Bandai Namco Studios has announced progress on its proprietary game engine, which is set to become the foundation for its upcoming projects. The studio revealed the update through a post on X on June 12, 2025, showcasing how the engine is already being used to train new employees and build prototype games.
This marks a significant step for the developer behind major franchises like Tekken, Tales of, and Ace Combat, as it works toward reducing dependence on third-party engines such as Unity and Unreal.
Development Journey
The project has been in the works for several years. Initial development began in 2019, with a restart in 2020. By 2022, the engine had entered full production, with over 50 developers contributing under the leadership of Julien Mercenon, the current CTO of Bandai Namco Studios and a veteran of Ubisoft and Square Enix.
Built on Bandai’s Legacy Technology
The new engine takes inspiration from the “NU Library”, a graphics technology originally created during the PlayStation 2 era for iconic titles such as Tekken and Ace Combat. While the NU Library was limited and required separate tools for each game, the new engine is designed to unify all tools into a single, streamlined framework, enabling greater efficiency and flexibility for developers.
Why an In-House Engine Matters
By developing its own technology, Bandai Namco can:
- Reduce reliance on external licenses like Unity and Unreal.
- Expand creative freedom for its developers.
- Standardize workflows across multiple game projects.
This strategic move signals Bandai Namco’s commitment to investing in long-term innovation and establishing a stronger technological foundation for its global franchises.
