After much talk of an acquisition, Sony and its software parent Kadokawa have announced a “strategic alliance.”

Sony has long been rumored to be acquiring Kadokawa Corporation, a single Japanese media conglomerate that means nothing to most of you unless you have the magic word “parent company” attached to it. Dark souls Developers from Software” and possibly also “Spike Chunsoft’s parent company” were Sony and Kadokawa. It was reported that there were talks last monthLet’s say about the PC version, making all sorts of assumptions Blood borne Ceremonially sacrificing the PS6-exclusivity of Dark Souls 4. Now, the pair have come out of the haggling tunnel… announcing a “strategic capital and commercial partnership agreement”. What does this mean? Is it safe to scream yet?

According to the agreement, Sony will acquire 12,054,100 new shares in Kadokawa on January 7, 2025 for a total of ¥50 billion. This makes them Kadokawa’s largest shareholder, along with the Kadokawa shares they already own. So, not much purchase, then. But it gives them a lot of feedback on Kadokawa’s instructions.

Kadokawa and Sony have collaborated on projects in the past. The agreement paves the way for further cooperation. As he says Release announcementFuture groupings could include “potential joint investments in the area of ​​content, joint discovery of new creators, and the joint promotion of additional media mixes of both companies’ IP.” Specifically, “adapting Kadokawa IP into live-action films and TV dramas, co-producing anime works, expanding Kadokawa anime works through the Sony Group and further expanding the publishing of Kadokawa games, and developing manpower to promote and expand fantasy production.”

In short, they are going to adapt and sell their respective content globally, which can include any kind of games, but it can mainly be applied to non-game works and especially animation. I’m a little puzzled by the phrase “developing human resources to expand and expand virtual production.” An on-set virtual production, I gather, allows computer-generated graphics to be displayed in real-time while using LED panels as a backdrop while making a movie or TV show. I’m not sure if the press release is referring to this.

Kadokawa CEO Takeshi Natsuno is cock-a-hoop about the deal. “This alliance is expected to not only further strengthen our IP creation capabilities, but also to leverage our IP media mix options with Sony’s support for global expansion, allowing us to deliver our IP to more users around the world,” Slap said. The twinkling of his thighs and eyes.

Sony Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki is similarly troubled. “By combining Kadokawa’s extensive IP and IP creation ecosystem with Sony’s strengths, we plan to work together to realize Kadokawa’s ‘Global Media Mix’ strategy by promoting the global expansion of a variety of entertainment, including anime and games. To maximize the value of the IP and Sony’s long-term vision,” A vision of creative entertainment’, he enthused. Is it okay to scream now?

I can’t speak to Kadokawa’s or Sony’s recent handling of such issues as we’ve been paying more attention Events in North America and EuropeBut the non-merger is good news for sustainability in the short term, because none of the Kadokawa or Sony developers will lose their jobs in the post-acquisition “hard work”, or cost reduction. He had Kadokawa since August. 26 games in development.