The Fromsoft Leaks Are Confirmed.

Summary

In 2026, Sony's potential acquisition of Kakao Corp could significantly impact FromSoftware's future, especially considering their successful games like Elden Ring. The deal, if it goes through, would grant Sony an 86% stake in FromSoftware, bolstering their single-player game portfolio and expanding their reach into transmedia adaptations. While the acquisition would strengthen Sony's global entertainment empire, it raises concerns about exclusivity and platform dominance, especially for Xbox and PC players. This move would likely impact FromSoftware's development, possibly shifting focus towards higher profitability and media synergy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sony is in talks to acquire Kakao Corp., the majority shareholder of FromSoftware, which could lead to significant changes in FromSoftware's ownership and its games.
• 😀 If the acquisition goes through, Sony's stake in FromSoftware could increase to 86%, providing them with control over key franchises like *Elden Ring* and *Bloodborne*.
• 😀 Kakao is a media giant with investments in various industries, including gaming, anime, and manga, which aligns well with Sony's broader media strategy.
• 😀 FromSoftware is known for producing highly successful games like *Elden Ring*, *Bloodborne*, and *Dark Souls*, which have had massive sales figures, making it an attractive acquisition target.
• 😀 Sony aims to release major single-player games every year, and FromSoftware's impressive development pace makes it an ideal candidate for this goal.
• 😀 If the deal is finalized, FromSoftware could potentially shift to being more PlayStation-exclusive, which may affect PC and Xbox players with delayed releases.
• 😀 FromSoftware has already worked closely with Sony, with Sony owning 14% of the company and already being tied to titles like *Bloodborne* and *Demon's Souls*.
• 😀 Kakao's broader reach in multimedia—especially anime and manga—could allow FromSoftware's properties to expand into other forms of media, potentially boosting their global reach.
• 😀 There are concerns that Sony's acquisition of FromSoftware may prioritize platform dominance and profitability over artistic integrity, leading to changes in how FromSoftware develops its games.
• 😀 Despite potential drawbacks for gamers, there is a silver lining: if Sony gains control of FromSoftware, it could lead to a *Bloodborne 2* and make it available on PC, which many fans are hoping for.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the potential acquisition of Kakao Corp by Sony, and the implications this could have on FromSoftware, including the possibility of FromSoftware becoming a PlayStation-exclusive studio and how it fits into Sony's broader strategy of media consolidation.

What would Sony gain by acquiring Kakao Corp?

By acquiring Kakao, Sony would gain an 86% stake in the company, giving them control over FromSoftware, the developers behind major franchises like *Elden Ring*, *Dark Souls*, and *Bloodborne*, as well as access to Kakao's vast library of games, anime, manga, and other media.

How does FromSoftware's relationship with Sony currently stand?

Sony currently owns 14% of FromSoftware’s stock, and there is an existing partnership between the two companies. FromSoftware has developed PlayStation-exclusive games like *Bloodborne* and *Demon's Souls* under Sony’s publishing umbrella, while also releasing multi-platform titles like *Elden Ring*.

What does Kakao Corp own besides FromSoftware?

Kakao Corp owns several game developers and IPs, including RPG Maker Studio, *Danganronpa* developer Spike Chunsoft, and many others. It also has a significant presence in the anime and manga industries, producing and distributing various light novels and mangas.

Why would Sony want to acquire Kakao Corp?

Sony is interested in acquiring Kakao to expand its media empire, particularly in gaming, anime, and transmedia projects. Kakao’s portfolio provides valuable intellectual property and production capabilities that would help Sony strengthen its position in global entertainment, particularly by leveraging its anime network through Crunchyroll and Aniplex.

What is the risk to consumers if Sony acquires FromSoftware?

The risk is that Sony may prioritize platform exclusivity over accessibility, potentially making FromSoftware’s games less available on other platforms like Xbox or PC. This could lead to longer waits for PC releases or even forced console exclusivity for certain titles.

How could FromSoftware's development pace change if Sony acquires the company?

If Sony acquires FromSoftware, their development pace could increase, as Sony seeks a steady stream of major single-player titles. FromSoftware, known for its relatively fast development cycles (releasing major titles every 2-3 years), aligns well with Sony's goal of releasing a major single-player game annually.

What would Sony likely do with *Elden Ring*'s intellectual property if they acquire FromSoftware?

Sony would likely secure exclusive rights to the *Elden Ring* IP, especially since FromSoftware successfully negotiated to retain it from Bandai Namco. However, the future of *Dark Souls* is uncertain, as that IP is still owned by Bandai Namco, though Sony could potentially negotiate for it.

What other media industries could Sony dominate with this acquisition?

With Kakao's control over anime, manga, and light novels, Sony could dominate not just the gaming industry but also expand its footprint in global media. Kakao's vast library of manga and light novels could be adapted into anime, games, and other media, integrating Sony’s existing entertainment properties, like Crunchyroll and Aniplex.

What does Sony’s CFO mean by 'fostering new IP' in the context of the acquisition?

Sony’s CFO is referring to Kakao’s ability to create and nurture new intellectual properties, such as manga or light novels, which can be adapted into anime, games, or other media. By acquiring Kakao, Sony would gain a new pipeline of content that could be adapted into global franchises, fitting into their larger strategy of transmedia storytelling.