Parent Company of FromSoftware Favors Complete Acquisition by Sony

In the latest buzz from the gaming world, it seems that Kadokawa Corporation, which is the main shareholder of FromSoftware, is leaning towards a full acquisition by Sony. This potential deal is not just about gaming assets; Kadokawa reportedly wants Sony to take over all its business areas, including its extensive anime and manga holdings.

When word first spread about Sony’s interest in buying out Kadokawa, things moved fast. A big moment came when Kadokawa made a public announcement confirming that Sony is indeed interested in purchasing shares of the company. While some FromSoftware enthusiasts worried about the future of their favorite games on non-Sony platforms, this news actually drove up Kadokawa’s stock value. Now, fresh details have emerged about Kadokawa’s preferred conditions for any acquisition.

Reported by Bloomberg, Kadokawa Corporation is looking for Sony to go all-in or not at all. In simple terms, they want Sony to purchase the entire company, including its impressive catalog of anime and manga, rather than just cherry-pick parts of its gaming and anime divisions. This stance is apparently quite different from Sony’s initial proposal, which focused on acquiring specific parts of Kadokawa’s diverse portfolio. Despite these differences, negotiations between the two parties have reached a promising stage, suggesting a shared willingness to find a common ground.

Now, let’s explore what this acquisition could mean for Sony and FromSoftware. Back in 2022, Sony already owned a 14.09% share in FromSoftware, making it the third top stakeholder after Kadokawa’s 69.66% and Tencent’s 16.25%. Should this acquisition go through, Sony would control over 83% of FromSoftware’s shares, giving it significant influence over the studio known for its iconic Dark Souls series.

FromSoftware has a stellar reputation, with two of its games grabbing the Game of the Year title at The Game Awards in the past decade. If Sony takes over, it could have a huge impact on the gaming landscape. Even if Sony chooses not to make FromSoftware titles exclusive, acquiring such a celebrated developer would add even more star power to its first-party studio roster, joining the ranks with big names like Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, and Insomniac Games. Moreover, owning Kadokawa would open up possibilities for Sony to explore untapped potential from the countless anime properties under Kadokawa’s belt.

FromSoftware, known for its challenging Souls series and notable franchises like Armored Core, has been a renowned name in the gaming industry for decades. Founded on November 1, 1986, and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company has made a significant impact under the leadership of CEO Hidetaka Miyazaki, all while remaining under Kadokawa’s broader corporate umbrella.