Sony Acquires 2.5% Stake in Bandai Namco, Targeting Anime and Manga Investments

Strategic Alliance Between Sony and Bandai Namco for Anime, Manga, and PSP Expansion

Sony has acquired approximately 16 million shares of Bandai Namco, representing 2.5% of its total issued shares, for roughly 68 billion yen (approximately $430 million). This investment initiates a strategic partnership focused on expanding into the anime and manga sectors, areas where both companies anticipate rapid market growth and significant expansion opportunities. Through this new Commercial Alliance, the two major Japanese entertainment companies aim to enhance the global fanbase for PSP, particularly within the anime and manga sectors, leveraging the anticipated rapid market growth. The alliance also seeks to broaden their worldwide fanbase for PSP games and craft new entertainment experiences. By combining Bandai Namco’s intellectual property strategy with Sony’s diverse technological capabilities across various entertainment fields, they intend to maximize the value of PSP and create exciting new experiences for fans. In a joint statement, the companies conveyed their enthusiasm for “creating fresh entertainments by blending Bandai Namco’s intellectual property strategy with Sony’s diverse tech capabilities across various entertainment fields.” Nobuhiko Momoi, Executive Vice President of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., further emphasized the “potential to create new entertainments” through this combination.

Strategic Collaboration Enhances Sony’s Portfolio with Bandai Namco’s Anime, Manga, and Gaming Assets

Bandai Namco brings a robust portfolio to this collaboration, known for publishing popular game franchises such as Tekken, Soulcalibur, Pac-Man, and Ace Combat, and acting as the publisher for FromSoftware’s games. Furthermore, Bandai Namco holds valuable licenses in the anime and manga sectors, including Shonen Jump, Gundam, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Sword Art Online, and Ultraman series. This investment in Bandai Namco aligns with Sony’s broader strategy of investing in game publishers, which includes stakes in companies like Kadokawa, Devolver Digital, Epic Games, and Bilibili.

In Case You Missed It

For those interested in the latest developments in the world of anime and gaming, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s recent article on Sony and Bandai Namco’s strategic partnership, published on July 24, 2025. This piece delves into how these two giants plan to enhance fan engagement and create exciting new experiences through their shared intellectual properties. Whether you’re a long-time PlayStation player or a devoted anime enthusiast, there’s plenty of intriguing news to explore Sony and Bandai Namco Enter Strategic Partnership. For all you gaming enthusiasts out there, be sure to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s latest piece titled “Nintendo Switch 2 Makes History in the US” (published on July 23, 2025). This article delves into the phenomenal success of the Nintendo Switch 2, which shattered records by becoming the best-selling console of all time in its launch month in the United States. With insights into the financial impact and standout titles like Mario Kart World and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, this post is a must-read for anyone keeping tabs on the video game industry’s latest trends. Dive into the full story Nintendo Switch 2 Makes History in the US. For those interested in the latest developments at Supermassive Games, Carlos Mendoza’s recent post from July 22nd dives into the studio’s announcement of layoffs and a delay for their game Directive 8020. This news comes as part of broader industry challenges, yet Supermassive is committed to supporting its affected team members while reassuring fans that other projects remain unaffected. Be sure to check out the full details Supermassive Announces Layoffs and Delay of Directive 8020 for a deeper look at what’s happening in the gaming world.

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