Namco Bandai to publish Heavenly Sword-dev Ninja Theory's next IP

While light on details, Namco Bandai just used its GamesCom press conference to announce a partnership with Ninja Theory, the developer of the PS3 exclusive Heavenly Sword. Namco Bandai will publish "an original, new IP" from the UK-based developer for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. Though they're not sharing any information on the new project (not even a name, fellas?) they did say it would be "released in 2010" with "more details" being "divulged in the coming months."

Makoto Iwai, executive veep and COO at Namco Bandai Games America, said of the parnership, "With producers from our North American office working closely with such a strong European development studio, we will be able to create a blockbuster title with strong pan-Western sensibilities and appeal for a global gaming audience." Of course, Namco Bandai's focus on Western-developed titles "with strong pan-Western sensibilities" isn't new ... but let's hope development of the as-yet-unnamed Ninja Theory title goes more smoothly than Splatterhouse.