New bit of Namco for doing phone games in the US.
October 11, 2005
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Author: Bandai Namco
SAN JOSE, Calif. (October 11, 2005) - Namco America Inc., a leading publisher of wireless games and content, today announced the formation of Namco Networks America, Inc., an entity dedicated to providing fun, quality entertainment to mobile consumers throughout the Americas.
Leading the team of recognized mobile-entertainment experts is Kenji Hisatsune, currently the executive vice president and COO of Namco America. Hisatsune has been named President, CEO and COO of Namco Networks which will begin operations on January 1, 2006 and will operate under the parent company, Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc.
"The mobile games industry is thriving, and the establishment of Namco Networks shows our dedication to the mobile and network industry," Hisatsune said. "Through quality titles, strong partnerships and revenue growth, we have created a reputation of excellence, a reputation which is maintained by our team of dedicated professionals."
PAC-MAN, Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug and other retro mobile games will continue to be available to consumers. Recently, Verizon Wireless announced that from January to June, PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN were included in Verizon Wireless' list of Top Ten Get It Now games and in the Top Five Get It Now classic games. Galaga recently joined the dot-chomping pair on the top games list as well. Sprint PCS also recently announced that Ms. PAC-MAN has gone "Platinum" with over one million downloads through Sprint alone.
In addition to classic retro games, Namco has launched PAC-MANIA, a 3D version of PAC-MAN, and will launch other 3D titles this fall, including mobile versions of the well-established game franchises Time Crisis and Ridge Racer. Pool Pro Online, the first head-to-head, multiplayer pool game with chat functionality, also recently launched and has been extremely popular among mobile gamers.
"Namco America has become a leader in the North American mobile entertainment market," said Tadashi Fukumoto, Vice President of CX/WMC of Namco LTD based in Japan. "We are fully committed to the mobile content industry. Namco America's success has been well-established, and we believe the formation of Namco Networks will enable us to further succeed in the growing mobile market."
In addition to mobile games, Namco Networks will continue to be the exclusive provider of video game sounds and images, allowing consumers to use sounds and images from their favorite game to personalize their phone through a ringtone or wallpaper.
"We are looking forward to expanding our business offerings to allow for growth and opportunity in all aspects of the mobile and networks industry," Hisatsune said.
Galaga1981 2004 Namco Ltd., PAC-MAN1980 2004 Namco Ltd., MS. PAC-MAN1980 1982 2004 Namco Ltd. RIDGE RACER1993, 2005 Namco Ltd., TIME CRISIS MOBILETM1995, 2005 Namco Ltd., PAC-MANIATM1980, 1987, 2005 Namco Ltd., All Rights Reserved.
About Namco America
Namco America Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Committed to providing the ultimate interactive entertainment experience, Namco uses cutting-edge technology and advanced electronics to take their wireless, coin-op, and home video games far beyond traditional entertainment. For more information about Namco mobile games, please visit: www.namcogames.com.
For Namco America:
For more information, including reviews:
Bo Bandy, VisiTech PR
303.752.3552 x 228
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