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Sony’s recent move to increase its stake in Kadokawa Corporation has sparked speculation about the future of FromSoftware games. With a 10% ownership in Kadokawa, Sony now holds a significant position in the parent company of the renowned game developer.
In a strategic maneuver, Sony opted for a capital and business alliance agreement with Kadokawa instead of a full acquisition. This decision comes after earlier reports of Sony’s interest in acquiring Kadokawa Corporation, which also owns Spike Chunsoft, Acquire, and Gotcha Gotcha Games.
FromSoftware, famous for titles like Dark Souls and Sekiro, is 70% owned by Kadokawa, with Sony already holding a 14% stake in the company. The remaining shares are owned by Tencent, a major player in the gaming industry.
The alliance between Sony and Kadokawa aims to leverage their intellectual properties on a global scale, fostering collaboration in various creative endeavors. This includes exploring new talent, adapting Kadokawa’s IPs into live-action productions, co-producing anime content, and expanding game publishing ventures.
While fans speculate about potential adaptations of beloved franchises like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, it’s worth noting that Kadokawa boasts film and animation studios with expertise in anime production. Sony’s ownership of Crunchyroll and Funimation further solidifies its interest in Kadokawa’s offerings.
Rumors of Sony’s acquisition plans initially raised concerns among non-PlayStation gamers, fearing exclusivity of FromSoftware titles. With Demon’s Souls and Bloodborne already exclusive to PlayStation, the possibility of future exclusivity looms large for franchises like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Industry experts speculate on the potential cost of a full Kadokawa acquisition by Sony, estimating a hefty price tag of around $4.3 billion. This move could position Kadokawa as a subsidiary under Sony’s umbrella, paving the way for significant developments in the gaming landscape.
