Integration of hardware, software, content and networks

「Through the Sony Engagement Platform, a common network infrastructure connecting the Sony Group’s diverse entertainment businesses, SIE is working to deliver an integrated entertainment experience across the Group. Building on technologies developed for PlayStation, it integrates core functions such as customer information management, commerce, payments and data management, and contributes to Group-wide growth by creating an ecosystem that deepens engagement between creators and fans more effectively. In fiscal 2025, SIE began offering multiple functions and began implementing Sony Revenue Recognition, SIE’s revenue management system, at Crunchyroll, thereby improving profitability.」

「Based on the PSN infrastructure, the company is working to build a new engagement platform connecting users and creators by utilizing core backend functions such as payments, data infrastructure and security.」

「The company plans to develop an engagement platform for the Sony Group by extending core functions such as accounts, payments, data infrastructure and security, based on the PlayStation Network infrastructure, to the expanding Crunchyroll service.」

「Visual adaptation of game IP: advancing the development of films and television series based on PlayStation®’s internally produced titles, including “The Last of Us,” “Gran Turismo” and “Twisted Metal.”」

「Crunchyroll is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) service connecting with anime and manga fans in more than 200 countries and regions, offering subscription video-on-demand, advertising-based video-on-demand, mobile games, manga, events, character merchandise and distribution services. Through this acquisition, Sony became able to provide fan-focused services more broadly by connecting the two anime-streaming brands, Funimation and Crunchyroll. The two brands and services have been integrated globally into Crunchyroll since March 2022.」

「In addition to these three growth strategies, we will continue strengthening collaboration within the Sony Group to further advance the adaptation of PlayStation game IP into films and television programs.」

「Funimation is a joint venture between SPE and Aniplex Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. The consideration for this acquisition, ¥135,575 million (US$1,234 million), was paid in cash. As a result of the acquisition, Ellation became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony.」

「Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one example of efforts to maximize the value of works created by creators by leveraging the Sony Group’s diverse businesses, including the development of the original manga into anime, films, music and a game planned for the future.」

「In addition to various streaming services, we are working with music labels and global live-entertainment companies to build an open ecosystem by providing technologies spanning the creation, distribution and playback of compatible content.」

「The PlayStation®VR content featuring the songs “Hikari” and “Chikai” from Hikaru Utada’s live tour provides new emotional and visual experiences by immersing users in the world of VR rather than simply presenting video. Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Imaging Products & Solutions, Corporate R&D and others participated in the project, creating content that delivers an intensely realistic live experience unique to PS VR by bringing together the technologies of the Sony Group.」

「Sony believes it is essential to promote the integration of hardware, software, entertainment content and network services in order to differentiate itself in the market and thereby expand sales and improve profitability. For example, in April 2016, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Network Entertainment International established a new company, Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC, by integrating the operating organizations for all of their hardware, software, content and network service businesses.」