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

Media & EntertainmentFranchise strategy aims to grab attention of diverse range of customersClaw patrol: Bandai Namco's 'crane games' are luring families, women and tourists to the kind of arcades that were once considered hangouts for teenagers.DAIKI TSUGANEAugust 10, 2026 09:50 JSTTOKYO -- 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.