Expanding the partnership established in 2010, the agreement will see Namco Bandai distribute GRID 2, the much anticipated sequel to the acclaimed BAFTA award-winning title, in every key territory of continental Europe, including United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Switzerland and parts of Eastern Europe, the entire Benelux and Nordic regions, plus Australia and New Zealand. In addition to GRID 2, the agreement encompasses major forthcoming games to be published by Codemasters on its Codemasters Racing label, including as yet unannounced titles.

“Our partnership with Codemasters started a few years ago with a few number of territories. Throughout the years, we have built a trustworthy relationship leading us to add key countries every year in our partnership. Today we are taking a new step by adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to our distribution agreement offering Codemasters the full potential of our network but also support in marketing and communication” said Alberto González Lorca, VP Third Parties, NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe.

“As the dynamics of interactive entertainment change and evolve, then the shift to collaborative support via structured agile partnerships, which extend cost efficiencies and provide for stronger alliances, is the way forward,” said Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters. “We have progressed our relationship with Namco Bandai Partners for more than two years and, during that time, we have expanded territorial reach, which has worked well. We are now able to build on this and further extend our relationship to embrace more countries, including the UK and functions. By working together in this fashion we play to each other’s strengths and are trailblazing an arrangement which is likely to become more prevalent in a borderless industry.”