I got some big news for the anime community. It was recently announced that the companies Funimation and Crunchyroll will be working together as one. In a press conference, Sony Pictures Animation, which owns Funimation, has completed an acquisition deal with AT&T. Since AT&T owns Crunchyroll and Sony has Funimation and this acquisition taking affect, Sony will now be working with both Funimation and Crunchyroll as a whole.
Here is what Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation, had to say about this deal:
“We are very excited to welcome Crunchyroll to the Sony Group. Anime is a rapidly growing medium that enthralls and inspires emotion among audiences around the globe. The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community. We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”
Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc, also wanted to add his comments about the deal and how feels about what is the future for anime:
“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to Sony’s existing anime businesses, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan. With Crunchyroll and Funimation, we are committed to creating the ultimate anime experience for fans and presenting a unique opportunity for our key partners, publishers, and the immensely talented creators to continue to deliver their masterful content to audiences around the world. With the addition of Crunchyroll, we have an unprecedented opportunity to serve anime fans like never before and deliver the anime experience across any platform they choose, from theatrical, events, home entertainment, games, streaming, linear TV — everywhere and every way fans want to experience their anime. Our goal is to create a unified anime subscription experience as soon as possible.”
According to Crunchyroll and Funimation, these two anime will be bringing in more anime content for their fans and hopefully make anime streaming easier than before.
How do you feel about this news?
source:
Matt-in-the-Hat 
Too early to tell.
Yeah we need more information on what’s their next plan.
Yes plus it is easier to address the problem.
Yeah. I been hearing some fans either rejoice about this news and then others dread it.
I wonder if Crunchyroll will still offer free streaming with ads 🤔
I would assume. Let’s hope it doesn’t require a subscription with paid ads.