Namco Licenses Warhammer Universe For Multiple Titles

Namco Hometek Inc. has announced that the company has signed a licensing agreement with Nottingham, UK-based Games Workshop Group PLC, to create interactive games based on the dark, medieval fantasy world of Warhammer. The exclusive, long-term deal will allow Namco to publish multiple games for the PC and also allows for future console and handheld gaming versions. Previous Warhammer titles from most recent licenser THQ included popular PC RTS Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War, as well as console FPS Warhammer 40K: Fire Warrior, and shows Namco's commitment to expanding into the PC space, also shown in a recent commitment to the ex-Blizzard developers headed by Bill Roper at Flagship Studios. Although it's possible that Flagship could now be working on Warhammer titles, no official announcement to that effect has been made. "'Warhammer' is considered among the greatest fantasy gaming brands in the world," said Grantley Day, Director of PC Development for Namco Hometek Inc. "We plan to extend its rich characters, environments and lore to the video game arena, with some blockbuster titles for the PC." The "Warhammer" community, based on the core paper and miniature role playing titles and associated merchandising, stretches across the world, supported by Games Workshop's 300+ stores, 4000+ independent retailers, and many games clubs, tournaments and events such as the annual Games Days in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Australia. There is also a thriving web community based around the official website and many thousands of fan sites. "We feel sure the legions of 'Warhammer' fans will be excited at the prospect of this partnership with such a distinguished company as Namco," said Jon Gillard, Business Development Manager for Games Workshop. "Namco has created some of the greatest video game franchises of all time, and we are confident they will make some incredible games set in 'Warhammer's' rich and engaging world."