Sony is reportedly negotiating to acquire Kadokawa Corporation, a major Japanese conglomerate, to bolster its entertainment holdings. This move reflects Sony's strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond reliance on individual hit games.
Expanding Sony's Media Empire
Sony already owns a small stake in Kadokawa and a larger share in FromSoftware, the developer of Elden Ring. A full acquisition would grant Sony control over numerous subsidiaries, including FromSoftware, Spike Chunsoft (Dragon Quest, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon), and Acquire (Octopath Traveler). Beyond gaming, Kadokawa's extensive media portfolio encompasses anime production, book publishing, and manga. This acquisition aligns with Sony's aim to secure content rights and reduce its dependence on individual blockbuster successes, as reported by Reuters. A potential deal could be finalized by the end of 2024, though both companies have declined to comment.
Market Reaction and Fan Concerns
Kadokawa's stock price surged by 23%, reaching an all-time high, while Sony's shares also saw a positive increase. However, online reaction has been mixed. Concerns exist regarding Sony's recent acquisitions, citing the closure of Firewalk Studios as a cautionary tale. Fans worry about the potential impact on FromSoftware's creative freedom and future projects, despite the success of Elden Ring.
The acquisition also raises questions about the anime industry. Sony already owns Crunchyroll, and adding Kadokawa's popular anime IPs (Oshi no Ko, Re:Zero, Delicious in Dungeon) could significantly strengthen its position in the Western anime market, potentially leading to concerns about market dominance.
