– The Unstoppable Ninja Fighting Game Series Launched in 2003 Flies Past Major Milestone as the Latest Title Prepares to Hit Retail –
– NARUTO Hits The Road with First Ever World Video Game Tour Coming to Japan and Europe in February 2012 –
CERGY-PONTOISE, FRANCE – 12th January 2012 – Champagne corks are popping today at NAMCO BANDAI Games headquarters around the world following the news that the NARUTO video game franchise has shipped an incredible 10 million copies worldwide since the launch of the first game in 2003 (Japan/Asia 1.9 million units, North America 4.3 million units, Europe 3.8 million units). NAMCO BANDAI Games began releasing NARUTO videogames in March 2003 and has published a total of 15 titles to date across multiple platforms.
The 10 million milestone has been passed as the latest title, NARUTOSHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, warms up for its Australian & New Zealand release on March 29h for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®, and NAMCO BANDAI Games prepares for its first ever NARUTO video game world tour. Throughout January and February 2012, fans from Japan, Europe and Asia will be invited to show their skills at a series of dedicated NARUTO gaming events. The European event will take place at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show this February 4th and 5th in Paris, France. For more information about dates and locations please visit www.namcobandaigames.eu
Since 2003 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. has had the privilege to work very closely with a number of talented developers on the series including the exceptional team at CyberConnect2. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 2 from CyberConnect2 was released in October 2010 for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® and has been a huge success with global sales in excess of one million.
To celebrate the 10 million sales of NARUTO games in his own inimitable style, the charismatic president of CyberConnect2, Hiroshi Matsuyama, will run all 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195km) of the Marathon de Paris in France in full NARUTO costume on April 15th, 2012, joined by NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. He’s already on a hard NARUTO-style training regime to get in shape for the shock!
Also, for the first time in the history of the series, NAMCO BANDAI Games is pleased to announce a collaboration between NARUTO videogames and the NARUTO trading card game which will see the light of day within the same release window as NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations.
“We’re very glad and proud to have achieved 10 million units worldwide on the NARUTO franchise, and we promise you that we will keep working very hard on this important franchise to carry on exciting all the fans around the world. Thanks again for all of your support, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Paris Manga event. I wish you all the best for 2012!!” said Yusuke Sasaki, Producer at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.
Developed by CyberConnect2, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is the latest title in the hit ‘NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm’ series of games. The title powers the series into the future with revolutionary online play and more playable and support characters than ever. With original Japanese voiceovers and faithful NARUTO presentation, NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is an essential addition to the smash hit NARUTO series of games.
For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe and its entire line up of games please visit www.namcobandaigames.eu.