Bandai Namco, one of the leading names in the gaming industry, has announced recently via their official Japanese website plans to expand the licensing of its iconic franchises, including Tekken and Soul Calibur, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen and diversify its intellectual properties (IPs). This move marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it seeks to expand the reach and influence of its well-established gaming franchises into new markets and media.
“We here at the corporation Bandai Namco Entertainment wish to use the intellectual properties we have created through games for licensing purposes to show off their appeal in other areas to further deepen the connections fans have with them,” it reads.
It continues to say “We have opened a licensing business site today in order to connect with partners for licensing purposes. Our licensing department will start operations on April 1st 2025 in order to fully enhance our licensing business.”
Both Tekken and Soul Calibur are two of Bandai Namco’s most iconic and influential franchises, with deep legacies in the fighting game genre.
- Tekken, first released in 1994, is one of the longest-running and most popular 3D fighting game franchises in history. Known for its deep combat mechanics, expansive roster of characters, and rich storyline, Tekken has maintained its position as a major player in the competitive fighting game scene. With a devoted fanbase and a legacy spanning over two decades, expanding the franchise’s licensing offers new opportunities to grow its influence even further.
- Soul Calibur, another staple in Bandai Namco’s fighting game lineup, focuses on weapon-based combat and has earned praise for its engaging characters and intricate storylines. Since its debut in 1998, Soul Calibur has garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its visually stunning graphics and fluid combat mechanics. Like Tekken, Soul Calibur enjoys a passionate fan following
Both games have already proven their staying power in the competitive gaming scene, with long-running tournament circuits and a dedicated player base. Expanding their reach beyond the gaming world presents an exciting opportunity to introduce these franchises to even larger audiences.
Personally I would love to see them license out Soul Calibur it’s one of my favourite fighting games and I think its time we got a new one but be sure to let us know what you think.
1-Up Games 
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