Bandai Namco Joins Wizard World As Official Anime Entertainment Partner

As Wizard World looks to expand its shows to be even broader than before, it’s found a partner to help it accomplish just that.

Wizard World and Bandai Namco announced today that the latter is joining the former as its “Official Anime Entertainment Partner” for 2016, bringing its anime-based video games to tour stops throughout the year. The press release touted “major live event experiential activations” around games like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and Dark Souls III.

The move comes as Wizard World attempts to have its conventions become as much of an attraction to dedicated gamers as they are to comic and pop culture junkies. With that in mind, Bandai Namco will have its biggest presence at 10 stops that include an eSports tournament streaming stage and more of a gaming focus, including Portland , Ore. (Feb. 19-21); St. Louis (April 1-3); Minneapolis (May 6-8); Philadelphia (June 2-5); Sacramento, Calif. (June 17-19); Columbus, Ohio (July 29-31); Orlando , Fla. (August 5-7); Chicago (August 18-21); Austin, Texas (September 23-25); and Pittsburgh (November 4-6). However the partnership begins immediately with this weekend’s Wizard World Comic Con New Orleans.

“The addition of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America as the Official Anime Entertainment Partner is a huge step as we establish gaming as an important and growing part of Wizard World shows moving forward,” Wizard World Inc. CEO John Macaluso said in a press release. “Aligning with BANDAI NAMCO helps in our goal of providing the best experience for the nationwide gaming community and, importantly, connects Wizard World to a valued name in the industry.”

More information on Wizard World’s 2016 plans for gaming are available at WizardWorldGaming.com.