Sony Rumored to Acquire FromSoftware Owner Kadokawa Corporation

Rumors are swirling about Sony being in advanced talks to acquire Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of FromSoftware, the acclaimed studio behind Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. The potential deal, first reported by Reuters, could be finalized in the coming weeks. Following the news, Kadokawa's stock surged by nearly 23%.

Why Kadokawa Is a Big Deal for Sony

Founded shortly after World War II, Kadokawa Corporation is a multifaceted company with ventures in books, manga, films, and anime. However, its nearly 70% ownership of FromSoftware is undoubtedly the crown jewel for Sony’s PlayStation division. FromSoftware has become synonymous with groundbreaking action RPGs and recently cemented its legacy with Elden Ring, which has been nominated for Game of the Year at TGA 2024.

Sony already has ties to Kadokawa and FromSoftware:

• February 2021: Entered a capital alliance with Kadokawa.

• August 2022: Purchased 14% of FromSoftware’s shares, alongside Tencent, which acquired 16%.

• Sony hinted at deeper collaborations with FromSoftware, including potential PlayStation Productions adaptations of their iconic titles.

What This Means for Gamers

For fans, the biggest question is whether Sony’s potential acquisition would lead to exclusivity for FromSoftware’s games. While there's no official confirmation, Sony's recent acquisition of Bungie suggests they may allow FromSoftware to maintain its multiplatform approach, ensuring its games remain accessible on Xbox and PC.

Moreover, this deal could further fuel speculation about potential adaptations of FromSoftware’s IPs, such as Elden Ring or Bloodborne, in the form of movies or TV series, a strategy Sony has pursued aggressively with its franchises (The Last of Us, God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and more).

Kadokawa’s Bigger Picture

Kadokawa’s media empire, spanning manga, anime, and films, could also bolster Sony’s entertainment ecosystem. This aligns with the company's broader strategy of bridging gaming with other media formats through PlayStation Productions.