Shocking News: Bandai Namco Axes Nintendo-Commissioned Project Amid Major Workforce Cuts!

In a surprising turn of events, Bandai Namco Holdings, the parent company of the renowned video game publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment, is reportedly undergoing significant layoffs and project cancellations, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Among the unfortunate cancellations is an unannounced project commissioned by Nintendo, alongside highly anticipated titles based on popular anime franchises such as One Piece and Naruto. The specifics of the Nintendo project are still under wraps, but it’s worth noting that Bandai Namco has a long history of fruitful collaborations with Nintendo. They have contributed to iconic games like Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Pokkén Tournament. Notably, Bandai Namco also played a crucial role in creating a substantial portion of the assets for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In conjunction with these project cancellations, reports suggest that Bandai Namco is implementing a controversial strategy known as “oidashi beya” or "expulsion rooms." This involves placing around 200 employees in a state of forced inactivity, pressuring them to resign voluntarily instead of facing immediate termination. This traditional Japanese method allows employees to use their unscheduled time to seek new employment opportunities.

While Bloomberg's sources remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the situation, a new and contentious website, Leak Press, emerged last month, alleging that Bandai Namco is employing various tactics to encourage their staff to leave the company.

A Bandai Namco representative responded to the allegations, stating, "Our decisions to discontinue games are based on comprehensive assessments of the situation," and emphasized that workers may experience some waiting time before they are assigned new projects. However, the spokesperson categorically denied the existence of oidashi beya as a pressure tactic, insisting there is "no organization" aimed at prompting voluntary departures. The company declined to comment further on Leak Press, only acknowledging its awareness of the site.

In a notable development last year, Bandai Namco officially established Bandai Namco Studio 2 & Studio S, a specialized development team set to handle commissioned projects, with hints that they were linked to a Nintendo endeavor. However, eagle-eyed users on social media recently identified that the studio has ceased hiring for positions related specifically to any Nintendo project, raising eyebrows in the gaming community.

While the report does not mention the current status or activities of this studio, the cancellations, layoffs, and unfulfilled collaborations certainly leave fans questioning the future of Bandai Namco's partnership with Nintendo. What does this mean for upcoming releases and beloved franchises? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as industry insiders continue to speculate about the ramifications of these changes.