Bandai Namco Online, the studio specializing in service and MMO games, within the Bandai Namco group is reportedly facing difficulties after the release of its latest game Blue Protocol. The studio experienced a loss of 8.201 billion yen ($51.35 million) in the fiscal year 2023 2024 marking a notable increase from the previous years net loss of 3.98 billion yen.
The challenges faced by Bandai Namco Online are linked to the underperformance of Blue Protocol since its launch in Japan in 2023. Despite garnering a player base of 600,000 users the games popularity has waned over time. Additionally other titles from the studio, like Gundam Evolution, which ceased operations towards the end of 2023 have also contributed to its struggles.
Rising Development Costs Blamed for Losses
Industry analysts suggest that the main issue causing difficulties, for Bandai Namco Online could be the rising costs of developing its projects. Reports indicate that the studio has had to abandon and redo projects resulting in increases in expenses. This has significantly strained the studios stability.
Despite the challenges faced by its division Bandai Namco as a whole achieved its ever net sales totaling 1,050.2 million yen in the fiscal year 2023 2024. However uncertainties loom over the future of Bandai Namco Online and its upcoming global launch of Blue Protocol through Amazon Games due, to the studios troubles.
