Sony just bought 2.5% of Bandai Namco in a $464M deal. But don’t panic, gamers—this isn’t a stealth move to lock Elden Ring 2 to PlayStation. It’s all about anime domination.
Sony Drops ¥68 Billion for 2.5% of Bandai Namco—Here’s What’s Really Going On
Okay, before anyone starts panicking about Elden Ring 2: Only on PlayStation, let’s clear the air: Sony buying a slice of Bandai Namco isn’t about hoarding games. It’s about something way more powerful (and lucrative)—anime.
Sony just scooped up 2.5% of Bandai Namco (aka around 16 million shares) in a move that’s being labeled a “strategic partnership.” Translation: they want a bigger seat at the anime and manga table, and Bandai Namco’s serving the good stuff.
No, This Isn’t a Trap to Steal FromSoftware
Sure, Sony did become the biggest shareholder in FromSoft-parent Kadokawa last year, and yeah, Bandai Namco does publish FromSoft’s games like Elden Ring. But this isn’t some dark backroom plot to chain Miyazaki to a PS5 dev kit.
This deal—just like the Kadokawa one—is about expanding anime IP across the globe. Sony wants in on anime production, merch, distribution, and yes, maybe some live-action adaptations. FromSoft’s games? Not the focus here.
So no, Elden Ring 2 isn’t about to go PlayStation-only. You can put your torches down.
Anime: The Real Endgame Here
Sony’s been on a hot anime streak for years now. Let’s rewind:
- 2020: Sony dropped a billion dollars to buy Crunchyroll
- 2023: They doubled down with Kadokawa, securing global anime rights and co-producing potential live-action adaptations
- 2024: Now they’re sliding into Bandai Namco’s DMs, aiming to maximize IP value and create “emotionally moving experiences” (read: more anime, more merch, more everything)
Bandai Namco owns huge anime-adjacent IP—Dragon Ball, Naruto, Gundam, One Piece—and Sony wants to turn that into global multimedia dominance. Think movies, series, merch, games, and TikTok edits galore.
What Sony Gets (And Why You Should Care)
This isn’t just a stock grab—it’s a collab. Here’s what the deal brings to the table:
- Bandai Namco’s IP vault (anime & manga galore)
- Sony’s production/distribution muscle
- Global anime fanbase access, especially with Crunchyroll in their corner
- New cross-platform projects (think merch, shows, games)
Basically, Sony wants to go full Disney x Marvel Mode—except swap superheroes for shonen power-ups and emotional violin solos.
Summary
- Sony now owns 2.5% of Bandai Namco
- It’s a $464 million anime-focused partnership
- No, this isn’t about game exclusives like Elden Ring 2
- Yes, it’s about anime domination, and they’re not hiding it
- Expect more crossovers, shows, merch, and global anime pushes coming soon
So, while the gaming side of Bandai Namco remains untouched for now, Sony’s making it clear: anime is the battlefield, and they’re gearing up for a full-scale content war.
Also Read:
Marvel Rivals: Great Game, Bad UI — What’s Up With That Character Select Screen?
Grounded 2 Is Coming – And Xbox Is Giving Away a 10-Foot Red Ant Plush to Celebrate
Pokémon Champions: A PvP Powerhouse That Lets You Train Like Never Before
