HanbitSoft can't launch Hellgate in US or Europe because of Namco deal

HanbitSoft is interested in relaunching Hellgate: London in the US and Europe, but Namco Bandai's western publishing deal prevents it, reports Gamasutra.

"There have been many inquiries from US and European Hellgate players surrounding the availability of the game in those respective territories," said CEO Kee Young Kim.

"HanbitSoft does own the intellectual property of Hellgate: London and is interested in providing the game in the US and Europe, but is unable to do so at this time because Namco Bandai has the publishing rights for those regions.

"We cannot open up the server in Korea to allow access by US and European players as this will constitute infringing upon Namco Bandai’s publishing rights in the US and Europe. HanbitSoft is currently doing its best to improve the game."

Namco was supposed to shut Hellgate servers down on January 31 this year.

More though the link.