Namco forms RPG-specific subisidiary

[10.01.99] » Namco's new Monolith Soft division will specialize in PlayStation 2 RPGs.

   According to Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun, arcade mainstay Namco is aiming to become a console RPG as well by creating a new subsidiary to develop PlayStation 2 RPGs. To be titled Monolith Soft, the company is scheduled to begin releasing games in 2001. Development of those games, of course, will begin far sooner.

   Namco will provide 90% of Monolith Soft's initial capital, which totals 30 million yen (about $285,000 US). Once it is fully running, Monolith Soft should employ 50 to 60 staff members; Hirohide Sugiura, formerly of Square, has already signed on to head the company.