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NRIPage | Articles | Tencent Increases Stake in Kadokawa, Strengthening Its Influence in Gaming Industry | Get Agriculture & Forestry Resources. Enhance Your Green Practices around the world - NRI Page
Tencent Holdings has expanded its stake in Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware, acquiring an additional 1.11 percent of shares. This move increases Tencent’s ownership in the Japanese publishing giant from 6.86 percent to 7.97 percent. The transaction was made through Tencent’s subsidiary, SixJoy Hong Kong Limited, and was disclosed in a large shareholding report submitted to the Kanto Finance Bureau.
Tencent initially invested JPY 30 billion (approximately Rs. 1,757 crore) in Kadokawa in 2021, making it one of the company's key shareholders. The latest investment signals Tencent’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its foothold in the gaming industry, particularly in the Japanese market, which remains a critical hub for video game development and publishing. Kadokawa, best known as the parent company of FromSoftware, is a major player in the entertainment sector, overseeing a vast portfolio of intellectual properties, including manga, anime, and video games. FromSoftware has gained global recognition for developing critically acclaimed titles such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring.
Sony Increases Stake in Kadokawa Amid Rising Competition
Sony, which has been actively expanding its gaming portfolio, became the largest shareholder of Kadokawa in December 2024 by increasing its stake from 2 percent to nearly 10 percent. The Japanese tech giant invested JPY 50 billion ($320 million or approximately Rs. 2,722 crore) to acquire additional shares in Kadokawa. The move aims to strengthen collaboration between the two companies, allowing Sony to maximize the value of its gaming and entertainment intellectual property on a global scale.Kadokawa’s shareholder structure also includes South Korean firm Kakao Investment, which holds an 8.44 percent stake, making it the second-largest shareholder after Sony. With Tencent now owning 7.97 percent, the competition among major stakeholders continues to intensify as gaming giants seek greater control over key gaming assets and partnerships.
Sony and Tencent’s growing influence in Kadokawa extends beyond publishing. Both companies previously acquired a combined 30.34 percent stake in FromSoftware in 2022, with Sony Interactive Entertainment owning 14.09 percent. Despite these investments, Kadokawa remains the majority shareholder of FromSoftware, holding 69.66 percent of the studio’s shares.Sony and Tencent’s increasing stakes in Kadokawa signal a shift in the gaming landscape, where strategic partnerships and acquisitions are becoming crucial for companies looking to maintain a competitive edge. As the industry continues to evolve, Kadokawa’s expanding global reach and intellectual property collaborations will play a significant role in shaping the future of video game development and publishing.With major players like Sony and Tencent securing their positions in Kadokawa, the gaming industry is witnessing a wave of consolidation that could impact future game development, exclusivity deals, and content distribution strategies. As more investments flow into Japanese gaming firms, the influence of global tech giants on the industry’s future direction is expected to grow significantly.
