2026-08-10 · buy-side

Bandai Namco bets big on 'crane games' to build arcade business

Franchise strategy aims to grab attention of diverse range of customers

Claw patrol: Bandai Namco's 'crane games' are luring families, women and tourists to the kind of arcades that were once considered hangouts for teenagers.

TOKYO -- Bandai Namco Holdings plans to expand its gaming arcade footprint in Japan by 50% by the fiscal year ending March 2031, betting that its popular "crane games" will grab more business from customers such as anime fans, families and foreign tourists.