Bandai Namco Entertainment
Bandai Namco Entertainment business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Tekken 8 Gets New Starter Guide Video for Newest Roster Addition Bob
Bandai Namco has released an 11-minute starter guide video for Bob, the newest roster addition to Tekken 8. The video details Bob's powerful strikes, agility, defensive options, and key moves like Abats Snipe and Spinner Ball. Bob is available as part of Season Pass 3, with wider access coming on August 25th. Tekken 8 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections 1.70 update announced, patch notes – new character Uchiha Nanashi and more
An update version 1.70 for Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections has been announced, adding the playable character Uchiha Nanashi for free on August 20. The patch also includes costume color additions, new features for Ninja Battle and Special Challenges, an increased level cap to 130, and various battle balance adjustments. Bandai Namco plans further updates for the winter and next spring.
Tekken 8's version of Bob adds pinpoint accuracy to the 'speed & weight' formula
Bob returns to Tekken 8 with his signature 'speed and weight' fighting style, enhanced by new 'just frame' move upgrades that offer significant damage boosts. While some Tekken 7 moves are missing, the addition of these precise input mechanics provides a higher skill ceiling for players. Bob's kit focuses on mobility and strong mid-attacks, with new transitions into his Spinner Ball stance and wave dash, making him a challenging but rewarding character for advanced players.
Former Tekken boss Katsuhiro Harada's new studio grabs yet another series veteran from Bandai Namco to work on a…
Former Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has joined Katsuhiro Harada's new VS Studio, reuniting with the former Tekken series boss and other veterans from Bandai Namco. Ikeda expressed excitement about creating something new with his former colleagues. The studio's exact project is unknown, but it is speculated to be a new 3D fighting game.
Cyber Cycles is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Hamster Corporation announced that Cyber Cycles will be released for the Nintendo Switch via the Arcade Archives series on August 30. Originally released by Namco in 1995, Cyber Cycles is a near-future motorcycle racing game. The Arcade Archives version will include features like save states, button remapping, and VRR support, with a Time Attack Mode also being introduced.
Tekken 8 director jumps ship to join Harada's new Vs Studio team
Kohei Ikeda, the game director of Tekken 8, has left Bandai Namco Entertainment to join Katsuhiro Harada at SNK's newly formed Vs Studio. He will be reunited with fellow Tekken veterans Yuichi Yonemori and Harada, with the trio expected to work on a new project together. The exact nature of Vs Studio's first game remains unconfirmed, though a fighting game is anticipated.
VS Studio adds another Tekken veteran as Kohei Ikeda joins as game designer
Former Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has joined Katsuhiro Harada's VS Studio as a game designer, marking his return to working with former bosses. Ikeda previously spent twenty years at Bandai Namco Entertainment before announcing his departure in June. VS Studio, which is supported by SNK, aims to deliver top-tier gaming experiences through collaboration and innovation.
The Blood of Dawnwalker’s Protagonist is “Quite Easy to Kill” During the Day, Says Director
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of Rebel Wolves' upcoming RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, stated that the protagonist Coen will be vulnerable and "quite easy to kill" during the day due to his hybrid nature. The game, set for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on September 3rd, aims to be a "narrative sandbox" where player choices, even leading to NPC deaths, won't create fail states. Rebel Wolves and publisher Bandai Namco plan to allow save file carry-over into future installments of the planned game series.
Sony’s Oasis-Loving CEO Thinks We’re Going To Crave Human-Made Art In The Age Of AI
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki believes that while AI can enhance creativity, human-made art will remain essential and craved by consumers. He suggests that the industry must adapt to leverage AI rather than be threatened by it. This perspective contrasts with some industry figures who express concerns about AI's impact on originality and the value of human experience in art.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Nintendo Switch 2 “Gameplay Showcase” trailer
A "Gameplay Showcase" trailer has been released for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, ahead of its debut next week. This edition includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and new customization options. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is set to launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026.
Former Tekken 8 director Kohei 'Nakatsu' Ikeda joins Katsuhiro Harada's VS Studio
Former Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has announced he is joining Katsuhiro Harada's VS Studio. Ikeda expressed excitement about working with Harada again on new projects, following Harada's departure from Bandai Namco Entertainment and establishment of VS Studio in collaboration with SNK. This move reunites two key figures from the recent Tekken development team.
Japan’s best-selling games of July 2026 – huge sales for Rhythm Heaven Groove and Splatoon Raiders
Famitsu data reveals Rhythm Heaven Groove and Splatoon Raiders had massive debuts in Japan during July 2026, selling nearly 700,000 and 500,000 physical copies respectively. Nintendo dominated software sales and was the top publisher for the month, with the Nintendo Switch 2 remaining the best-selling console.
Former Tekken 8 Producer Joins Katsuhiro Harada’s VS Studio
Former Tekken 8 producer and director Kohei Ikeda has joined Katsuhiro Harada's new studio, VS Studio SNK. Ikeda announced his move on social media, expressing excitement about working with former colleagues again and creating new content. VS Studio SNK, founded by Harada with investment from SNK Corporation, is expected to develop a fighting game.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026 – Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered shoots to the top for Nintendo Switch 2 launch
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered debuted at number one on the UK software sales chart for the week ending August 15, 2026, driven by its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo titles Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, and Mario Kart World also performed strongly, holding the second, third, and fourth positions respectively.
Spider-Man is looking exceptionally strong in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
Spider-Man is emerging as a dominant character in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, with all top 8 players at a recent tournament utilizing him, often as an assist. His strong offensive capabilities and quick overhead attacks make him a powerful choice, leading to discussions about potential nerfs. Other notable characters include Blade and Magneto, while Magik, popular in the beta, has seen a slight dip.
How I’m dealing with my video game backlog of 48 titles - Reader's Feature
A reader details their strategy for tackling a personal backlog of 48 video games, categorizing titles and discussing their purchasing habits. They highlight challenges with game length, difficulty, and digital ownership, while also reflecting on completed games and those they've abandoned.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 17 to 21
This week's "Next Week on Xbox" feature highlights numerous game releases for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between August 17 and 21, including titles available on Game Pass. Notable releases include S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (DLC), Backyard Baseball, The Sinking City 2, and Mortal Shell II, alongside a variety of indie titles across different genres.
Vague Patch Notes: How Amazon blew up money unnecessarily and left online games unceremoniously
This analysis critiques Amazon's approach to online game publishing, citing the premature cancellation of Crucible and the relinquishing of publishing rights for Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty back to developers Bandai Namco and NCsoft, respectively. The author argues that Amazon's strategy involved excessive spending and a focus on potential hits rather than fostering the development of its games, contrasting it with the successful turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Demo Hits Gamescom on August 26
Bandai Namco announced that a playable demo for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 will be available at Gamescom on August 26, 2026. While this is an additional demo beyond the previously announced Tokyo Game Show appearance, no home console demo has been confirmed. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release, with a 'Road Tour' offering hands-on opportunities throughout the latter half of 2026.
Amazon’s MMO run will be coming to end sooner than thought
Amazon Game Studios is ending its Western publishing operations for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, while FirstSpark Games/NCSoft will manage Throne and Liberty starting in Q4 2026. This marks a significant shift for Amazon's ambitions in the MMO publishing market, following the shutdown of New World and the cancellation of other projects.
