Bandai Namco Suspends Gundam Metaverse Downloads Amid Leak Rumors
Japanese game publisher Bandai Namco has temporarily suspended downloads of its recently launched Gundam Metaverse game due to rumors of a major leak. An announcement on October 18 apologized for the suspension and stated that users would be informed when the download becomes available again. The Gundam Metaverse project aims to create a community where Bandai Namco and fans can collaborate on future Gundam projects.
The sudden halt in downloads came as a surprise since the game was launched just this month. The Gundam Metaverse was scheduled to be open for a limited time in Japan and the US, with an Early Access period for a limited number of users followed by General Access for the public.
Rumors of Design Leaks
Although Bandai Namco did not provide an explanation for the suspension, online posts had already spread about potential leaks in the game downloads. These posts claimed that unencrypted design files related to specific models for ‘Gundam Seed Freedom’ were included in the download. ‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom’ is an upcoming mecha animated film produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks, scheduled for release in January 2024.
If the leaks are true, this would be a significant issue as it could potentially spoil upcoming releases and impact marketing efforts tied to the film. Some individuals have even claimed to have successfully printed parts of these leaked models using 3D printers.
Hot Take: Bandai Namco Faces Setback with Gundam Metaverse Leak
The decision by Bandai Namco to suspend downloads of Gundam Metaverse highlights the challenges faced by game publishers in protecting their intellectual property from leaks. This incident shows that even highly anticipated games can fall victim to unauthorized access and distribution of design files. It serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized leaks. Bandai Namco will need to address this issue promptly and ensure that future releases are adequately protected to maintain the trust of their fanbase.