Sony is reportedly in talks to acquire FromSoftware owner Kadokawa

With the Elden Ring expansion Shadow of the Erdtree in the running to win Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 after the base game cleared up in 2022, Sony is apparently making moves to acquire the parent company of its developer, FromSoftware. That is if a report by Reuters is to be believed, anyway.

Reuters, citing two sources that are familiar with the matter, states that talks between the two sides are ongoing. It says that if they’re successful, a deal could be signed in the coming weeks. If the deal goes through, it means that Sony would own numerous video game studios including Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, DragonBall Sparking! Zero developer Spike Chunsoft, and Octopath Traveler developer Acquire.

It’s worth noting that Sony already has a small stake in Kadokawa, as well as a stake in FromSoftware, too. It’s also worked closely with FromSoftware for a number of years, with FromSoftware-developed titles Demon’s Souls and Bloodborne being PlayStation exclusives.

It’s probably not just the video game studios that Sony is after, though; Kadokawa is also big when it comes to anime and events. And with Sony already owning Funimation and Crunchyroll, its acquisition of Kadokawa would help make it even more of a powerhouse in the anime space. Though of course, owning the likes of FromSoftware would also no doubt boost its PlayStation brand.

Sony has declined to comment on the matter, and Kadokawa has stated that it can’t comment. Until something is officially announced, then, we’ll just have to wait to see what happens. If the deal does go ahead, however, it will be a big blow for Xbox, with future titles by FromSoftware potentially being PlayStation console exclusive.