Recent trademark filings from Bandai Namco suggest that beloved titles such as Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, and Splatterhouse might see a revival. Following in the footsteps of SEGA, which has been renewing trademarks for several classic IPs, Bandai Namco appears to be exploring similar avenues.

Bandai Namco recently axed five games in development as part of a restructuring effort to enhance their game evaluation process. Rising development costs were cited as a primary reason for the cancellations. Additionally, the company aims to raise the bar on quality following mixed feedback on recent releases like Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections and Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash. The upcoming Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero game, however, is generating significant buzz among Dragon Ball enthusiasts, showcasing the company’s commitment to quality.

Twitter user and gaming researcher Kurakasis uncovered over 20 new trademarks for classic Bandai Namco titles on Chizai-Watch, a Japanese trademark search website. Among them are Namco History, Splatterhouse, Summon Night, and Ms. Pac-Man, indicating potential revisits to these classics. While these filings might be standard upkeep, the possibility of reviving these iconic games remains intriguing.

Some trademarks pertain to arcade titles exclusively released in Japan,
like 1979’s Cutie Q and 1988’s Mirai Ninja. Several titles, including Galaga and Burning Force, are already accessible on current-gen platforms thanks to ports by Hamster Corporation’s Arcade Archives series. These classics are also available on PC, catering to retro gaming enthusiasts.

While Bandai Namco could adopt a strategy similar to SEGA’s and leverage its IP catalog, the company is likely to prioritize its internal restructuring efforts. The forthcoming Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion from From Software, slated for release in Bandai Namco’s next fiscal year starting April 1, could heavily influence the company’s future release plans given its projected profitability.