15:03

Tencent is reportedly considering divesting its investments in Japanese gaming studios, including Marvelous, the developer known for Story of Seasons

Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town
Image credit: Marvelous/XSEED Games

According to a report from Bloomberg, Tencent is contemplating divesting from several of its minority investments in Japanese game companies, including Marvelous, known for developing titles like Rune Factory, Daemon x Machina, and Story of Seasons.

This potential divestment is seen as part of Tencent's broader strategy to reevaluate its global holdings, with the possibility that the Chinese giant might repurchase its stakes back to the original studio executives, even if that means taking a financial hit.

Bloomberg cites an unnamed source, indicating that Tencent's decision to retreat from an investment hinges on whether the anticipated synergistic benefits have diminished.

The publication mentions that Tencent’s stakes in companies such as PlatinumGames, FromSoftware, and its parent company, Kadokawa Corporation, will not be altered.

In a communication with GamesIndustry.biz, Tencent reiterated its commitment to the video game sector, stating: "Video games are core to Tencent's business. We remain fully committed to working with our investees and maintaining our strong presence in the Japanese game market over the long term."

In 2020, Tencent acquired a 20% share in Marvelous for about ¥7 billion (approximately $65 million), with the intention of expanding Marvelous' existing ventures and developing new intellectual properties. That year, Tencent set a record with its number of mergers and acquisitions in the gaming sector, investing in 31 different firms.

Among Tencent's various investments in Japan is Wake Up Interactive, the owner of Ninjala developer Soleil. The Chinese firm acquired a controlling stake in Wake Up Interactive in 2021.

gamesindustry.biz
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