PAC-MAN and Eastpak partner for travel collection

For the first time, dot-munching, cherry-picking cultural phenomenon PAC-MAN and his fellow maze-dwellers BLINKY, INKY, PINKY and CLYDE have teamed up with yet another icon that went global in the 1980s: Eastpak.

 

The PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection is a playful and colourful range of travel and lifestyle accessories, in three colourways and six styles. The collection comprises the famous Eastpak Padded Pak’r backpack, Springer bum bag, Tranverz S luggage, Out of Office daypack and Benchmark pencil case, and also includes a newly created PAC-MAN Pouch that comes in the shape of the ghosts who pursue PAC-MAN through every level of the world-famous video game.

As an added feature, each item in the PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection comes with a special jacquard keychain embroidered with the iconic phrase: “Game Over”.

The PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection is available now from Eastpak.com.

Bandai celebrates 40 years in business

With its 40th anniversary coming up on 29 April, Bandai UK is celebrating four decades of bringing some of the world’s most iconic brands to the UK market.

Having successfully set up as a UK arm in 1982 for its Japanese parent company, Bandai UK launched trading with its foundations steeped firmly in the boys’ action figure market, gaining significant success with the likes of big-name properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.  Over recent years, however, the business has undertaken a period of realignment to establish itself as a top multi-category player within the toy industry.

Forty years on and Bandai UK possesses an enviable portfolio of leading brands and ranges within its key divisions – Toy, Collector, Own IP, and Third-Party Distribution – all equally fundamental to the company’s early and ongoing success. Primary IPs include the best-selling Tamagotchi, Pac-Man and hit anime series Dragon Ball, while distribution lines such as CoComelon, Miraculous, McFarlane, and National Geographic are proving to be hugely successful inclusively within their associated categories and the overall toy market.

“It’s a massively exciting time to be at Bandai UK,” says Nic Aldridge, Bandai UK’s Managing Director. “Our approach is to continually challenge and evolve to remain relevant, and innovative, especially as the market becomes increasingly competitive. We are now well-established as a multi-category toy company and our recent positioning as the No.15 toy company (February 2022 NPD) assures us that this is the right approach for growth and driving forward the business. We’re looking forward to celebrating with our partners, retailers, and consumers, and planning ahead to thrive for years to come.”

 

Bandai celebrates 40 years in business

With its 40th anniversary coming up on 29 April, Bandai UK is celebrating four decades of bringing some of the world’s most iconic brands to the UK market.

Having successfully set up as a UK arm in 1982 for its Japanese parent company, Bandai UK launched trading with its foundations steeped firmly in the boys’ action figure market, gaining significant success with the likes of big-name properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.  Over recent years, however, the business has undertaken a period of realignment to establish itself as a top multi-category player within the toy industry.

Forty years on and Bandai UK possesses an enviable portfolio of leading brands and ranges within its key divisions – Toy, Collector, Own IP, and Third-Party Distribution – all equally fundamental to the company’s early and ongoing success. Primary IPs include the best-selling Tamagotchi, Pac-Man and hit anime series Dragon Ball, while distribution lines such as CoComelon, Miraculous, McFarlane, and National Geographic are proving to be hugely successful inclusively within their associated categories and the overall toy market.

“It’s a massively exciting time to be at Bandai UK,” says Nic Aldridge, Bandai UK’s Managing Director. “Our approach is to continually challenge and evolve to remain relevant, and innovative, especially as the market becomes increasingly competitive. We are now well-established as a multi-category toy company and our recent positioning as the No.15 toy company (February 2022 NPD) assures us that this is the right approach for growth and driving forward the business. We’re looking forward to celebrating with our partners, retailers, and consumers, and planning ahead to thrive for years to come.”

 

Bandai and Benetton partner for PAC-MAN kidswear

BANDAI NAMCO Europe has signed a licensing agreement with the Benetton Group S.r.l to develop a PAC-MAN kids apparel line, available worldwide.

The collection includes t-shirts and sweatshirts for both boys and girls and is already available in Benetton stores worldwide and the company’s online store.

“We are happy to have been able to forge this partnership with Benetton for our legendary PAC-MAN franchise,” says Aadil Tayouga, EMEA Head of Licensing and Strategic Partnerships at BANDAI NAMCO Europe S.A.S. ”Both our brands are colourful, have a long history, and appeal to all generations. We are really proud of this collection that captures the fun, joy as well as the colourful side of PAC-MAN.”

 

 

Bandai Namco Europe signs new deals with EMP and Rhinoshield for Pac-Man merch and more

Video game publisher Bandai Namco Europe has closed a direct licensing agreement with EMP for the German-based company to provide exclusive merchandise for Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls, Tekken and Little Nightmares franchises. Categories include apparel, accessories, gifts and more.

