When it comes to making big moves in the gaming industry, the more recent ones have been coming from the Microsoft side of things. That is not to say that Sony is not actively pursuing opportunities, and this latest news should placate fans still worried about console wars. Sony has announced that it will be investing 68 billion yen (approximately US$464 million) in Bandai Namco, acquiring approximately 2.5% of the shares in the fellow Japanese gaming giant.
“Through this business alliance and Sony’s investment in Bandai Namco, as two of the leading Japanese entertainment companies, Bandai Namco and Sony will focus on expanding the fan community for IP such as anime and manga around the world and strengthening engagement, particularly in the anime field where rapid market growth is anticipated, while merging their strengths to create new and emotionally moving experiences for fans, and as a result of these efforts maximize the value of IP,” the official press release stated.
“The two companies intend to implement initiatives, including the expansion of works as well as products and services based on IP developed by Bandai Namco, leveraging Sony’s strengths in areas such as the production and distribution of anime and other video content, as well as merchandising. They also plan to engage in detailed discussions regarding the joint development and promotion of IP such as anime and manga, in addition to planning and technical collaboration on experiential entertainment.”
What This Sony and Bandai Namco Deal Means
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that folks behind PlayStation has decided to invest heavily, especially as they have done the same for FromSoftware, another close ally of Namco. The likes of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Armored Core games have all been published by Namco in recent years, and they go way back.
Furthermore, titles like Freedom Wars and the more recent Patapon 1+2 Replay from the parent company of PlayStation have been released under the care of Namco, with one more in the works in the form of Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots. This latest deal is just a continuation of a beneficial relationship on both fronts.
Nobuhiko Momoi, executive vice president at Namco, shared that the company “aims to maximize IP value by leveraging the appeal and worldview of IP, providing the optimal products and services at the optimal timing in the optimal regions” with the help of the new partners.
As for the other side, Toshimoto Mitomo, chief strategy officer, shared that the stewards of PlayStation seek to “co-create an array of content and experiences that exceed expectations and deliver Kando (emotion) to even more fans” and unlock “the potential of compelling IP”.
