Bandai Namco Suspends Gundam Metaverse Downloads Amid Design File Leak Rumors
Bandai Namco, a Japanese game publisher, has temporarily suspended the downloads of its newly launched Gundam Metaverse due to rumors surrounding the leakage of design files for highly anticipated Gundam models. In an announcement, Bandai Namco apologized for the inconvenience and stated that they will inform users when the download becomes available again.
The suspension of downloads comes just a week after the metaverse game was made accessible to the public in the U.S. and Japan. However, rumors started circulating earlier this week that the downloads contained unencrypted design files related to certain models for Gundam Seed Freedom, an upcoming animated film set to be released in January 2024. These rumors were spread through Reddit and Hong Kong news site HK01.
Bandai Namco did not provide further details regarding the reasons for suspending the downloads. The company has not responded to requests for comment from The Block.
Metaverse Ambition
Bandai Namco announced that the Gundam Metaverse Project aims to become a global gathering place for Gundam fans, offering various types of content including user-generated content such as fan-created Gunpla. The company envisions turning Gundam from an intellectual property (IP) into a social property and icon (SP), working alongside fans and partners to create a better future through Gundam.
Hot Take: Bandai Namco Faces Setback in Gundam Metaverse Launch
The suspension of Gundam Metaverse downloads by Bandai Namco comes as a setback following the game’s recent public release. The company took this action after rumors spread about leaked design files for highly anticipated Gundam models. While Bandai Namco has not provided specific reasons for the suspension, it is clear that they are taking steps to address the situation and ensure the security of their content. As Bandai Namco aims to create a global community for Gundam fans through the Metaverse Project, this setback highlights the challenges of maintaining data integrity and protecting intellectual property in the digital realm.