Tales development studio to be dissolved

The development studio behind Namco Bandai's Tales series of RPGs is to be absorbed into the body corporate.

Andriasang reports the Tales studio currently exists as a wholly-owned subsidiary, but will cease to exist as a distinct entity on January 1, 2012, if approved at a board meeting on November 29.

The publisher gave no explanation for the move, nor any information on the future of the studio's 109 employees. As there are multiple Tales-projects in the works, and Namco Bandai has given no indication that development will cease once the studio is disbanded, it may be just a formality.

The long-running Tales series runs to a dozen core entries, as well as another 19 spin-offs and remakes, in addition to various cross-media efforts. It has been patchily localised despite strong fan demand; the latest release in English is 3DS title Tales of the Abyss, while PlayStation 3 entry Tales of Xillia has not been confirmed for release outside Japan - where it has proved a strong seller.