NAMCO HIRES PC GAMES VETERAN, GRANTLEY DAY, AS DIRECTOR OF PC DEVELOPMENT

Bandai Namco |

San Jose, Ca., (November 17, 2004) - Global video games publisher, Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the hiring of Grantley Day as Director of PC Development, reinforcing the company's commitment to its expansion into the PC games market. Day brings to Namco more than eleven years of experience in developing entertainment software for the PC, including most notably his online game development work for The Sims franchise at Electronic Arts.

"As Namco expands its games business onto the PC platform, it is critical for us to find the best talent in the industry," said Nobuhiro Kasahara, president and chief executive officer of Namco Hometek Inc. "Grantley Day brings tremendous experience in developing cutting-edge online and multiplayer gaming technology, which is vital to Namco's future success in the PC games market."

One of Day's primary initiatives as the Director of PC Development will be in helping to bring the Flagship Studios/Namco partnership to fruition. As announced earlier this year, Namco Hometek Inc. and Flagship Studios formed a publishing partnership to bring the developer's first PC game to market. Flagship Studios was founded in July 2003 by the creators of Diablo^®, one of the best-selling PC game franchises of all time. The Flagship Studios product will be one of several AAA titles planned for release from Namco Hometek's PC division.

Prior to joining Namco, Day founded Techhand Inc., the developer of a massively multiplayer online trading card game. Day created the game's design and server-based technology, as well as the overall business plan. Day was also responsible for establishing relationships with key partners including publishers, game development studios and asset creation companies.

Before founding Techhand Inc., Day spent five years at Electronic Arts. Most notably, Day served as the Director of Development for the company's Maxis division, contributing to The Sims Online integration effort and managing the online presence for Sim-based products, including Sim City and The Sims. Day was also heavily involved with The Sims Online community.