Sony's anime business is in the early PlayStation stage, says a company executive

Sony's anime direction is likened to its early gaming days, promising future growth after key acquisitions.

: Sony's anime business is catching momentum similar to the initial success of the PlayStation era due to strategic acquisitions and global distribution collaborations. Started with the purchase of Crunchyroll for $1 billion and expanded through a partnership with Kadokawa, allowing Sony to co-produce anime and adapt content for other media formats. Recently, an increased investment in FromSoftware owner Bandai Namco intends to grow the anime and manga fanbase globally. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's record-breaking box office in Japan underscores Sony's rising potential in the anime domain, contrasting the less successful live-service strategy in gaming.

Sony is drawing parallels between its current pursuits in the anime sector and the increased traction the company experienced during the early days of the PlayStation console. During a conversation with Yahoo News Japan, which was translated by Automaton Media, Sony's Chief Strategy Officer Toshimoto Mitomo described the company's anime business as being at a stage akin to that between the launch of the PlayStation 1 (PS1) and PlayStation 2 (PS2). The PS1 was not only Sony’s inaugural console but also an iconic success that sold over 102 million units, making it the sixth best-selling games console.

Sony's initial steps in dominating the anime scene began with its acquisition of Crunchyroll in 2021 for a substantial $1 billion, as reported by Eurogamer. This strategic buyout was aimed at cementing Sony's foothold in anime streaming services, a sector experiencing rapid international market growth. In a follow-up move at the outset of last year, Sony acquired a prominent stake in Japanese media company Kadokawa Corporation, known for its compelling anime content.

Amidst discussions, Sony announced intentions to co-produce anime, spotlighting a vision to convert popular anime franchises into live-action films and television dramas. This shift is seen as an ambitious step to broaden the influence and reach of anime beyond traditional formats, as it appeals to Sony's desire to shape cross-media entertainment ecosystems. Jan Willem Wakker's article in Eurogamer specifically mentions these endeavors and highlights Sony's intent not only to distribute but also to reshape and adapt anime's narrative for diversified media platforms.

In addition, Sony's pursuit of bolstering its anime venture involved buying shares in Bandai Namco, the publisher behind titles like Elden Ring, as indicated by a recent Eurogamer piece. Through this strategic investment, Sony aims to strengthen its role in anime and manga while cultivating and expanding its fan base globally. A joint statement from Sony and Bandai Namco reveals shared goals to boost the community engagement and market, particularly where emerging growth is forecasted.

A tangible success illustrating Sony's expanding influence in anime is the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. The movie enjoyed a record-shattering opening weekend in Japan, proving Sony's growing prowess and potential in this field. This accomplishment is a testament to the value in Sony's investments and strategic direction in anime, even as its live-service video game ventures have faced setbacks.

Sources: Eurogamer, Automaton Media, Yahoo News, GamesRadar

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