SANTA CLARA, Calif., (June 7, 2011) – In celebration of GALAGA’s™30^th anniversary, leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced a partnership with Nolcha, an award-winning global platform advancing the business of independent fashion, to offer designers the opportunity to create t-shirts inspired by the iconic world of GALAGA.

Released for North America in 1981, GALAGA, the popular space arcade shooter, has proven to be an extremely successful franchise, with the original arcade version being ported to more than 20 different gaming systems.  The partnership highlights that creativity can collaborate in varying diverse sectors and delivers the opportunity for fashion designers to enter the gaming world and be inspired by an iconic brand like GALAGA. 

Submissions are being accepted until June 24 and can be completed by going to www.globalfashionbrands.com/galaga.  Once the submissions close, a panel of gaming and fashion experts will select the top 10 designs.  From there, it is up the public to vote for the winner.  The winner and four runner-ups will have their designs sold via GlobalFashionBrands.com and exhibited at Nolcha Fashion Week: New York September 8-11, 2011.  This design initiative brings independent fashion to a broader audience, connecting aspiring talent to a loyal community fan-base who will have the voting power of the shortlisted 10 designs.

According to NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Vice President of Marketing, Carlson Choi, “This is a great way to kick off Galaga’s 30^th anniversary and drive awareness around the franchise.  We have been heavily focused on our community and this contest is a great way to get our more than 5 million community fans involved.”

Kerry Bannigan, CEO of Nolcha, commented, “We are thrilled to give aspiring fresh talent the opportunity to design for an iconic brand.  Bringing together the worlds of fashion and videogames gives designers yet another avenue to expand their creativity.”

The judging committee features David Blend, Editor, Thrillist; Andy Dunn, CEO, Bonobos; Carlson Choi, VP Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America; Kerry Bannigan, CEO, Nolcha; and Libe Goad, Video Game and Gadget Editor. 

For more information on how to enter the contest, please visit: www.globalfashionbrands.com/galaga.  Additional GALAGA30^th anniversary products and promotions will be announced through the year. Up-to-date information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/galaga.

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About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., part of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content — including all major video game consoles, iOS, mobile and online.  The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, Tekken®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®.  More information about the company and its products can be found at www.namcobandaigames.com or www.facebook.com/namco.

About Nolcha

Nolcha is an award-winning leading global platform advancing the business of independent fashion designers and retailers via social e-commerce, New York and London fashion week events and an educational video portal. The company has a strong brand presence with its unique platform and receives positive recognition from world-renowned media outlets such as CBS, Forbes, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Smart money TV, and BBC.  Nolcha is sponsored by globally renowned companies including Coca-Cola, Paul Mitchell, Aveda, American Airlines, Ask.co.uk, Macy’s, Escada Perfumes and Procter & Gamble.

Press Release © 2011 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
GALAGA TM & (c) 1981 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

CONTACTS:

Kelly Loughlin
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
kloughilin@namcobandaigames.com

Rebecca Strong
Nolcha
rstrong@nolcha.com

Craig Sinel
fortyseven communications
craig@fortyseven.com