In a surprising announcement it has been revealed that the Japanese publisher Kadokawa has purchased a controlling share of video game developer From Software. This deal, which will be finalised on May 21, will result in Kadokawa buying 80% of the developer’s shares, and will make From Software part of the Kadokawa Group alongside Kadokawa Games and Kadokawa Pictures.
Previously a minor player in the Japanese market From Software rose to prominence in 2009 with the release of Demon Souls. Published by Sony as a PS3 exclusive the game met with incredibly high praise and proved very popular with seasoned gamers. From Software followed this up with the multiplatform titles Dark Souls and Dark Souls II which received similar success. Kadokawa on the other hand are still relatively obscure in the West, best known to gamers here as the Japanese publisher of the Suda 51 games Lollipop Chainsaw and Killer Is Dead.
The CEO of From Software, Naotoshi Zin, welcomed the announcement. “With a new system, from this point on, I believe we’ll be able to make newer and more in depth games” he said in a statement. He went on to say that his company will be working very closely with Kadokawa to create a new IP aimed at western audiences.
Via Siliconera