Bandai Namco Holdings' recent financial report for the first half of fiscal year 2025 (H1 FY25) reveals a significant shift in its intellectual property (IP) hierarchy, with the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise emerging as the top earner. The mecha series generated a substantial ¥76.5 billion ($496.5 million) in revenue, marking a new milestone for the company. This development was prominently noted in a tweet from "Anime Updates," which stated, > "GUNDAM is now #1, outselling both ONE PIECE and DRAGON BALL's IPs, according to a recent report by Bandai."
This achievement positions Gundam ahead of Bandai Namco's long-standing revenue titans, Dragon Ball and One Piece. Historically, Dragon Ball has often been the company's most lucrative IP, generating approximately $930 million worldwide in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. In H1 FY25, Dragon Ball followed closely behind Gundam with ¥75.7 billion, representing a 9.6% year-over-year increase, while One Piece secured ¥73.2 billion, demonstrating robust growth of 22%.
The surge in Gundam's financial performance is largely attributed to strategic initiatives aimed at expanding its global footprint and engaging its fanbase. Key drivers include the successful launch of the Gundam Next Future Pavilion at the Osaka Expo and the positive reception of the new anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. Bandai Namco has also outlined plans for continued investment in the overseas expansion of the Gundam brand over the next three years, signaling confidence in its sustained growth.
Bandai Namco is aiming for record earnings for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, buoyed by strong results across its diverse divisions. The digital entertainment sector, in particular, saw significant growth in H1 FY25, with network content revenue reaching ¥100.8 billion ($654.1 million) and home console revenue soaring by 40.7% to ¥110.5 billion ($717.1 million). This robust financial health underscores the company's strategic focus on maximizing the global value and longevity of its extensive portfolio of intellectual properties.