Bandai Namco Halts Gundam Metaverse Downloads Amid Design File Leak Rumors

Bandai Namco, the Japanese game publisher, has temporarily suspended downloads for its newly launched Gundam Metaverse. The abrupt decision follows rumors circulating about the potential leakage of design files for highly anticipated Gundam models. In an official statement, Bandai Namco expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured users that information about the resumption of downloads would be communicated on their website.

The suspension comes just a week after the metaverse game's general access was opened to the public in the U.S. and Japan on October 11, as per information available on its website. Speculation arose earlier this week, suggesting that the downloads may have included unencrypted design files related to specific models for Gundam Seed Freedom, an upcoming animated film scheduled for release in January 2024. Reddit and Hong Kong news site HK01 posted images related to these rumors.

Bandai Namco's statement did not provide details about why the downloads were suspended, and the company has not responded to requests for comment from media outlets, including The Block.

The Gundam Metaverse Project, launched last month, aims to serve as a global hub for Gundam fans to engage with diverse content, including user-generated material such as fan-created Gunpla — model kits depicting mecha machinery and characters. Bandai Namco envisions transforming Gundam from an intellectual property (IP) into a social property and icon (SP), collaborating with fans and partners to shape a better future through Gundam.