital: 5.55 billion yen). Opened Yokohama Future Research Institute in Yokohama City, Kohoku Ward (now Tsuzuki Ward). Partnered with CG production company JCGL. Entered a wide range of CG video business from commissioned production to video provision. Released original video software "Future Ninja." Also released a business-use video game "Future Ninja" as a media mix expansion.

Announced the driving game "Winning Run" equipped with the real-time 3D CG system "System 21."

Jointly developed the "Eunos Roadster Driving Simulator" with Mazda Inc.

Partnered with Mitsubishi Precision Inc. to develop traffic safety education simulators.

Exhibited large-scale amusement facilities "Galaxian 3" and "Tower of Druaga" based on the hyper entertainment concept at the "International Flower and Green Exposition."

Namco America Inc. began direct sales of arcade machines in the United States.

Namco America Inc. acquired Atari Operations Inc. and started developing amusement facilities in the U.S.

Established Namco Home Tech Inc. as the U.S. base for home video game software.

Open a large amusement facility "Prabo Sennichimae Store" in Osaka.

Established Namco Europe Ltd. in London, UK.

Listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (capital: 6.984 billion yen).

Opened the urban-themed park "Namco Wonder Egg" in Tokyo, Futako-Tamagawa, and entered the theme park business.

Established Brent Leisure Ltd. to strengthen production and sales in Europe and the UK.

Acquired the largest amusement facility management company in the U.S., Arjins Castle Inc.

Established Shanghai Namco Limited as a joint venture with China. Engaged in manufacturing and sales of amusement equipment and operation of amusement facilities.

Developed the comprehensive amusement facility "Namco Wonder City" in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City.

Announced the business-use drive simulation game "Ridge Racer" equipped with the real-time 3D CG system "System 22."

Merged Namco Operations Inc. and Arjins Castle Inc. to establish Namco Cyber Entertainment Inc.

Opened the Yokohama Creative Center in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City.

Opened the play alchemy nation 'Tamago Empire' adjacent to Namco Wonder Egg.

Released the PlayStation software 'Ridge Racer' simultaneously with the hardware.

Announced the polygon fighting game 'Tekken' using the 3D system board 'System 11' developed jointly with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Established Namco Holding Corp. in the United States.

Opened the Wonder Page.

Opened Japan's largest building-in theme park 'Namco Nanjatown' in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

Reopened 'Namco Wonder Egg/Tamago Empire' as 'Namco Wonder Egg 2'.

Established a subsidiary in Spain and began operating amusement facilities.

Opened the urban multi-purpose amusement facility 'Namco Wonder Tower Kyoto Branch'.

Invested 3 billion yen in Nikkatsu Corporation and made it a group company.

Established Access Entertainment Inc. to operate multi-purpose amusement facilities in the North American market.

Three CG works were simultaneously selected at the American CG society SIGGRAPH.

Opened the large entertainment facility 'Namco Station' County Hall branch inside the old city hall in London, UK.

Three CG works simultaneously won awards at the Multimedia Grand Prix '97 hosted by the Multimedia Content Promotion Association.

Opened the multi-purpose entertainment facility 'INTI (Inti) Shibuya'.

Won the Grand Prize in the Non-Interactive category of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival.

Opened the Kansai branch office building in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture.

Opened the theme amusement facility 'Namco Wonder Park Kōhoku Pac-Man Studio'.

Established Namco Trading Co., Ltd. and started the vendor business.

Proposed a barrier‑free entertainment concept. Entered the nursing care business aiming to blend play and welfare.

Established Monolith Soft, a subsidiary developing home video game software.

Opened Namco Station for NTT Docomo's mobile phone i‑mode service. Expanded content business toward online.

Released the PlayStation game "Pac‑Man 20th Anniversary" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Pac‑Man character.

Commenced supply of LCD units for pachinko machines.

