Bandai Namco Is Forcing Developers To Leave But Not Firing Them

Bandai Namco Is Forcing Developers To Leave But Not Firing Them

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve witnessed the rise and fall of many game companies, but Bandai Namco has always been a beacon of quality and consistency. However, recent reports about their alleged use of “Oidashi beya” to lay off employees without directly firing them is truly disheartening.


Story Highlights

  • Bandai Namco is one of the most esteemed companies in the video game business. 
  • As per a new report, Bandai is pressuring its workforce to voluntarily leave instead of firing them straight up.
  • “Oidashi beya” is one practice that Bandai is allegedly observing at the moment to ensure layoffs. 

Bandai Namco is well-known for its consistent high quality and dedication to game development, a reputation earned over many years. However, a recent report by Bloomberg suggests a different perspective on the company based on information from sources close to the situation.

According to recent reports, Bandai has not only scrapped several games in development, but they’re also planning staff reductions – though they’re doing so indirectly through a traditional Japanese approach to comply with Japan’s stringent labor regulations.

The approach referred to as “Oidashi beya” or “dismissal rooms” involves asking workers to vacate their work areas and move to designated spaces, relieving them of their job responsibilities. This action may provide supervisors with grounds for termination, since performance reports would allegedly show poor productivity. However, I’m unsure if this practice is legal or feasible in countries with stringent labor laws.

The basis for our choice to halt certain games lies in thorough evaluations of the circumstances. While some team members might need to hold off on receiving their next assignment, we continue to progress with project assignments as new opportunities arise. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no ‘oidashi beya’-like system at Bandai Namco Studios that coerces employees into voluntarily leaving the company.

It’s also worth mentioning that a strange website, going by the name of Leak Press, published claims of mistreatment over at Bandai. There’s no proof of the legitimacy of the site, and the publisher continues to investigate it.  

Bandai Namco Canceled Projects Earlier In The Year As Well

Bandai Namco Is Forcing Developers To Leave But Not Firing Them

This February, Bandai Namco published a report outlining their decision to scrap five distinct projects in favor of prioritizing quality over the number of projects they undertake.

In simpler terms, starting from the midpoint of the last financial year, our company has adopted a more stringent approach in our development process. This includes establishing tighter criteria for moving forward with projects, reducing the number of project titles, and accurately tracking development costs, as affirmed by the industry leader.

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2024-10-16 15:42