Kadokawa Archives

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

FromSoftware’s parent company let it slip that we’ll get Elden Ring Nightreign DLC by March at the latest

Kadokawa's earnings report on November 6 revealed that FromSoftware is developing several projects, including the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC, which is expected to be released in FY2025, concluding on March 31, 2026. The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is planned for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, along with another title called The Duskbloods. Anticipated features for Nightreign include new weapon types, classes like a Dryleaf martial artist, and enhanced map variety. The report did not announce major new projects but hinted at ongoing innovation in the multiplayer space.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

New report suggests that there are 3 million fewer PC gamers in Japan than 10 years ago, despite the market having at least tripled in size

Japan's gaming market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the overall market projected to reach 2,396.1 billion yen in 2024, up from 2,317.6 billion yen in 2023. The PC gaming market is estimated at 265.3 billion yen for 2024. The number of overall gamers in Japan is 54.753 million in 2024, an increase from 48.55 million in 2014. However, the number of PC gamers is 14.52 million in 2024, down from 17.49 million in 2014, despite the PC gaming sector tripling in size from 2020 to 2024 based on software sales. Prices for pre-built PCs in Japan have increased by 40% since 2019, with graphics card prices rising over 300%. There is a noted decline in the popularity of inexpensive and free browser games as mobile gaming gains traction.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Japan’s PC gaming population has decreased by 3 million in the past decade, studies suggest

The Famitsu Game Hakusho 2025 report indicates that the Japanese gaming market grew by 3.4% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 2,396 billion yen. The domestic gamer population has decreased to 54.7 million from 55.5 million the previous year. Mobile gaming leads with 42.77 million users, followed by console gamers at 29.51 million, and PC gamers at 14.52 million. Although active PC gamers increased slightly from 14.45 million to 14.52 million in 2024, this number is down from 17.49 million in 2015. Console users rose from 26.12 million to 29.51 million, and mobile users increased from 14.11 million to 42.77 million over the same period. The PC gaming population has not surpassed 17.49 million since 2015, and hardware pricing has significantly increased, with a 40% rise in pre-built desktop PC prices over six years. JEITA reported a decline in domestic PC shipments, with 6.667 million units sold in 2023, marking a 2.9% decrease and the lowest sales since 2007. The global PC gaming landscape is shifting towards gacha and free-to-play games, leading players to prefer mobile devices.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

UAE-based Red Dune partners with Japanese studio Acquire

Red Dune Games, based in the UAE, has partnered with Japanese developer Acquire Corp to develop a series of innovative intellectual properties. Three projects are currently in development, codenamed Tremor, Umbra, and Shadowcar. Acquire has a history of notable titles and was owned by GungHo from 2011 to 2024 before being acquired by Kadokawa. Sultan Darmaki, CEO of Red Dune Games, and Takuma Endo, CEO of Acquire, both expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and its focus on global creativity and originality.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Way of the Samurai studio Acquire Corp and Red Dunes Games announce collaboration on multiple new IPs

United Arab Emirates-based publisher and developer Red Dunes Games has formed a multi-year partnership with Japanese studio Acquire Corp. The collaboration aims to create innovative gaming experiences, with plans for three projects: Project Tremor (kaiju battles), Project Umbra (dark fantasy adventure), and Project Shadowcar (spy thriller). All titles will be global premium releases for console and PC, with premieres at major events like the Tokyo Game Show. Acquire Corp. was recently acquired by Kadokawa Corporation and is known for developing the RPG Mario & Luigi: Brothership for Nintendo Switch. Red Dunes Games, introduced in September 2024, is set to launch titles including Princess of the Water Lilies and Zozo and the Lost Dreams.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Tencent increases Kadokawa stock holding

Tencent has increased its stake in Kadokawa to 7.97 percent by acquiring an additional 1.11 percent of shares through its subsidiary, SixJoy Hong Kong Limited. Sony has also invested in Kadokawa, securing a 10 percent stake and becoming its largest shareholder. Kadokawa's CEO, Takeshi Natsuno, expressed optimism about the alliance with Sony, highlighting the potential to enhance IP creation capabilities and global expansion.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Sony will shortly own 10% of Kadokawa

Sony will acquire a 10 percent stake in Kadokawa by purchasing 12,054,100 new shares at Y4,146 each for a total investment of Y49.98 billion (approximately 7 million) on January 7, 2025. This will increase Sony's ownership in Kadokawa from 2.01 percent to 9.68 percent, making it Kadokawa's largest shareholder, although still behind Korea Securities Depository - Samsung and The Master Trust Bank of Japan in terms of major shareholders. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on adapting Kadokawa's intellectual property into live-action films, television shows, and anime projects.