PAC-MAN and Eastpak partner for travel collection

For the first time, dot-munching, cherry-picking cultural phenomenon PAC-MAN and his fellow maze-dwellers BLINKY, INKY, PINKY and CLYDE have teamed up with yet another icon that went global in the 1980s: Eastpak.

 

The PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection is a playful and colourful range of travel and lifestyle accessories, in three colourways and six styles. The collection comprises the famous Eastpak Padded Pak’r backpack, Springer bum bag, Tranverz S luggage, Out of Office daypack and Benchmark pencil case, and also includes a newly created PAC-MAN Pouch that comes in the shape of the ghosts who pursue PAC-MAN through every level of the world-famous video game.

As an added feature, each item in the PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection comes with a special jacquard keychain embroidered with the iconic phrase: “Game Over”.

The PAC-MAN x Eastpak collection is available now from Eastpak.com.

Bandai Namco Europe signs new deals with EMP and Rhinoshield for Pac-Man merch and more

Video game publisher Bandai Namco Europe has closed a direct licensing agreement with EMP for the German-based company to provide exclusive merchandise for Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls, Tekken and Little Nightmares franchises. Categories include apparel, accessories, gifts and more.

In addition, Bandai Namco Europe is continuing to grow its Pac-Man licensing programme, partnering with Rhinoshield to launch a fun phone accessories collection.

Bandai Namco Europe is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. Its franchises include Little Nightmares, Park Beyond, and the upcoming Unknown 9 Awakening,  developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment, based in Montreal. Bandai Namco Europe serves as the HQ of Bandai Namco Holdings for mainland Europe and ANZ, which is known for producing many of the toy and entertainment industries’ top franchises, including Pac-Man, Tamagotchi and Gundam.

Pizza Hut partners with Bandai Namco for AR PAC-MAN campaign

Pizza Hut has partnered with Bandai Namco’s PAC-MAN for a special campaign that brings the iconic video game character to life through augmented reality when customers scan the printed PAC-MAN game printed directly on their pizza box packaging.

The initiative is the first part of a wider campaign at Pizza Hut to take customers on a nostalgia-driven journey down memory lane. Fans who play the AR PAC-MAN game can enter a competition for a chance to win their own custom Arcade1UP PAC-MAN game cabinet.

Rolling out across the US, the campaign encourages fans to simply order a large pizza from Pizza Hut, scan the QR code on limited edition PAC-MAN boxes, and play the AR PAC-MAN game, From here, they can enter the online sweepstakes to be in with a chance of winning the top prize.

On April 3, Pizza Hut will select one winner from all eligible entries properly submitted to receive the custom PAC-MAN arcade game cabinet for their home.

“PAC-MAN’s design and creation was inspired by the shape of a pizza with a slice taken out of it, making this partnership so appropriate for the PAC-MAN brand,” said Yutaka Fuse, head of licensing and branding at Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. “PAC-MAN games and Pizza Hut pizzas occupy a special place in many people’s memories; we’re excited to have the opportunity to create fun memories for a new generation of PAC-MAN and Pizza Hut fans through this collaboration.”

“There aren’t many brands with more iconic elements than us, whether it’s the red cups, checkered tablecloths, connection to pop culture and entertainment – like PAC-MAN – or our iconic Pan Pizza,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer, Pizza Hut.

“As we look to connect with a new generation of pizza lovers, we are tapping into those things that make Pizza Hut great in a modern and relevant way.”

The PAC-MAN box, AR game and TV spot are just the beginning. Throughout the year, Pizza Hut says it will be fueling pizza lovers with new innovation, bringing back iconic pizzas and tapping into entertainment and pop culture in new and unexpected ways.

Bandai Namco begins toy and games divisions merger process with new president

The wheels have been set in motion of a restructuring at Bandai Namco that will see the Japanese corporation merge its toy and gaming units ‘to better leverage its many IPs’ such as Pac-Man, Dark Souls, and Tekken.

Upon the release of its latest financial results, Bandai Namco confirmed that company veteran Masaru Kawaguchi was to move into the role of president and representative director, and lead ‘a new strategic direction’ at the company.

This direction includes pushing through plans to merge its toy and games business, reflecting what it has billed in a statement issued to the press as ‘a new era of dramatically changing sense of values and lifestyles.’

