From Software: Sony confirms interest in purchasing Elden Ring developer

Rumors have been circulating for several weeks about a possible takeover of Kadokawa, the parent company of Elden Ring developer From Software, by Sony. The PlayStation Group has now officially confirmed its own intention to purchase, but is keeping it as tight as possible. Sony will not comment further on the development.

Sony wants to buy Kadokawa and thus From Software

A takeover of Kadokawa by Sony has been under discussion since the end of November; had first Reuters reported about it. Three weeks of speculation followed, but both parties remained tight-lipped. However, now Sony has faced it Yahoo Japan To have officially confirmed interest in a takeover, among other things IGN and VGC report in unison. Accordingly, the takeover has not yet been decided, but Sony intends to do so. But the company doesn’t want to say anything more on the subject.

It is true that we have made an initial declaration of intent. We would be grateful if you would allow us to refrain from further comments.

Sony told Yahoo Japan

Sony already holds shares in Kadokawa and in particular 14 percent in From Software. Given the popularity of those players and the close connection to PlayStation, the intention to take over is not surprising. Of obvious strategic importance for Sony would be the possibility of offering future Dark Souls games or general From Software developments exclusively on the PlayStation or at least withholding them from the Xbox. Following Microsoft’s mega-acquisitions of Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax in recent years, Sony’s response would mark the next chapter in the ongoing consolidation of the gaming market.

According to reports from Japan, Kadokawa’s workforce is optimistic about the development. Recently, dissatisfaction with the company’s own management has increased automat reported.

This is Kadokawa

Kadokawa is a Japanese media group that includes numerous companies in various industries, including books, manga, anime, films and gaming. Kadokawa is particularly well known in this regard as the parent company of From Software, the developer of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. With the extremely successful Elden Ring, From Software established the Soulslike genre in the mainstream and set numerous records. The Soulslike RPG has sold over 25 million times and, with 324 awards, is the most decorated video game ever.

In addition to From Software, other gaming studios such as Spike Chunsoft (Danganronpa), Acquire (Octopath Traveler) and Gotcha Gotcha Games (RPG Maker) belong to Kadokawa. Kadokawa is also a heavyweight in anime and manga, including brands like Delicious in Dungeon, which received a successful Netflix adaptation from Studio Trigger earlier this year.