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Tag: Square Enix

  • Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    MUMBAI: Crunchyroll is betting that frustrated manga readers will pay up to escape the labyrinthine world of publisher-specific apps and dodgy fan-scan sites. The anime streaming giant announced that Crunchyroll Manga, a new premium add-on, will launch on 9 October  for iOS and Android users in America and Canada, followed by a web version on 15 October.

    The service promises an ad-free experience featuring hundreds of titles from major publishers including Viz Media, Square Enix, Yen Press, AlphaPolis and Compass. Launch titles span the spectrum from blockbusters like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen to cult favourites such as The Summer Hikaru Died and Delicious in Dungeon.

    For existing subscribers, the pricing structure offers both carrots and sticks. Ultimate Fan subscribers ($15.99 monthly) get access at no extra cost. Others face a $4 monthly surcharge for the Fan tier (bringing it to $11.99) or $3.50 for Mega Fan subscribers ($15.49 total).

    The move tackles a persistent headache for western manga enthusiasts: juggling multiple subscriptions across different publishers’ platforms. Square Enix’s Manga UP! limits access through daily “free currency,” whilst other publishers require separate purchases or subscriptions that quickly pile up costs.

    Crunchyroll Manga, powered by Japan’s Link-U Group, will operate as a standalone app separate from the main streaming service. Features include offline downloads, personalised reading lists and full two-page spreads across mobile, tablet and web platforms.

    Notably absent from the launch lineup are titles from Kodansha, which operates its own K Manga app using a ticket-purchase system. However, popular Kodansha series like Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, already available as anime on Crunchyroll, may join later.

    Additional publishers including Shueisha, J-Novel Club and ThirdlineNext are slated to join post-launch, potentially creating a one-stop shop for digital manga consumption.

    The timing is shrewd. Digital comics subscription services like Marvel Unlimited have proven the model works for superhero fans. If successful, Crunchyroll Manga could deal a significant blow to manga piracy whilst consolidating the company’s position as the west’s manga and anime gatekeeper

  • Game4u launches operations in Singapore and Malaysia

    Game4u launches operations in Singapore and Malaysia

    MUMBAI: Game4u, the specialist retailer of videogame products from Milestone Interactive Group, today announces the launch of its operations in Singapore and Malaysia. This expansion into the Southeast Asia market is a strategic move for Game4u and a step towards achieving its vision of becoming a leading global online retailer of videogames. With this venture, Game4u becomes India’s first and only videogame retail brand to tap the $18 billion (Source: Euromonitor) gaming industry within the Asia Pacific region.

     

    Game4u will provide more than 700 PC and MAC games from over 30 renowned publishers such as Aspyr Media, Deep Silver, Electronic Arts, Focus Home Interactive, Kalypso Media, Namco Bandai Games, Square-Enix, Take2 Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and many more via its download-to-own service to consumers in both the countries. Gamers can log onto the Game4u website to purchase games in their local currency in a few simple steps, thus making it Quick to Play. Additionally, they can look to enjoy exclusive features and promotions such as Gift a game, deals4u, pre-orders, Games under $10, Games under $20 etc.

     

    “Our goal is to be the top global games destination that offers the best-in-class products and services and provides a delightful consumer experience,” said Mr. Jayont R Sharma, Chairman and CEO, Milestone Interactive Group. “PC gaming is popular in Southeast Asia and we have taken a big step towards achieving our vision by being the first Indian gaming e-retailer to set a digital download store in the region.”

     

    “We plan to continue adding features and product categories and will also introduce our coveted loyalty program – Team Elite, to gamers in Singapore and Malaysia very soon,” added Mr. Jayont R Sharma.

     

    Singapore and Malaysia are key markets for Game4u and the company expects to grow in excess of 100% year on year with a double digit market share within the next 3 quarters leading to a revenues in excess of $4Mn (USD)  over the next three years. The company is also planning to expand in the region within the year and aims to set up operations in countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

     

    Game4u will provide variety of games and gaming accessories priced from $4.99 to $69.99, across categories and genres, and consumers can pay via popular credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover card and PayPal with a host of local options coming soon.