Sony Is Reportedly In Talks To Buy The Media House Behind Popular RPG Elden Ring

Sony already holds a 2 per cent stake in Kadokawa, as well as a share in FromSoftware, the Kadokawa-owned developer behind Elden Ring.

Both Sony and Kadokawa declined to comment on the matter.

Source : Sony

Sony is reportedly in discussions to acquire Kadokawa Corporation, the renowned Japanese media company behind the blockbuster game Elden Ring, according to two individuals with knowledge of the matter, Reuters reported. If negotiations proceed smoothly, the two companies could finalise an agreement within the coming weeks, the sources revealed. Following the news, Kadokawa’s shares surged by 23 per cent to hit their daily limit, bringing its market value to approximately $2.7 billion.

Sony's shares also rose slightly, closing up 0.6 per cent. Both Sony and Kadokawa declined to comment on the matter, with Kadokawa stating it was unable to provide any information. Sony already holds a 2 per cent stake in Kadokawa, as well as a share in FromSoftware, the Kadokawa-owned developer behind Elden Ring.

Elden Ring's Success

The critically acclaimed action RPG, Elden Ring, crafted under the direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki in collaboration with Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, has achieved remarkable success. The game, set in a richly detailed world where players battle formidable foes to restore the shattered Elden Ring, has sold over 25 million copies and received widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling.

Elden Ring is available across multiple platforms, including Sony’s PlayStation. Its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, achieved remarkable success, selling 5 million copies within just three days of its release in June. Kadokawa Corporation, originally founded as a publishing house in 1945, has since diversified into gaming, anime, events, and collectible figures.

The company boasts popular franchises like Re: Zero, a story about a teenager transported to a fantasy world, and Delicious in Dungeon, a manga-turned-anime series following adventurers who cook and eat the monsters they encounter while exploring dungeons.