<p>Japanese video game publisher Bandai Namco has taken the step of temporarily suspending downloads of its recently unveiled Gundam Metaverse, raising questions and concerns about a potential major leak within the project.</p><p>In an official <a href="https://gmpj.bn-ent.net/ja/information/detail?id&#61;15" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">announcement</a> on Thursday (local time), the company expressed regret over the temporary suspension of client file downloads, stating that the firm is sorry that downloading the client files for the Gundam Metaverse has been temporarily suspended.</p><h2 id="header-0">Recent game release</h2><p>Gundam Metaverse was launched with the collaborative intention of Bandai Namco and Gundam fans, aimed at creating a community that contributes to future Gundam projects. The sudden halt to downloads came as a surprise, given that the game was released just this month.</p><p>The Gundam Metaverse was initially slated to be open for a limited time in Japan and the US. It featured an “Early Access” phase for a select number of users, which commenced on October 6, followed by the “General Access” phase available to the public starting on October 12.</p><p>During this time, visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a 3D world inspired by the iconic Gundam anime. The virtual world included a store offering six distinct Gundam Plastic models, commonly known as Gunpla, and a space for digital live performances by artists affiliated with the Gundam series.</p><h2 id="header-1">Suspected design file flaws</h2><p>Bandai Namco has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the decision to cease downloads, leaving fans and observers speculating about potential issues with the project. Speculation was further fueled by rumors that circulated online, suggesting that the game’s downloads contained unencrypted design files related to specific models from “Gundam SEED Freedom.”</p><p>These rumors began circulating as early as mid-September when a Weibo user claimed to have shared images of the “Freedom Gundam” and “Justice Gundam” designs, scheduled to make their debut in “Gundam SEED Freedom.” This upcoming animated film is produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda, with a release date set for January 26 next year, marking the 20th anniversary of the Gundam SEED franchise.</p><p>Given that Gunpla models were set to be released in tandem with the film’s screening in January, the alleged leak of design files would be a substantial concern for Bandai Namco.</p><p>Hong Kong news outlet HK01 <a href="https://cryptonews.com/news/japanese-gaming-giant-bandai-namco-halts-gundam-metaverse-downloads-whats-going-on.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">reported</a>:</p><p>“There were a large number of 3D model CAD [computer-aided design] files of Gundam models hidden inside [a download], including 2024-only 3D model CAD files.”</p><h2 id="header-2">Metaverse vision</h2><p>Bandai Namco set out its <a href="https://www.bandainamcoent.asia/eu/news/the-3rd-gundam-conference-begins-announcing-the-gundam-metaverse-project" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">metaverse vision</a> in March 2022 when it provided initial details on what it termed back then as its “Gundam Metaverse Project.” The project <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Media-Entertainment/Bandai-Namco-to-spend-130m-creating-Gundam-metaverse" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">involved</a> an outlay of $130 million for the company to get it off the ground.</p><p>At the time, Bandai Namco saw its entry into the world of the metaverse as an opportunity for it to be “connected with fans,” becoming a hub so that those connections could run more deeply and broadly and result in greater enjoyment for IP fans, partners, group employees, and society worldwide.</p><p>Bandai Namco’s decision to halt downloads remains a topic of intrigue that has left Gundam fans and industry observers eagerly awaiting further developments and clarifications from the gaming giant.</p>

Japanese Games Publisher Suspends Metaverse Downloads

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