Will Sony’s Acquisition of Crunchyroll Lead to Higher Anime Streaming Costs?

The acquisition of Crunchyroll by Sony in 2021 has raised concerns among anime enthusiasts about potential price hikes. As one of the largest global players in the anime streaming market, Sony's move has sparked debates about market consolidation and its impact on users.

Current Context and Concerns

As of August 2023, Sony had indeed acquired Crunchyroll. Since then, there has been speculation that the consolidation of streaming platforms could lead to higher subscription costs. However, predicting specific price changes with certainty remains challenging due to fluctuating factors such as content licensing competition and operational expenses.

The price increases for streaming services have been a subject of vigilance. In the U.S., the anime market has a significant gray market component, with piracy being a long-standing issue among many fans. It is a critical issue that must be addressed, but it also affects the future of legitimate streaming services.

Impact on Piracy and Fan Communities

While concerns about price increases are valid, it's important to note that greed and monopolistic tendencies could drive fans towards piracy. Historically, piracy has played a significant role in establishing the US anime market, largely due to the prevalence of unlicensed imports, fan-subtitles, and unofficial content distribution.

Grave caution is advised for market players to avoid actions that may propel users back to piracy. For instance, Sentai Film Works, which has deals with Crunchyroll, might face challenges if Sony were to consolidate control with HiDive, another of its acquisitions. There are fears that Sentai may be adversely impacted by Sony's increased market power.

Industry Challenges and the Future

The state of the anime industry today is marked by various challenges. Issues such as licensing disputes, region blocks, censorship concerns, limited selection, and streaming serviceavailability contribute to the continued relevance of piracy. Even after the shutdown of KissAnime, piracy remained a significant concern.

Given Sony's reputation and long history, it is hoped that they will prioritize user satisfaction over aggressive pricing strategies. The struggle lies in addressing service-related issues, including gatekeeping and greed, which would alienate users. Focusing on improving service quality could be a better strategy for long-term success and maintaining the industry's growth.

In conclusion, while price increases could be a concern for anime streaming users, the key to sustainability lies in addressing underlying issues and ensuring a user-friendly experience. It is crucial for Sony and other industry players to consider the long-term impact of their decisions to avoid pushing fans towards piracy.