In addition, Bandai Namco Europe is continuing to grow its Pac-Man licensing programme, partnering with Rhinoshield to launch a fun phone accessories collection.

Bandai Namco Europe is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. Its franchises include Little Nightmares, Park Beyond, and the upcoming Unknown 9 Awakening,  developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment, based in Montreal. Bandai Namco Europe serves as the HQ of Bandai Namco Holdings for mainland Europe and ANZ, which is known for producing many of the toy and entertainment industries’ top franchises, including Pac-Man, Tamagotchi and Gundam.

Pizza Hut partners with Bandai Namco for AR PAC-MAN campaign

Pizza Hut has partnered with Bandai Namco’s PAC-MAN for a special campaign that brings the iconic video game character to life through augmented reality when customers scan the printed PAC-MAN game printed directly on their pizza box packaging.

The initiative is the first part of a wider campaign at Pizza Hut to take customers on a nostalgia-driven journey down memory lane. Fans who play the AR PAC-MAN game can enter a competition for a chance to win their own custom Arcade1UP PAC-MAN game cabinet.

Rolling out across the US, the campaign encourages fans to simply order a large pizza from Pizza Hut, scan the QR code on limited edition PAC-MAN boxes, and play the AR PAC-MAN game, From here, they can enter the online sweepstakes to be in with a chance of winning the top prize.

On April 3, Pizza Hut will select one winner from all eligible entries properly submitted to receive the custom PAC-MAN arcade game cabinet for their home.

“PAC-MAN’s design and creation was inspired by the shape of a pizza with a slice taken out of it, making this partnership so appropriate for the PAC-MAN brand,” said Yutaka Fuse, head of licensing and branding at Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. “PAC-MAN games and Pizza Hut pizzas occupy a special place in many people’s memories; we’re excited to have the opportunity to create fun memories for a new generation of PAC-MAN and Pizza Hut fans through this collaboration.”

“There aren’t many brands with more iconic elements than us, whether it’s the red cups, checkered tablecloths, connection to pop culture and entertainment – like PAC-MAN – or our iconic Pan Pizza,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer, Pizza Hut.

“As we look to connect with a new generation of pizza lovers, we are tapping into those things that make Pizza Hut great in a modern and relevant way.”

The PAC-MAN box, AR game and TV spot are just the beginning. Throughout the year, Pizza Hut says it will be fueling pizza lovers with new innovation, bringing back iconic pizzas and tapping into entertainment and pop culture in new and unexpected ways.

Bandai Namco begins toy and games divisions merger process with new president

The wheels have been set in motion of a restructuring at Bandai Namco that will see the Japanese corporation merge its toy and gaming units ‘to better leverage its many IPs’ such as Pac-Man, Dark Souls, and Tekken.

Upon the release of its latest financial results, Bandai Namco confirmed that company veteran Masaru Kawaguchi was to move into the role of president and representative director, and lead ‘a new strategic direction’ at the company.

This direction includes pushing through plans to merge its toy and games business, reflecting what it has billed in a statement issued to the press as ‘a new era of dramatically changing sense of values and lifestyles.’

From April this year, Bandai Namco will push forward with these previously announced plans, part of which will see the corporation reduce its operating units from five to three.

Kawaguchi will assume his new role after a one year tenure as part-time director for all Bandai Namco Entertainment.

As part of the move, the Toys and Hobby Unit and Network Entertainment Unit will be merged into the Entertainment Unit. Meanwhile, the Visual and Music Production Unit and IP Creation Unit will be merged into the IP production Unit. Finally, the Real Entertainment Unit will be renamed Amusement Unit.

Bandai said: “From April 2021, each business will join together in a united effort to a greater degree than before under the All Bandai Namco concept in preparation for the next Mid-term Plan.

“The Company will reorganise its Unit structure to further strengthen its IP Axis Strategy in the global market, and will change to a new structure for its directors.”

By merging the toy games and toy divisions, Bandai Namco said it believed it would be able to better leverage its many IPs, which include Pac-Man, Dark Souls, Tekken and more.

Retro game streaming platform Antstream Arcade lands Bandai Namco Entertainment partnership

The streaming retro video game subscription service, Antstream Arcade, has struck up a deal with Bandai Namco Entertainment to deliver its library of classic retro titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug to gamers across the globe.

Under the new partnership, 27 Bandai Namco Entertainment titles will be added to Antstream’s already expansive library of more than 1,000 fully licensed retro games. The new suite of Bandai games will be joining the likes of Space Invaders, Asteroids, and Double Dragon on the platform.

