Namco Bandai Collaborating on New Smash Bros Games

Previously Nintendo enlisted the help of a number of external developers when creating Super Smash Bros Brawl, and they look to be doing the same once again, this time fully collaborating with Namco Bandai.

A translation of the messages released by Mashiro Sakurai of Smash Bros fame, and the figurehead of Namco Bandai Studios, Masaya Kobayashi;

Hello, I’m Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series.

It’s my personal belief that the only time a creative product really resonates is in that first moment when it’s actually in front of you.

With that said, I’ve realised that if we keep the new Super Smash Bros. title’s development structure secret, it’ll only create more and more speculation, and I won’t be able to develop the game with any freedom. That’s why I’ve decided to announce this news right now, even though it’s still very early on.

I would love to provide more information, but for now, I’m going to stay quiet until I have something solid to show you.

The project has just gotten started. Bear in mind that not only are we developing two titles simultaneously, but we announced the project before we even started actual development, so I’m afraid we will likely have to keep you waiting for quite a while. Please be patient.

Currently, the prototype prepared by NAMCO BANDAI Games and NAMCO BANDAI Studio’s special team looks pretty good, and it’s working great. In order to take advantage of the fact that there will be versions for two different systems, and to maximise and offer fun new gameplay elements, the entire team is going to work hard together. Thank you.

Hello, everyone. I’m Masaya Kobayashi of NAMCO BANDAI Studio. I’m so honored to be able to join the Super Smash Bros. team - that globally popular series of which Japan is particularly proud - and to work alongside Mr. Sakurai.

In order to make Mr. Sakurai proud, we will take on this project with NAMCO BANDAI’s best staff! Yoshito Higuchi, the producer and the director of the “Tales” series, Tetsuya Akatsuka, producer and director of “Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.,” the art director/sound director of the “SoulCalibur” series, the main development team staff from the “TEKKEN” series…and that’s just for starters.

All the top creators from NAMCO BANDAI are gathered here to create a never-before-seen dream team for this project.

We will fully utilise our experience and knowledge in action/fighting game development, technical capability, and organisational strength, and we hereby promise you that we will develop the best and most powerful “Super Smash Bros.” titles ever! Don’t miss them!

​Could this teamup between Nintendo and Namco Bandai hint at certain possible Third Party characters? Who would you like to see pop up to battle Mario and co.?