Namco Bandai announced recently the creation of their newest publishing label, Surge. This new label was developed specifically for targeting the tastes of western gamers and will provide games from a wide variety of genres across multiple platforms.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Namco Bandai games America Andrew Lelchuk stated that Surge marks a milestone in their commitment to distribute ground breaking games that differ from the ordinary. In contrast to Namco Bandai's existing franchises and intellectual properties, Surge will provide new games that will "complement [their] portfolio" as well as "[position] the company as a creative force".

Afro Samurai, based off the anime of the same name, is the label's first game and a combination of traditional Japanese and hip hop culture elements. Afro Samurai has so far only been confirmed for the 360 and PS3, but further intellectual properties are currently in development for publishing under the Surge label.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW 'SURGE' PUBLISHING LABEL

SURGE Represents Robust Line of Titles and Audience Expansion

Santa Clara, Calif., (December 4, 2008) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today unveiled the formation of SURGE™, a new studio and publishing label dedicated to providing cutting-edge, genre-defining games that are targeted at satiating the appetite of western gamers. SURGE will deliver quality interactive entertainment across a wide assortment of categories and platforms.

"SURGE presents a significant milestone for NAMCO BANDAI as it personifies our commitment to deliver compelling content for the discriminating player who is looking for games that are not only groundbreaking but also push the envelope," said Andrew Lelchuk, executive vice president of sales and marketing at NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc. "Through passion and innovation, SURGE will complement our portfolio of established franchises and intellectual property while positioning the company as a creative force."

Afro Samurai®, the high-style title that blends urban hip hop culture with traditional Japanese aesthetics, will be the first game to launch under the new label when it is released on January 27, 2009. Additional IPs currently in development and slated for 2009 will also be published under the SURGE label.