Namco Bandai's mobile gaming subsidiary launches

Namco Bandai, the Japanese publisher created by a major merger last year, has announced the launch of its dedicated North American mobile gaming subsidiary, Namco Networks America Inc.

The newly launched company will have access to a significant existing library of mobile content from the Namco Bandai stable, including Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig Dug and Ms Pac-Man.

This will be built upon in the coming months with a range of new titles, including the firm's first forays into the 3D mobile gaming space - with titles based on Namco classic brands including Ridge Racer and Time Crisis.

Namco is already ranked as the second largest publisher of mobile game content in North America after market leader Jamdat, according to industry research firm Telephia, and the establishment of a dedicated subsidiary will allow it to focus on leading the sector, according to Namco Networks president and CEO Kenji Hisatsune.

"While the wireless content division of Namco America has always been heavily involved in the publishing and development of mobile games, the establishment of this mobile-dedicated company allows us to concentrate exclusively on mobile content and be a leader in this rapidly growing and changing industry," he commented.

The firm will also take over Namco's other mobile content businesses, which include supplying exclusive ringtones and wallpapers based on video game characters and franchises to all of the major US carriers.

To find out more about Namco's plans in the mobile space, check out our interview with the company's European mobile team on MobileIndustry.biz, where they discuss the challenges of the European market, the importance of i-mode services, and their vision of connected mobile gaming.