Sony Confirms Intent of Acquiring FromSoftware's Owner

In an interview with Japanese outlet Bunshun, Sony confirmed the intent to buy out FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa, saying, "It is true that we have made an initial statement of intent." Yet, at this moment, they are not ready to provide a "further comment" regarding the potential deal. 

Although no one outside knows the progress of their talks or if there will be any major announcement coming soon, it’s said that the companies have been discussing the acquisition deal for years and are currently at a formal stage of negotiation, which is "very encouraging." 

Kadokawa is a renowned media conglomerate. Besides owning nearly 70% of FromSoftware stakes and Acquire, the developer of Octopath Traveler, it also owns over 100,000 anime and sci-fi novels and comics. Acquiring Kadokawa would definitely make Sony a "much more formidable player in anime." Sony could also make cinematic or video game adaptations of Kadokawa's fantasy universes, further expanding the audience.

In the same interview, it was stated that the majority of Kadokawa’s staff sees the potential buyout as a positive change because they are unhappy with the company's Natsuno administration, "which didn't even bother to hold a press conference after peoples' personal information was leaked in the cyberattack." Therefore, some employees are "thrilled" about this deal and express their expectation to "get rid of the president first" if the deal comes true.