Bandai Namco Aware of Risks for New IPs Amid Busy Release Calendar

Bandai Namco Flags Increased Risks for New IPs Amidst Crowded Release Calendar

Bandai Namco Europe's CEO, Arnaud Muller, recently highlighted the significant challenges publishers face in navigating the current video game market, particularly concerning new IP releases. While 2024 has seen relative stabilization after industry-wide adjustments, long-term concerns remain.

Muller emphasized the escalating development costs and unpredictable release timelines as major risk factors. The increased financial investment required, coupled with potential delays, creates significant uncertainty. He stressed the importance of proactively accounting for these possibilities to avoid unforeseen setbacks.

The crowded 2025 release calendar, featuring titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Avowed, further complicates the situation. Muller questioned the likelihood of all anticipated releases adhering to their projected launch windows, underscoring the inherent unpredictability.

Bandai Namco's strategy centers on a balanced risk approach, prioritizing established IPs and focusing on specific genres. The upcoming Little Nightmares 3, for instance, benefits from an existing fanbase, providing a degree of market security. However, Muller acknowledged that even established franchises aren't immune to evolving player preferences and market fluctuations.

Muller identified three crucial elements for future market growth: a positive macroeconomic climate, a robust platform install base, and the expansion into new, high-growth markets like Brazil, South America, and India. He also confirmed Bandai Namco's platform-agnostic approach, expressing readiness to invest in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Despite the challenges, Muller expressed optimism, suggesting that a successful 2025 release pipeline could significantly boost market growth. The company's approach emphasizes a careful balance between leveraging existing IPs and strategically managing the risks associated with new IP development in a highly competitive market.