Sony acquires 16 million shares in Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco

Sony has acquired a 2.5 percent stake in Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco, which equals 16 million shares.

The Japanese conglomerate said the acquisition forms part of a broader “strategic partnership” between the companies. According to the announcement, the focus will be on “expanding the fan community for IP such as anime and manga around the world and strengthening engagement.” (Thanks, IGN.)

The companies intend to “implement initiatives including the expansion of works as well as products and services” based on IP developed by Bandai Namco. This will leverage Sony’s “strength in areas such as the production and distribution of anime and other video content, as well as merchandising.”

Sony’s chief strategy officer Toshimoto Mitomo mentioned Bandai’s presence both “domestically and internationally” as relevant touchpoints for this expansion.

Sony continues its streak of share acquisitions

In December, Sony became the largest shareholder in Elden Ring and Dark Souls studio FromSoftware parent company Kadokawa. Sony signed a strategic capital and business alliance agreement that saw it acquire 12,054,110 new shares in Kadokawa for approximately 50 billion yen ($318.5 million). In addition, Sony already owns a 14.09 percent stake in FromSoftware.

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The goals shared for that deal ring familiar to the latest acquisition, with both companies saying the move will maximize IP value globally and facilitate wider and deeper collaboration, including potential joint investments in the content field.

While the actual collaborations between Sony and Bandai remain to be seen, the desire to push Elden Ring in various ways is palpable. Bandai published Elden Ring Nightreign on May 29 of this year, turning the overly-popular experience—which has shipped over 30 million units worldwide since its launch in February 2022—into a multiplayer spinoff. The launch took place days after A24 announced that an Elden Ring movie is in development, with Alex Garland appointed as director.