While certain bonds between developers and console manufacturers are fairly formal, some relationships spawn more than just a cordial acquaintance. In that, we witness full on franchises surface as a result of that. Such as Bungie with Microsoft to establish Halo as well as Ratchet and Clank from Insomniac Games with Sony, these outcomes are a direct result of long-manifested agreements between both entities respectively.
As for FromSoftware, the team in the past has shown a likeness to Sony Interactive Entertainment which is apparent and proves to be beneficial even a decade later. As per Rectify Gaming’s Michael Merchant, he explains in his Demon’s Souls Remake review to be “the perfect game. He adds, “I enjoyed playing it so much and I applaud Bluepoint Games for sticking with the source material. […] This is the pinnacle of how a game remake should be.”
Despite the endeavors between both firms, no legal pursuits followed aside from the occasional exclusive projects time and time again. But now in the most recent financial report from Kadokawa, FromSoftware parent company, the group is said to have given Sony a 1.93 percent stake in the firm as part of a new financial deal.
You can view the slide in its latest report regarding the agreement by in the image below:
“We believe that it is necessary to procure such funds in order not to miss potential investment opportunities and to solidify our ability to create IP based on our track record of creating rich and unique IP consisting of a diverse portfolio of books, movies, animations, games, and UGC platforms, both financially and financially,” Kadokawa tells.
Exciting yes, but, it should be noted the new partnership established does not suggest new IPs are solidified as a result of the deal. As of yet, the most likeliest of projects to arise is the possible Bloodborne remaster that many industry pundits referenced previously in 2020. Howbeit, the capital alliance does not affect the near three decade relationship between the two.
In Sony’s own earnings call issued this week, the firm does disclose its ambitions to pursue new investments for its gaming division. After the capital turnout in 2020 alongside the launch of PlayStation 5, Sony is eager to welcome new talent to its first-party network of teams. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you a fan of the PlayStation exclusive FromSoftware games?
Source: Kadokawa
