Bandai Namco, the Japanese media giant responsible for popular games like Tekken and Elden Ring, has reportedly let go of over 100 employees in the past year. This surge in layoffs highlights ongoing challenges in the gaming industry, which has seen similar trends affecting both indie and major studios alike.

Despite a robust lineup of anticipated releases in 2025, the previous year was tough for the company. Reports indicate that several prominent projects did not proceed past development stages, while others underperformed. Consequently, staffing levels have appeared to be affected even though Bandai has yet to confirm any layoffs officially.

Recent evidence from Japan’s Pension Service database suggests a decrease of 117 employees from April 2024 to February 2025. Moreover, sources indicate that Bandai Namco has engaged in a practice known as oidashi beya, where employees are allegedly moved into ’expulsion rooms’ devoid of tasks to encourage resignations without formal layoffs. Though initially denied by the company, this practice has reportedly led almost 100 employees to resign.

As speculation circulates regarding Bandai Namco’s shrinking workforce, the company faces significant scrutiny within the current turbulent landscape of the gaming industry. Layoffs have become increasingly common among developers and publishers, evidenced by similar workforce reductions at Ubisoft, BioWare, WB Games, and Rocksteady in recent months, pointing to potentially deeper issues affecting the sector.