Sony is significantly ramping up its anime business, drawing parallels to the early stages of its PlayStation console legacy. According to Toshimoto Mitomo, the Chief Strategy Officer for global IP development, the company’s current anime efforts are akin to the PlayStation 1 era, signaling potential for substantial growth. Key acquisitions, including Crunchyroll for $1.175 billion and increased stakes in FromSoftware's owner Kadokawa, highlight Sony's commitment to co-producing anime and enhancing global distribution. This bold strategy aims to capitalize on the rising demand for anime and strengthen its engagement in this fast-growing market.

Furthermore, Sony's partnership with Bandai Namco is designed to boost community fan engagement in anime and manga. This strategic pivot comes as Sony seeks to find success, contrasting with recent challenges faced in its live-service gaming segment.

What are Sony's plans for its anime business?

Sony aims to expand its anime business significantly, focusing on co-producing works, enhancing global distribution channels, and boosting community engagement through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. The company sees its anime ventures as having potential growth similar to its early gaming successes in the PlayStation era.

Historically, Sony's foray into gaming began with the PlayStation 1, which was launched in 1994 and became the sixth best-selling console of all time. This period marked a transformative moment for gaming, setting the stage for subsequent consoles that dominated the market, including the PlayStation 2. With this in mind, Sony’s current anime strategy appears to echo the same innovative spirit that once revolutionized the gaming industry.