Keita Takahashi, creator of the Katamari series, voiced his opinion on his blog concerning Bandai Namco using its "Catalog IP Open" project to allow others to develop titles for the franchise:

They will open their own IP of 21 games and Katamari is included (but no music). That means, you might be able to make new Katamari games but for only smart phone, web browser and new network device. Or might use it at school/class. But for only people/company in Japan. Sounds like they give us good creative opportunity to make something new one. But I’m uncomfortable/mixed feeling about this. I know Katamari is not mine, of course. I can’t blame their decision. But seems like they just couldn’t make the best use their IP despite they are game developer. I should buy back Katamari IP from them.

喜んでいる人もいると思うけど、んー自分にとっては複雑です。彼らのIPを、ゲーム開発者である彼ら自身が有効活用できないから、良さげに見える方法でそれらを活用しようとしているように思えます。それって、自分にはアイディアがありませんと胸を張って言ってるようにしか見えません。ゲームの会社なのに。と、自分がそんな発言したところで何も変わりませんが、さすがに一言いいたくてねえ。

It must be difficult to see an IP you had a hand in creating be given to others to develop, instead of having the chance to do so yourself. However, I do believe that the last line on buying back the IP was more of a "thinking out-loud" moment.