Released "Ridge Racer V" for PlayStation 2 simultaneously with the hardware. Opened the game school "Namco DH Game Lab" in partnership with Digital Hollywood Co., Ltd. Released the first title of the "Master Game" series, "Master Chef". Opened the largest amusement facility in Kyushu, "Namco Wonder Park Hockstown". Established Namco Ecotech Co., Ltd. Co‑developed the system board "System 246", compatible with PlayStation 2, with Sony Computer Entertainment. Simultaneously released "Mr. Driller" for three home console platforms. Four CG works were selected simultaneously at the American CG society SIGGRAPH. CG works received awards at the European international CG event Ars Electronica. Opened "Nanamura Electronic Gaming World Tokyo Peking City", recreating Hong Kong streets, at Tokyo Daiba, DEX Tokyo Beach Island Mall. Opened the internet space "Chi‑Kou‑Raku" in Nagoya Noya Bridge. Closed "Namco Wonder Egg 3" on December 31. Ended the urban theme park operation in Futako‑Tamagawa. Released the PlayStation 2 game "MotoGP".

Formed the new space production group "Team Nanja" and provided know‑how for spatial design in commercial facilities. Secured the first project, "Yokohama Curry Museum" (business entity: Matahari Co., Ltd.) in Yokohama Isezakichō. Entered a logistics business partnership with Sega Corporation. Agreed on collaboration among three companies: Enix Co., Ltd., Square Co., Ltd., and Sega. Entered a comprehensive business partnership with Sega in the amusement business sector. In cooperation with Benesse Corporation, opened the communication park "Shimashima Town" in Takatsu‑ku, Kawasaki City. Released the business version of "Taiko no Tatsujin". Released the PlayStation 2 game "Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies".

Opened the mixed‑use amusement facility "Namco Wonder Park Sapporo" on the 9th floor of Sapporo ESTA. Entered a business partnership with Sega Corporation and Nintendo Co., Ltd. for joint development of the next‑generation business 3D graphics board "Triforce". Released "Xenosaga Episode I: The Vow of the Stars", the first home game from subsidiary Monolith Soft, using a single‑sided double‑layer DVD‑ROM. Released the business version "Beauty Planet". Entered a business partnership with Nintendo in the home game software business. Opened the food theme park "Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium" at Namco Nanja Town. Released the PlayStation 2 game "Taiko no Tatsujin: Tatacon de Dodon ga Don".

Established Namco Tales Studio, a subsidiary developing home game software. Simultaneously released "Soul Calibur II" for three home console platforms. Opened the food theme park "Ice Cream City" at Namco Nanja Town. Released the Nintendo GameCube software "Tales of Symphonia". Released the business prize game "Big Sweet Land". Released the multiplayer video game "Dragon Chronicle" supporting rewriteable cards.

Opened the gyoza theme park "Naniwa Gyoza Stadium" in Osaka Umeda. Released the PlayStation 2 game "Kakutaman". Signed a partnership agreement with Namco Home Tech and flagship company for development and sales of PC games. Opened the food theme park "Tokyo Cream Puff Field" at Namco Nanja Town. In the 2004 Good Design Award, the PlayStation 2 game "Kakutaman", the "Taiko no Tatsujin" series controller "Tatacon", and the portable communication device "Talking Aid IT" became the first game software products to win. Opened the first day service center "Kaikaya" developed and operated by the company at Yokohama World Porters shopping center in Yokohama, Kanagawa. Established Namco Korea liaison office in Seoul, South Korea.

Namco Co., Ltd. celebrated its 50th anniversary. Announced a management integration through the establishment of the joint holding company "Bandai Namco Holdings Inc." with Bandai Co., Ltd. The business game console "Pac‑Man" was certified by Guinness World Records as the "most successful coin‑operated game".

Opened "Riraku no Mori", Japan's first healing park, at Namco Nanja Town.

Namco launches the official service of its first Windows PC online game, 'Tales of Eternia Online'.

On March 31, Namco Co., Ltd. reorganized its structure, launching as "Bandai Namco Games Co., Ltd." focused on game content business, and a new "Namco Co., Ltd." focused on amusement facility business.

Released 'God Eater' for PlayStation Portable. Shipments exceeded 500,000 copies within three weeks.

During the restructuring of the Bandai Namco Group, the Game Content SBU and the Film & Music Content SBU were merged. It became the Content SBU, with Bandai Namco Games as the core, responsible for everything from content creation to sales.

Co‑produced 28 elementary school textbooks for the 2011 fiscal year with Gakkouzoku Co., Ltd.

Launched full service for the social networking service 'Facebook'.

