The Metaverse is a very big deal these days, although nobody knows exactly what it means or what it might look like. It's generally defined as a shared virtual space with a focus on social interaction, but whether that looks like Ready Player One or a Korean music concert remains to be seen.
Despite this, game companies are making big bets on creating their own metaverses. Facebook (sorry, Meta) is spending billions on its virtual world, while Bandai Namco is taking a somewhat more restrained approach.
In its most recent shareholder update, the Elden Ring publisher told assembled shareholders its three-year plan (from April 2022 to March 2025). The plan involves an "IP Axis Strategy" with the stated goals of connecting with fans, enhancing the company's IP value, and improving sales outside of Japan. Part of this plan involves making an "IP Metaverse" which Bandai Namco will spend $130 million creating.
As per VGC, “Bandai Namco will develop a metaverse for each IP as a new framework for connecting with fans. In this IP Metaverse, we are anticipating virtual spaces that will enable customers to enjoy a wide range of entertainment on an IP axis, as well as frameworks that leverage Bandai Namco’s distinctive strengths to fuse physical products and venues with digital elements."
Just how Bandai plans to do all that remains somewhat murky. The company said that it will first establish a "data foundation" and then start developing content for it. It'll have an "open framework that provides venues for connections with and among fans and business partners." Outside that, details are scarce.
Since there’s very little connecting Bandai Namco’s various IPs, we can only assume this metaverse will be like a virtual chat room of sorts that’ll let fans jump from Dragon Ball to Ace Combat to Scarlet Nexus. I suppose we’ll find out by 2025.