FromSoftware’s Legendary Titles Could Soon Belong to Sony
Published On: November 21, 2024
Sony may soon add another high-profile developer to their roster as reports emerge that they are in discussions to acquire Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of FromSoftware, creators of well-loved titles in the gaming industry such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls.
Sony's rumored acquisition is seen as a direct response to Microsoft's aggressive expansion into gaming, marked by their acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. It appears that Sony is eyeing Kadokawa not only for FromSoftware's prestigious gaming portfolio but also for their anime and manga ventures. Kadokawa owns publishing companies and IPs that complement Sony's existing assets, such as Crunchyroll and Aniplex.
This strategic move could reinforce Sony's position in the entertainment industry. Former Blizzard executive Mike Ybarra called the potential deal “one of the top two acquisitions in gaming over the past 15 years,” likening its significance to Microsoft’s $2.5 billion purchase of Minecraft developer Mojang.
Despite the excitement, the potential acquisition has raised concerns. Industry observers worry about the risk of layoffs and downsizing, as seen with other major acquisitions. Sony has a history with FromSoftware, having collaborated on PlayStation-exclusive titles like Bloodborne and Demon’s Souls. However, skeptics point to Sony's handling of Japan Studio, which experienced significant downsizing after developing The Last Guardian.
Some fear that Kadokawa, and by extension FromSoftware, could face similar restructuring. Sony’s recent closure of Firewalk Studios after acquiring them highlights these risks. Japan's recent legislation permitting foreign hostile takeovers adds to these tensions. The new rules make Japanese companies, including gaming giants like Kadokawa, Nintendo, and Sega, more vulnerable to acquisition bids from abroad. Kadokawa's disclosure of Sony’s offer could be a calculated move to attract multiple investments or secure a more favorable outcome.
FromSoftware has created numerous games with devoted fanbases and unmatched reputations. Titles like Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the Dark Souls series have made them a highly sought-after name in the gaming industry. Fans speculate that Sony’s ownership could lead to remastered versions of beloved games like Bloodborne or Dark Souls 3, and possibly exclusivity for future titles.
The potential acquisition of Kadokawa and FromSoftware by Sony has sparked intense debate among fans and industry observers. Passionate voices across social media and forums have highlighted a range of concerns, from fears of creative stagnation to the potential for platform exclusivity.
Many fans are skeptical of Sony’s ability to preserve FromSoftware’s distinctive creative approach. Concerns stem from past instances where Sony’s involvement with acquired studios led to creative interference and declining quality. This has fueled fears that Sony’s more hands-on management style could disrupt the development processes that have flourished under Kadokawa's reportedly more hands-off oversight.
Additionally, there’s unease over the potential for future FromSoftware titles to become PlayStation exclusives, locking out PC and Xbox players. However, some believe the acquisition could lead to long-desired projects, such as a sequel or remaster of Bloodborne.