In April 2014, Bandai Namco changed its name from Namco Bandai in international territories. In April of next year, the company will change its name yet again, although the change will be even more subtle this time. Henceforth, Bandai Namco Games, Inc. will be known as Bandai Namco Entertainment, Inc. in all territories.
In a press statement, the company explains that the change was needed to better reflect its expansion into services and products beyond games. The Bandai half has always been known for its production of toys, TV shows, and other non-game properties, and that remained true after it merged with Namco in 2006. Still, I can understand why the business as a whole would want to further stress its non-game output and not have to limit its production plans.
The change goes into effect on April 1, at which time 19 Bandai Namco subsidiaries will have "Entertainment" attached to their names (a 20th subsidiary, Bandai Namco Games Asia Holding Pty. Ltd., will instead be called Bandai Namco Australia Pty. Ltd.).
