Overview
- Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Tencent is preparing to exit several minority investments in Japanese game studios and is lining up sales of stakes back to original management.
- The only studio named in the report is Marvelous, in which Tencent owns about 20 percent, and sources say Tencent could sell that stake even at a financial loss.
- Tencent told Bloomberg that video games remain core to its business and that it stays committed to the Japanese market, a statement that leaves planned exits unconfirmed until deals are announced.
- Investments in FromSoftware, PlatinumGames and Kadokawa are reported to be unaffected, while separate reports earlier this month flagged French developer Don't Nod as at risk if Tencent reduces backing.
- The move follows a broader downturn in game sales and an industrywide push into AI, and it could force affected studios to seek new financing or regain full independence from Tencent support.