Other companies can use IP from Xevious, Galaxian, Druaga, 14 other titles

Japanese financial news source Nikkei reported on Tuesday that Bandai Namco Games is opening up the rights to 17 of their older video game properties. By making the rights available for use, the company hopes to revive interest in the properties.

Bandai Namco is allowing access to the following properties:

Pac-Man

Xevious

Galaxian

The Tower of Druaga

Tower of Babel

Dragon Buster

Wonder Momo

Galaga

Battle City

Valkyrie no Bōken ( The Adventure of Valkyrie )

( ) Yōkai Dōchūki ( Shadow Land )

( ) Wagan Land

Dig Dug

Star Luster

Sky Kid

Genpei Tōma Den

The games came from Namco during the 1980s for arcades. Many of the games have been remade for various consoles and platforms over the years.

Bandai Namco Games will freely allow the use of characters, music, and stories from the games, including modifying the original character designs or story, even if it would classify as a derivative work.

Developers and game companies will be required to register with Bandai Namco Games and apply for the use of the properties before beginning development, but the company plans to approve all applications on principle unless the game contains offensive content. Bandai Namco Games will begin taking applications in April. Though applications will be limited to Japanese game companies at first, Bandai Namco Games will consider offering applications to foreign and individual developers.

Bandai Namco Games will receive a small percentage of sales for companies who apply to use the intellectual property to develop a paid game. The company is also planning an advertising scheme for developers making free games, with Bandai Namco also receiving a small percentage of ad revenue.

[Via Hachima Kikō]