From April this year, Bandai Namco will push forward with these previously announced plans, part of which will see the corporation reduce its operating units from five to three.

Kawaguchi will assume his new role after a one year tenure as part-time director for all Bandai Namco Entertainment.

As part of the move, the Toys and Hobby Unit and Network Entertainment Unit will be merged into the Entertainment Unit. Meanwhile, the Visual and Music Production Unit and IP Creation Unit will be merged into the IP production Unit. Finally, the Real Entertainment Unit will be renamed Amusement Unit.

Bandai said: “From April 2021, each business will join together in a united effort to a greater degree than before under the All Bandai Namco concept in preparation for the next Mid-term Plan.

“The Company will reorganise its Unit structure to further strengthen its IP Axis Strategy in the global market, and will change to a new structure for its directors.”

By merging the toy games and toy divisions, Bandai Namco said it believed it would be able to better leverage its many IPs, which include Pac-Man, Dark Souls, Tekken and more.

Earthworm Jim lands on retro gaming platform Antstream Arcade in Interplay Entertainment partnership

Earthworm Jim! From the soil he did crawl and onto the retro games platform Antstream Arcade he now falls, thanks to a new licensing deal with Interplay Entertainment.

This is the latest development for Antstream, the games streaming platform that specialises in retro and throw back video game titles. It follows the firm’s recent deal with Bandai Namco and will see popular titles such as Earthworm Jim and Descent become available for gaming fans of a certain vintage across the globe.

With all games streamable over any 4G connection or better and on multiple smart devices, having access to some of the most celebrated titles from the world’s leading games and entertainment brands strengthens Antstream’s position as the de facto retro game streaming company.

For monthly subscription, gamers will be able to play Antstream’s growing library of licensed classics and curios, as well as enjoy the chance to participate in a wide range of global tournaments and leaderboards.

Steve Cottam, CEO at Antstream, said: “Interplay is one of the most iconic and well- respected games publishers and developers, so this deal is hugely important for Antstream.

“Following other high-profile partnerships we have signed, and with more deals in the pipeline, we are clearly demonstrating the strength of our position in the gaming market and the huge growth potential that cloud-based streaming services creates.”

Herve Caen, CEO of Interplay Entertainment, added: “It is always great to partner with a company which is clearly leading the way in gaming and, in this instance, retro gaming. Antstream Arcade is on track to doing just that, substantiated by its strong vision and having a solid understanding and passion for the industry. We are very much looking forward to what this collaboration will deliver.”

Steamforged Games teams with Bandai Namco to launch Pac-Man: The Card Game

Steamforged Games has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment to launch the iconic 1980 arcade game Pac-Man to the tabletop gaming space with Pac-Man: The Card Game.

The game is billed as an easy-to-learn family game that will see players gobble up fruit and Pac-Dot cards for points, while avoiding ghosts Blinky, Pinky. Inky, and Clyde at all costs. The title will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by John Adams Leisure and will hit stores in November this year.

With three game modes, players can get to know the game in Beginner Mode, level up for a greater challenge, or combine both decks in Bonus Mode to create an experience for up to eight players.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative lead at Steamforged Games, said: “We’re stoked to be collaborating with our partner Bandai Namco on another household IP. The game will be a brand new experience that feels authentically like the PAC-MAN we all know and love, with art inspired by the retro arcade classic.”

Steamforged Games teams with Bandai Namco to launch Pac-Man: The Card Game

Steamforged Games has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment to launch the iconic 1980 arcade game Pac-Man to the tabletop gaming space with Pac-Man: The Card Game.

The game is billed as an easy-to-learn family game that will see players gobble up fruit and Pac-Dot cards for points, while avoiding ghosts Blinky, Pinky. Inky, and Clyde at all costs. The title will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by John Adams Leisure and will hit stores in November this year.

With three game modes, players can get to know the game in Beginner Mode, level up for a greater challenge, or combine both decks in Bonus Mode to create an experience for up to eight players.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative lead at Steamforged Games, said: “We’re stoked to be collaborating with our partner Bandai Namco on another household IP. The game will be a brand new experience that feels authentically like the PAC-MAN we all know and love, with art inspired by the retro arcade classic.”