Will Sony scoop up FromSoftware? What’s next for Bloodborne and beyond!
Sony Eyes Kadokawa: A Step Towards FromSoftware Exclusivity?
Sony is considering the acquisition of Kadokawa, the Japanese conglomerate with a 70% majority stake in FromSoftware, responsible for hits like Bloodborne and Elden Ring. According to a report from Reuters, negotiations are underway, though price details have not been disclosed yet. This acquisition would position Sony as the sole owner of FromSoftware, making the developer a key part of their strategy.
Kadokawa is not only known for its connection to FromSoftware. They also own popular intellectual properties such as the manga Delicious in Dungeon. This diverse range of IPs makes the acquisition particularly appealing to Sony, as they aim to expand their presence in the anime and multimedia franchise world.
What Does This Mean for FromSoftware Fans?
If the deal goes through, future projects from FromSoftware could prioritize exclusivity on PlayStation. This could include a remaster of the highly requested Bloodborne or even new titles from Hidetaka Miyazaki. However, fans are concerned that the acquisition could impact the studio’s creative independence, a concern seen after the purchase, which led to management and development issues.
On the other hand, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida has shown interest in bringing more content to PC, which could alleviate worries about complete exclusivity. Yoshida has also been cautious about using artificial intelligence technology, prioritizing content generated by human creators with copyright.
Factors That Could Influence the Acquisition
Kadokawa has faced serious challenges in recent years, including a ransomware attack that exposed 1.5 terabytes of sensitive data on the dark web. Such incidents could be motivating the company to sell. Additionally, the potential sale could be a strategy to move away from current challenges in creating content in the digital age.
Kadokawa’s market valuation soared to $3.6 billion after the Reuters report, a figure comparable to the $3.6 billion Sony paid for Bungie. This possible acquisition also stands out in the context of increasing industry consolidations in the video game sector, led by giants.
The outcome of this negotiation could redefine the future of FromSoftware and its titles. For fans, the hope of exciting new projects may come with concerns about the impact on creativity and accessibility of their favorite games.
