Bandai Namco, the well-known Japanese publisher, is making a notable change by closing down its online division, aptly named Bandai Namco Online. This shift will see the division’s functions integrated into the main Bandai Namco operations.
While the company has shared this decision, they’re yet to clarify whether this will have any impact on the employees. Bandai Namco Online was originally set up in 2009 with a clear focus on online gaming, handling titles like Dragon Ball Z: X KeeperZ, Gundam Evolution, and Blue Protocol.
The rationale behind this move, according to Bandai Namco, is to adapt to “recent changes in the environment surrounding the game business” and to enhance the management of its overall digital operations. Earlier in the year, Bandai Namco also revealed plans to discontinue Blue Protocol, an MMO developed in collaboration with Amazon, with the shutdown scheduled for January 18th, 2025.