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Bandai Namco Cuts Workforce After Canceling One Piece, Naruto, and Nintendo Titles

Oct 15, 2024, 01:09 PM

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. is reducing its workforce following the cancellation of several game titles due to lackluster demand. The Japanese video game publisher has halted development on games featuring popular anime characters from One Piece and Naruto, as well as a contract project with Nintendo. Reports indicate that the company is using 'expulsion rooms,' or oidashi beya, a traditional Japanese approach where employees are given no tasks, effectively pressuring them to leave. Sources say that multiple game cancellations, including a Nintendo project, have led to these workforce reductions. Despite these measures, Bandai Namco denies allegations of forcing voluntary resignations.