Funimation Is Officially Merging With Crunchyroll After Sony Acquisition
Anime fans will finally be able to find any series they need under just one platform.
Back in August last year, Funimation owner Sony completed its purchase of rival anime streaming platform Crunchyroll for almost $1.2 billion USD, and now the tech and media giant have officially announced the merger of the two services. Interestingly enough, Sony has decided to forego the Funimation branding, instead migrating all content from its subsidiary over to Crunchyroll, which will now become the main — and only — service.
Combined, the streaming platform will have "more than 40,000 episodes and over 16,000 hours of content," including anime series and films with subs and dubs. More content will gradually make its way over to Crunchyroll as well. As for what this means for Funimation subscribers, Sony says that shows airing this spring and beyond will only be available on the new platform, so you'll have to make the jump soon. Luckily, the company hasn't increased prices for its ad-free tier subscription, and the premium tier will start at $8 USD a month.
Elsewhere in entertainment, Fullmetal Alchemist is receiving two live-action movies in celebration of its 20th-anniversary.
