Sony has acquired a 2.5% stake in Bandai Namco Holdings, amounting to the purchase of 16 million shares from existing shareholders. In addition, the two companies have announced the signing of a ‘strategic business alliance agreement’ to focus on expanding the fan community of major intellectual properties.
‘Bandai Namco and Sony will focus on expanding the fan community for IP such as anime and manga around the world and strengthening engagement, particularly in the anime field where rapid market growth is anticipated, while merging their strengths to create new and emotionally moving experiences for fans, and as a result of these efforts maximise the value of IP,’ a press release reads.
As noted, Bandai Namco and Sony have previously collaborated on a number of projects in the field of games, anime, and music, and have now penned plans to further this collaboration. A number of initiatives are in the works, with plans to expand the IP of Bandai Namco, utilising Sony’s experience in producing and distributing anime, as well as merchandising.
Experiential entertainment is mentioned in the press release, as well as joint promotion for anime and manga. Games are also mentioned, with plans to jointly develop and operate ‘entertainment-related technologies and services,’ although the exact nature of these technologies and services are not specified.
Bandai Namco and Sony speak on new partnership
‘We are filled with excitement about the potential to create new entertainment by combining Sony Group’s strengths and technological capabilities across various entertainment fields with Bandai Namco’s IP axis strategy [that aims to maximise IP value by leveraging the appeal and worldview of IP],’ Nobuhiko Momoi, Executive Vice President, Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. said of this partnership.
‘Through this collaboration, we aim to connect with IP fans worldwide, co-create the future together, and realise our Purpose, “Fun for All into the Future,” and Mid- to Long-term Vision, “Connect with Fans.”‘
Sony is also keen to pursue this purpose, focussing on the possible ‘Kando’ (emotion) that new collaborations could achieve.
‘Through this partnership, we aim to co-create an array of content and experiences that exceed expectations and deliver Kando (emotion) to even more fans, alongside Bandai Namco Group, with its outstanding capacity for multidirectional expansion of diverse IP and deep connections with fans at real touchpoints, both domestically and internationally,’ Toshimoto Mitomo, Chief Strategy Officer, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Sony Group Corporation said.
‘By combining the strengths of both companies in the field of entertainment and unlocking the potential of compelling IP, we will further accelerate our efforts to maximise IP value and realise Sony’s long-term vision, “Creative Entertainment Vision”.’
Also on ScreenHub: Experimental game showcase Tangents returns to Melbourne on 30 July
Serenade Games has announced the return of its Tangents game showcase on 30 July 2025, with this set to spotlight a range of experimental games from across Australia. It’ll take place as a ‘pre-show’ for Freeplay week in Melbourne, Victoria, and is open for anyone looking to explore weird, wonderful, and experimental game creations.
‘The idea behind Tangents is to help foster connections between the various game making scenes across Australia and cultivate a greater sense of community across the country,’ the Serenade team said on Keik. ‘We hope to see you there, and can’t wait to show you all these awesome games and artists!’
As announced, there will be six games spotlighted in this upcoming showcase, two from New South Wales, two from Queensland, and two from South Australia. These are: Nonolith (JustCamH) – ‘You have been imprisoned in the NONOLITH; an impossible structure filled with secrets … read on for more.
