Elden Ring video game publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment's recently unveiled logo is getting torn apart by fans online. In addition to its George R. R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki collaboration Elden Ring, Bandai Namco is also the force behind notable franchises like Tekken, Pac-Man, Dark Souls, and more.
The Bandai Namco Entertainment company is the result of a 2005 merger between Japanese video game companies Bandai and Namco. Throughout the years, the video game publisher has held the rights to games derived from popular anime franchises, such as Sailor Moon, Naruto, and Dragon Ball video games. In fact, recently the industry giant has registered a trademark for a new One Piece game, fueling speculation of a new installment for its franchise.
After Bandai Namco's new corporate logo change, fans of the company are taking to the Internet to share their less-than-flattering comparisons and opinions. Unveiled in an October 1st press release, Bandai Namco reportedly changed both their "Purpose" and corporate logos, set to be effective in April of next year. The press release displays the new logo, which is the capitalized name Bandai Namco surrounded by a pink speech bubble - the "Purpose" logo includes an additional slogan, Fun for All into the Future," below the pink-outlined graphic. Fans have been sharing their first impressions on Twitter.
Some fans, like Twitter user TheNCSmaster, have made comments about its simplicity while other users - such as emblasteon, YUNG CHICANO SAMURAI, and ColonelSandwich - have outright mocked the new logo. Criticism toward the logo appears to stem from its simplicity and stripped-down appearance, especially in comparison to its former orange-and-red Bandai Namco logo. While Bandai Namco's press release includes descriptions behind the logo's intentions and inspirations, fans seem to be far from impressed by its look, regardless.
It appears the logo is emblematic of Bandai Namco's impending shift in focus. In a press release for Elden Ring, Bandai Namco mentioned that Elden Ring wont' be limited to a video game - it will be a multimedia franchise, similar to The Witcher or Pokémon. With this news and recent logo announcement, Bandai Namco could be signifying its move into other industries beyond video games. If the company see success in such areas in the future, then perhaps the logo will make more sense to the general public.
Source: Bandai Namco, TheNCSmaster/Twitter, emblasteon/Twitter, YUNG CHICANO SAMURAI/Twitter, ColonelSandwich/Twitter