With talks of popular anime streaming platform, Crunchyroll, possibly being bought by Sony, we’re looking at what the deal could mean for fans!
If you’re an anime fan and user of Crunchyroll, you’re going to want to listen up.
The mega-popular streaming platform, Crunchyroll, is one of the biggest online hubs for watching anime content in the world. Founded in 2006, the site has grown into a beast with nearly 70 million registered users worldwide. Its popularity grew greatly because it allows users to stream the majority of their content for free with advertisements.
This domination of the anime market has not gone unnoticed, and it has recently been announced that Sony is in the final steps of purchasing the anime platform. In this reportedly 957 million dollar deal, Sony would take over the platform adding it to a growing list of the company’s assets.
With this huge news, we want to go over some worries and thoughts about this deal.
Merging with Other Sony Platforms?
If you’ve been paying attention, you know that Sony purchased Funimation, another anime streaming service, in 2017. Holding a 95% stake in the company, Sony’s track record hasn’t exactly been amazing with it. Users complain that the Funimation app on PS4 isn’t up to their expectations.
Fans are currently wondering if the purchase could mean a merge of Sony’s Funimation with Crunchyroll. This raises concerns that Sony could take the site in a similar direction. We will have to wait to see what happens!
Paid Memberships Only?
Although Crunchyroll does have a paid premium membership, the platform is massively used because of its large selection of anime for free. Some users have been expressing fears that the platform could move to a “members only” format, like that of Netflix and Hulu.
This is an understandable worry, but fans should be hopeful that Sony recognizes the attraction of the already existing format.
An Anime Streaming Conglomerate
Along with Funimation, Sony also owns Aniplex, an anime and music distribution company responsible for popular series like Fullmetal Alchemist and Sword Art Online. Of course, Sony has licensed this content to other streaming platforms. However, with the possible third addition to their anime content empire, things could get interesting.
The addition of Crunchyroll would give Sony a huge monopoly in the market, something that could lead to worries for anime fans who want options for where they can watch their favorite series.
This deal is certainly something to keep an eye on.
Whether you’re worried, excited, or indifferent about this possible deal, let us know by tweeting us @Afterbuzztv! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
