In 2005, Bandai and Namco merged, and the following year, Bandai Namco was born. To mark the new conglomerate, the company got a yellow, red, and orange logo with the companyâs name in white font. Itâs not a bad look, and stands out among Japanese game companies. But next year, Bandai Namco is getting a redesigned logo, and so far, the buzz is not good.
According to Bandai Namco, there is a reason for the redesignânamely that the new logo reflects the companyâs new purpose.
âFundamental to our Purpose is the idea of connecting and working together to create things,â said Bandai Namco Holdings president Masaru Kawaguchi Bandai. âNamcoâs entertainment connects fans all over the world. By delivering fun to the people everywhere, we put smiles on their faces and help them achieve happiness. Thatâs why Bandai Namco exists.â
Okay. But your new logo sure doesnât seem to be making fans happy. Below are a selection of comments from Japanâs largest bulletin board, 2ch:
They really thought this was good?
Itâs just letters.
This is so dull.
This looks like something I could make.
I like that itâs simple.
It doesnât look like a Japanese company.
Looks like Twitchâs logo.
No personality.
When I look quickly at it, I canât tell itâs Bandai Namco.
The previous one was better.
This for real? Itâs so shitty.
The font is fine, but the way itâs bordered is not cool.
Itâs too simple. Just glancing at it, thereâs no branding.
Itâs fine. I donât really care about logos.
Video games are fun so make a funner logo.
And the orange logo was so nice.
Itâs better than before.
Is it really necessary to change the logo?
But what do these folks know? Bandai Namco says there is a concept behind the design. It means something! Here is the official explanation:
The new logoâs speech bubble motif, âFukidashiâ in Japanese, expresses the potential of the brand to connect with people around the world and inspire them with amazing ideas. The speech bubble also represents Japanâs manga culture that has become so popular everywhere. The logo stands for our determination to communicate with fans worldwide, to connect with our fans, and to create entertainment unique to Bandai Namco. The magenta used as the motif color not only represents diversity, but also creates a bright and fun impression and is easy to reproduce.
The new logo will go into use starting April 2022. The current one is way better.