The 'Taiko no Tatsujin' series for iPhone/iPod touch and iPad surpassed one million cumulative downloads domestically.

Participated as a lead company in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Network Integrated Control System Standardization Promotion Project'. In the 'EV Support Network' group, began a pilot experiment mainly targeting car sharing. Released the arcade game console 'Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Versus'.

Shipments of 'NARUTO -Naruto- Shippuden: Ultimate Storm 2', released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, exceeded one million copies worldwide.

Released 'Gundam Royale' on Mobage. The number of registered users surpassed one million within six days of launch. Released 'AKB1/48 Idol and if you fell in love...' for PlayStation Portable.

'Ridge Racer 3D' for Nintendo 3DS was released simultaneously with the hardware. The Japanese Taiko rhythm game 'Taiko no Tatsujin', originally an arcade game, celebrated its 10th anniversary since its debut.

The '8‑hour, 100 different CM broadcast methods' for 'Solatorobo: That and Coda' on Nintendo DS was certified by the Guinness World Records.

The first full CG feature‑length animation of the 'Tekken' series, 'Tekken BLOOD VENGEANCE', premiered in theaters. The arcade 3D fighting game 'Tekken Tag Tournament 2' began operation.

Released 'Tales of Xillia' for PlayStation 3 as a 15th anniversary title of the 'Tales of' series. Shipments exceeded 500,000 copies on the first day.

Established BDNA Co., Ltd., a joint venture with DeNA Co., Ltd. Launched the consultant service 'Game Method Consulting' by game creators. Released 'Ridge Racer' and 'Kakutou No Bita' for PlayStation Vita simultaneously with the hardware.

Released 'One Piece: Pirate Warriors' for PlayStation 3. Shipments exceeded 650,000 copies on the first day.

Established Bandai Namco Studio Co., Ltd. The development division was spun off.

Launched the first‑ever free‑to‑play online‑only game for PlayStation 3, 'Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation'.

Started operation of the new arcade air hockey game 'Big Bang Smash'.

Started operation of the new sensation medal game 'Fishing Spirits', where you fish with a S‑ao type controller. Launched the 'Eco Amusement' initiative, displaying an 'Eco Label' (environmental label). The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York decided to permanently collect 'Pac‑Man' and 'Kakutou' in its permanent collection.

'Tales of' series cumulative shipments surpassed 15 million copies. Bandai Namco Games' social games accumulated 30 million registered users. The music CD of 'The Idolmaster' (publisher: Nippon Columbia) won the 54th Japan Record Awards' Planning Award. The PlayStation Portable software 'AKB1/149 Love Election' set a Guinness World Record.

The total worldwide shipments of the 'NARUTO - Naruto - NARUTO SHIPPUDEN' series have exceeded 10 million copies.

The 86th Academy Awards in the United States, the omnibus film 'SHORT PEACE' in the short animation category, features director Shuhei Morita's work 'Tsukumo,' which was nominated.

To enhance the corporate brand, the label was unified under 'BANDAI NAMCO Games.' Additionally, to promote the 'BANDAI NAMCO' brand overseas and increase its value, the company name's English notation was changed from 'NAMCO BANDAI' to 'BANDAI NAMCO,' and the official English company name was changed to 'BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc.'

The worldwide shipments of 'NARUTO - Naruto - Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3' have exceeded 2 million copies.

The smartphone game application 'ONE PIECE Treasure Cruise' surpassed 10 million downloads.

To expand and strengthen business operations in China, BANDAI NAMCO Shanghai was established.

To expand business areas, the company name was changed to 'BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.' and the corporate philosophy 'Endless Play Every Day' was formulated.

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Pac-Man. The company appeared in the movie 'PIXELS,' opened a comprehensive entertainment facility 'LEVEL257' in Chicago, and launched commemorative products, among other activities.

The mobile game 'THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT STAGE' achieved 4 million downloads within the first week of its fastest launch.

The mobile game 'DRAGON BALL Z DOKKAN BATTLE' surpassed 30 million downloads worldwide.

The arcade 3D fighting game 'Tekken 7' held the company's first official prize-money tournament.

The headquarters was relocated to Shiba, Minato Ward.

The VR entertainment research facility 'VR ZONE Project i Can' opened at DiverCity Tokyo for a limited period until October 10.

