Namco USA Expands its Operations in the US, Rebrands as Pac-Man Entertainment

Namco recently surprised us with the news that not only is the entertainment giant looking to expand its operations within the country, but they are also doing it with a new name. The video game, game center, and theme park focused company released a statement at this year’s IAAPA expo under the new name Pac-Man Entertainment, a reference to the company’s popular title and long-time mascot.

Throughout their long and prestigious history, Namco has divided its operations into several major departments, all of which operate under similar names. For example, Bandai Namco focuses on home console video games; Bandai Namco Amusements handles the research and development of arcade & VR games games; Bandai Namco Technica handles technical support of their content; Namco Cybertainment operates their family center consulting and arcade business locations; and so on. The names have changed several times, which does make for some of the confusion out there, on top of all of the divisions. Either way, this is one company that has it all figured out when it comes to arcade game operations, which is why it can do so with success across the entire globe.

The division responsible for the Namco-owned arcade locations across the country is typically known as Namco Cybertainment (also Namco USA). Up until now, many locations have featured several different names. Some of those include Level 257, Time Out, games!, and some partnerships with AMC Theatres. Over 8,000 arcade machines are operated by Namco covering over 1,000 venues in North America. In most of these locations, the family centers are managed by operators outside the company, using licensed machines by Namco, and splitting the earnings in two ways between both parties.

To unify the brand under a single banner we now have Pac-Man Entertainment as their newest nomenclature. These new entertainment centers will be oriented toward families and groups of friends, as usual, but with a more fancy and elegant vibe. In their Level 257 website, we can already see what these new locations promise to bring to the people which include the following:

“Follow me, PAC-MAN, to a magical land of inter-dimensional awesome – where you and your whole crew will blast 8-bit baddies in our social gaming lounge, share shareable foods like sushi & tapas in our restaurant, and most importantly, discover what it means to Play Together Again.”

It seems that the promise of bringing families together once again like the good ol’ golden of gaming is a common theme nowadays, what with Tommy Tallarico’s similar goals with the new Intellivision Amico, which you can totally read about here!

Nevertheless, the pictures that are available on Level 257’s website are positively amazing and has us oozing with excitement and anticipation. In these pictures, you can see how the new locations will look, and you can also learn about their services, which include craft beers and other beverages, as well as fine dining, bowling, and “the ultimate social experience.” On the subject of the latter, Namco had the following to say: “We’ve brought together an arsenal of high-caliber multiplayer experiences, nostalgic throwbacks and high-tech simulations that will send jaws to the floor – all to bring you & your crew together like never before.”

These new Pac-Man Entertainment locations are shaping up to provide a positively fantastic experience to all their visitors.

By the way, if you’re interested in reading the press release that started it all, here you go:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 27, 2018

NAMCO USA INC. Announces Nationwide Expansion

Chicago, Illinois – November 27, 2018 – NAMCO USA INC., (NUSA), announced November 13th, 2018 at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, (IAAPA), that it is expanding its amusement operations in North America under the brand name of PAC-MAN. NUSA’s parent company, BANDAI NAMCO GROUP, (BNG), is committed to expansion in three key global markets over the next ten years; China, India and North America.

As the sole licensor of the PAC-MAN brand for operations in the Americas by BNG, NUSA will begin marketing under the unified brand for all new and remodeled locations. NUSA will continue to develop, scale and expand its direct managed locations (DML); Pac-Man Zone, Pac-Man Café, Pac-Man Entertainment.

President and CEO, Kiyoshi Saito, stated, “Over the past few months, we have evolved our full scale restaurant and entertainment center in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL from Level 257 to Pac-Man Entertainment. It is only natural that we expand on this change and embrace it across our operations.”

About NAMCO USA, INC.

North American Operations were founded in 1990 and are now headquartered in Wood Dale, IL. NAMCO USA INC. (NUSA), is the owner and operator of 48 manned centers in North America and Puerto Rico that provide entertainment and encourage customers to “Play Together Again”. NUSA currently operates over 8,000 machines amongst over 1,000 revenue share facilities within other businesses.

Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. NAMCO USA INC., does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will NAMCO USA INC., and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.

For Media Inquiries contact;

NAMCO USA INC.
712 N. Central Ave., STE B
Wood Dale, IL 60191
630-238-2200
[email protected]

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