Sonyhas formalized the payment of 50 billion yen, making it the principal shareholder ofKadokawa, with plans already underway for its licenses.
A Strategic Acquisition by Sony
At the end of 2024, one of the industry’s most significant moves unfolded: Sony’s purchase offer to Kadokawa.
This wasn’t the first time Sony expressed interest in the company, which owns FromSoftware as well as a vast array of editorial and anime licenses.
Initially, Kadokawa was considering selling all its assets. However, the company ultimately accepted Sony’s offer, and the tech giant has now officially secured a majority stake in the business.
Through proper legal documentation Sony has formalized the acquisition, purchasing 12,054,100 shares of Kadokawa. Combined with the percentage it acquired in 2021, this investment totals 50 billion yen (approximately €305 million).
As Of Today Sony Is The Largest Major Shareholder (10.11%) Of Kadokawa Corporation!#Sony#Kadokawapic.twitter.com/mLAtHRdlW8— @Zuby_Tech (@Zuby_Tech)June 21, 2025
“Through this partnership, we will enhance our ability to create new licenses while leveraging our IPs with Sony’s support to reach more users worldwide,” stated Kadokawa CEO Takeshi Natsuno.
Sony President Hiroki Totoki added, “By combining Kadokawa’s intellectual properties with Sony’s capabilities, we aim to maximize the value of Kadokawa’s licenses and our long-term creative vision.”
The FromSoftware Factor
One of the most lucrative aspects of this deal is undoubtedly FromSoftware, a Kadokawa subsidiary currently developingElden Ring: Nightreign.
As the majority shareholder, Sony is expected to explore exclusive collaborations with Hidetaka Miyazaki’s studio and participate in its future multiplatform projects.
Kadokawa’s portfolio extends beyond FromSoftware, including Spike Chunsoft, NicoNico, Yen Press, and ASCII Media Works, granting Sony access to a vast catalog of licenses.
Totoki emphasized Sony’s intent to collaborate on Kadokawa’s IPs, whether through new games or expanding Sony’s footprint into other entertainment mediums.
“As Kadokawa’s main shareholder, Sony gains access to a wide variety of licenses, including novels, manga, anime, and video games,” said the CEO.
Upcoming Collaborations
The partnership is already bearing fruit, with Sony and Kadokawa discussing a series of collaborative initiatives across all types of content.
Planned projects include:
FromSoftware’s Future
There has been no official response from FromSoftware, Kadokawa’s crown jewel. However, speculation suggests one of the studio’s multiple projects may become a PlayStation exclusive, while new licenses could also be in the works.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Sony, as it positions itself to capitalize on Kadokawa’s extensive portfolio and push its creative vision into new realms of entertainment.
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