The CEO of FromSoftware's parent company will retain their role despite dissatisfaction from activist investors regarding how the firm managed Elden Ring

Takeshi Natsuno has successfully maintained his role as CEO of Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of FromSoftware, despite efforts by an activist investor group to remove him.

According to Reuters, the CEO's support among shareholders decreased considerably from 90% to 59.68% over the past year, following this year's AGM.

The Hong Kong-based Oasis Management attempted to remove Natsuno, alleging that significant profits from Elden Ring were not realized. They argued that Kadokawa could have leveraged the success of the action RPG more effectively.

Institutional Shareholder Services, another group of activist investors, remarked in their proxy report that seeking a successor for Natsuno was a worthy endeavor, despite potential delays. After the meeting, Kadokawa announced an evaluation of its management strategies, executive pay, and medium-term plans.

Back in March, Oasis Management surpassed Sony as Kadokawa's largest shareholder, holding 11.89% in contrast to Sony's 10.04% stake.

Kadokawa acquired FromSoftware in 2014, though no financial details were disclosed at the time. The release of Elden Ring in 2022 led Kadokawa’s gaming revenue to climb by 123%.

By April 2025, Elden Ring had surpassed 30 million units sold, while its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, achieved sales of over 10 million units.

Despite Oasis Management's concerns about Kadokawa’s pursuit of Elden Ring's potential, FromSoftware launched Nightreign, a multiplayer-based spin-off in 2025, selling over five million copies. This was notable as it marked their first spin-off from a Soulslike title.

An Elden Ring film adaptation by Alex Garland, known for 28 Days Later and Ex Machina, is scheduled for a March 3, 2028 release.

Additionally, Tencent holds a 7.97% stake in the parent company of FromSoftware.