'Dark Souls III' broke the series record for fastest worldwide shipments exceeding 3 million copies.

Launched two titles for PlayStation VR: 'Summer Lesson: Hikari Miyamoto Seven Days Room' and 'THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS VIEWING REVOLUTION'.

'DRAGON BALL Z DOKKAN BATTLE' surpassed 100 million downloads worldwide.

Announced the global rollout of a new Pac-Man brand 'PAC-STORE' targeting a new demographic.

Yasuhisa Nakamura, founder of NAMCO and honorary advisor (Chief Advisor of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings), passed away on Sunday, January 22, at the age of 91.

The 'DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ' and 'DRAGON BALL' game series surpassed 2 million copies shipped worldwide, the fastest in history.

The 'Tekkai 2018: Break the World' event was held, and the first professional license for 'Tekken 7' in Japan was issued by JeSU (Japan Esports Union).

To strengthen the real entertainment business that provides content such as facilities, services, and equipment unique to Bandai Namco using real venues, the amusement equipment division was succeeded to Namco Ltd. On the same day, Namco Ltd. changed its trade name to Bandai Namco Amusement Co., Ltd.

Established a research specialist company, "Bandai Namco Research Institute," aimed at creating new value.

Established a specialized company for gaming-related business, Bandai Namco Sevens.

Acquired management rights for the professional basketball team "Shimane Susanoo Magic" belonging to "B.LEAGUE."

"Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle" surpasses 300 million downloads worldwide.

Established a new company, "BANDAI NAMCO Mobile S.L.," in Barcelona, Spain, to maximize mobile content business in Europe and the United States.

Held the 1st Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival at Tokyo Dome, attracting about 100,000 people over two days.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Tekken."

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of "PAC-MAN."

The "Idolmaster" series celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Acquisition of shares of Reflector Entertainment (subsidiary formation).

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Taiko no Tatsujin."

Held the worldwide simultaneous online event "DRAGON BALL Games Battle Hour."

Open the xR hub "MIRAIKEN studio" (Future Research Studio) to create and disseminate next-generation entertainment.

Capital and business alliance with double jump.tokyo Inc.

The mobile game app "Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle" surpasses 350 million downloads worldwide.

Release of the latest "Tales of" series "Tales of Arise." Achieved over 1 million copies shipped worldwide in the first week.

30th anniversary of the "Super Robot Wars" series. The series has shipped over 19 million copies in total. Capital and business alliance with SoftGear Inc.

Capital and business alliance with SHOWROOM Inc.

"ELDEN RING" worldwide shipped copies (Note 1, 2) exceed 12 million, with domestic shipments surpassing 1 million (Note 1, 2).

Established a startup investment fund "Bandai Namco Entertainment 021 Fund" to build "IP Metaverse" and create new entertainment.

Holding the "Bandai Namco Entertainment Festival 2nd".

"ELDEN RING" worldwide total shipment volume (※1,2) exceeds 20 million copies (※1,2).

Sustainable activities utilizing IP, such as promoting reusable bottles through the "Idolmaster" series and collecting old clothes.

"Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" and "Dragon Ball Fighters" each surpass 10 million copies in worldwide total shipment (※1,2)!

Dream collaboration live event series "Different Dimension Festival" first installment, "Different Dimension Festival Idolmaster★♥Love Live! Song Battle," held at Tokyo Dome.

The latest in the 3D fighting game series "Tekken," "Tekken 8," surpasses 2 million copies in worldwide total shipment (※1,2) within one month of release.

The completely new smartphone app game "School Idolmaster" from the "Idolmaster" series has been released.

The "ELDEN RING" downloadable content "SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE" surpasses 5 million copies in worldwide sales (※1,2) within three days of release.

The latest in the "Dragon Ball Z Sparking!" series, "Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO," surpasses 3 million copies in worldwide sales within 24 hours of release (※1,2,3).

"Tekken 8" wins the "Best Fighting Game" award at "The Game Awards 2024."

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Tekken."

Smartphone game app "SD Gundam G Generation Eternals" has been released.

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of "Pac-Man."

"ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN" surpasses 2 million copies in worldwide shipment on its release day (※1,2).

The "Idolmaster" series celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Kisaragi Chihaya's solo performance "OathONE" at the Budokan.