PlayStation would be about to buy FromSoftware, behind Elden Ring and Dark Souls

The theory has been around for a long time as it would make sense for Sony, but this time, it is information directly sourced by the very serious agency Reuters : Sony is reportedly in discussions to buy Kadokawa.

Who is Kadokawa?

Kadokawa is a Japanese conglomerate which notably owns a major manga and book publisher, but also the video game development studio FromSoftware. The latter is at the origin of franchises like Dark Souls et Bloodbornebut was particularly successful with Elden Ringdont l’extension Shadow of the Erdtree is nominated in the game of the year category at The Game Awards 2024.

This is what made the acquisition of FromSoftware alone difficult for a video game player like Microsoft or Embracer, who would probably not have been interested in the other activities of the Kadokawa group.

On the other hand, for Sony, the synergy is much more obvious. The Japanese giant already has a significant activity in Japanese animation after its acquisition of Crunchyroll, Wakanim and Funimation.

Sony could therefore be both interested in Kadokawa's publishing activity, but also its FromSoftware video game studio for PlayStation.

No announcement

For now, Reuters claims to have heard from two sources close to the matter the idea of ​​a takeover of Kadokawa by Sony. No official announcement has been made, but the agency is very reputable. According to the article, the announcement could take place as soon as this week if the discussions are completed.

Kadokawa's stock market value is $2.7 billion. Getting its hands on the developer FromSoftware would allow Sony to obtain the rights to all of its licenses.

Bad news for FromSoftware?

With Elden Ring, FromSoftware has developed a successful cross-platform game. The title is available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC. A buyout by Sony would likely transform it into developers of exclusive PlayStation games (with subsequent release on PC) which could transform the studio's DNA. However, it should be remembered that FromSoftware has already produced an exclusive for Sony: Bloodborne sur PlayStation 4.

Furthermore, FromSoftware now benefits from a certain freedom at Kadokawa. The studio recently developed Armored Core VIa series of mecha fighting games far from the RPGs for which the studio is known internationally. Under Sony's leadership, would the studio still have the right to these deviations?

Sony's recent acquisitions have not borne fruit in the video game sector. In October, Sony announced the closure of two studios just 18 months after their acquisitions. The firm has also cut Bungie's workforce several times since the studio's takeover in 2022. Even the Insomniac studio, which has had a string of successes, was entitled to massive layoffs at the start of 2024.