Sony Confirms Intent to Acquire Kadokawa, Parent Company of FromSoftware

Kadokawa employees express optimism about the potential buyout, while concerns linger over creative independence and corporate control.

Sony has officially confirmed its initial declaration of intent to acquire Kadokawa, the Japanese media conglomerate that owns FromSoftware, known for Elden Ring and Dark Souls.
Kadokawa employees reportedly welcome the prospect of Sony's acquisition, citing dissatisfaction with current leadership under CEO Takeshi Natsuno, particularly after a poorly handled cyberattack earlier this year.
Economic analysts and some fans express concerns over the potential loss of Kadokawa's independence and the possibility of FromSoftware's future projects becoming PlayStation exclusives.
Kadokawa's assets include a broad portfolio of IPs spanning video games, anime, manga, and film, which could strategically complement Sony's entertainment ecosystem.
The acquisition, estimated to cost $4.3 billion, remains in early stages, with no finalized agreements, as both companies refrain from further comment on ongoing negotiations.