All games on Antstream Arcade’s platform are streamable over any 4G connection or better, and available on almost any device, for the cost of a single flat monthly subscription.

Steve Cottam, CEO of Antstream, said: “Having grown up playing games like Pac-Man, to be able to announce that we are partnering with Bandai Namco Entertainment is hugely exciting. No library of classic retro games would be complete without Bandai Namco Entertainment’s portfolio, and we could not be happier to be able to bring these games, and many more, to our thousands of players worldwide – along with new challenger modes and tournaments, updating them for a modern audience.”

Yutaka Fuse, Pac-Man room manager of Bandai Namco Entertainment, said: “Antstream Arcade is the ideal partner for Bandai Namco Entertainment to bring its many classic games to both existing fans and new players.

“It underscores the potential of streaming games as an important part of the future of gaming in allowing players to instantly access a vast library of titles easily and legally, including many hidden gems of gaming history that may have been harder to play for the global network of retro gamers.”

Bandai joins Antstream’s long list of licensing partners such as Taito, SNK and Atari in providing their catalog of games to its expanding library of classics and curios. In addition to providing gaming rights holders an additional revenue stream from the use of their content, Antstream also provides a wealth of gameplay data to rights holders that want to know how their games are being played, by who and for how long so they can decide how to shape their franchises for audiences in the future.

Thanks to Antstream Arcade’s streaming technology all of these games can be played on TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets and of course mobile phones – bringing more iconic games to a wider audience than any platform ever before.

Retro game streaming platform Antstream Arcade lands Bandai Namco Entertainment partnership

The streaming retro video game subscription service, Antstream Arcade, has struck up a deal with Bandai Namco Entertainment to deliver its library of classic retro titles, including Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug to gamers across the globe.

Under the new partnership, 27 Bandai Namco Entertainment titles will be added to Antstream’s already expansive library of more than 1,000 fully licensed retro games. The new suite of Bandai games will be joining the likes of Space Invaders, Asteroids, and Double Dragon on the platform.

All games on Antstream Arcade’s platform are streamable over any 4G connection or better, and available on almost any device, for the cost of a single flat monthly subscription.

Steve Cottam, CEO of Antstream, said: “Having grown up playing games like Pac-Man, to be able to announce that we are partnering with Bandai Namco Entertainment is hugely exciting. No library of classic retro games would be complete without Bandai Namco Entertainment’s portfolio, and we could not be happier to be able to bring these games, and many more, to our thousands of players worldwide – along with new challenger modes and tournaments, updating them for a modern audience.”

Yutaka Fuse, Pac-Man room manager of Bandai Namco Entertainment, said: “Antstream Arcade is the ideal partner for Bandai Namco Entertainment to bring its many classic games to both existing fans and new players.

“It underscores the potential of streaming games as an important part of the future of gaming in allowing players to instantly access a vast library of titles easily and legally, including many hidden gems of gaming history that may have been harder to play for the global network of retro gamers.”

Bandai joins Antstream’s long list of licensing partners such as Taito, SNK and Atari in providing their catalog of games to its expanding library of classics and curios. In addition to providing gaming rights holders an additional revenue stream from the use of their content, Antstream also provides a wealth of gameplay data to rights holders that want to know how their games are being played, by who and for how long so they can decide how to shape their franchises for audiences in the future.

Thanks to Antstream Arcade’s streaming technology all of these games can be played on TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets and of course mobile phones – bringing more iconic games to a wider audience than any platform ever before.

Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel! acquires Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man animated series

The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man and The Ghostly Adventures are the latest children’s series to be landing on Genius Brands’ recently launched Kartoon Channel! app. The streaming rights to the two animated series were acquired from 41 Entertainment as GBI continues to build its animated content offering.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures features the classic video game character Pac-Man in a series that follows his daily adventures, alongside his loyal crew Cyli and Spiral. Together they protect Pac-World from a ghostly army led by the evil Betrayus.

Pac-Man was originally conceived in 1980 when the franchise rose to fame via its arcade video games. Pac-Man went on to make an array of branding and entertainment appearances, becoming one of the most recognised video game characters on the planet. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the video game franchise that can be credited with kick-starting a pop culture movement.

Meanwhile, Kartoon Channel! has also secured 26 episodes of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, a series based on the blockbuster video game series from SEGA. This light-hearted adventure series emphasizes positive themes for kids about personal safety and interpersonal relationships.

The series stars Sonic and his friend Tails as they work to thwart the machinations of Dr Robotnik and his henchmen Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts.

“Our mission in creating Kartoon Channel! has always been to deliver the best of the best in children’s entertainment, and we are excited to add these two series, featuring popular characters that are proven winners and that kids love,” said Caroline Tyre, general manager of Kartoon Channel!