Crunchyroll and Funimation to merge?

Post by **Ojisama** » 01 Mar 2022, 20:22

Well, that has been on the cards since August 2021, when Sony's Funimation Global Group completed it's acquisition of Crunchyroll for the eye watering price of just under $1.2 Billion (£900 million), and apparently was paid in cash.

It was announced on Tuesday 1st March 2022, that starting with the Spring 2022 season all newly licenced anime series would stream on Crunchyroll ONLY. Funimation will stream episodes of continuing series only. Read further about a 60 day free trial on Crunchyroll.

Funimation streamed an announcement trailer as follows.

Currently, Crunchyroll and Funimation accounts are running separately, and the Funimation FAQ page is urging people to start a Crunchyroll account BUT WAIT UNTIL AFTER MARCH 8TH, as Funimation, Wakanim and VRV subscribers, who are not already with Crunchyroll will be entitled to 60 days of Premium service for free. Funimation account holders will be getting an e-mail with a link to access their free trial.

Funimation has stated that it is working on getting it's Digital Copy, Watch History and Queue services available on Crunchyroll.

I am currently a Funimation Subscriber and only use Crunchyroll free services at present. As I get more news I will update this post.

Momogari · Post by **Momogari** » 01 Mar 2022, 22:59

I paid for funimation and VRV. VRV already had crunchyroll content since they were already the same company.
But that's one fewer subscription total now I guess.

I really hope beta.crunchyroll.com also means they're getting a new video player. Both crunchyroll and funimation had shitty sites. VRV lacked features but at least its player was good.

Post by **Expendable** » 01 Mar 2022, 23:19

Yay, but how do I go about watching the stuff that's only on Funimation?

Post by **Ojisama** » 01 Mar 2022, 23:45

As I see it, the only series left on Funimation will be the long running series continuations that they have already paid for. I think Crunchyroll also shows these series, but you'd have to check. The trailer suggests that the sites will be merging their Anime Libraries together, so old season series should be available on Crunchyroll.

At least now I can watch the rest of Strongest Sage, Weakest Crest.

Momogari · Post by **Momogari** » 02 Mar 2022, 00:35

I watched an episode with the new player. Seems pretty good.

Tanya · Post by **Tanya** » 02 Mar 2022, 21:14

It seems all Funimation series will eventually move over to Crunchyroll.

On going series will move over too. They will be the only series to get new episodes on Funimation.

I suppose they are giving members time to switch

I good number of episodes have already been moved to Crunchyroll. I’ve checked and they are available to watch on both streaming services right now.

I imagine Funimation will terminate service in the near future.

I like how languages were selected in Funimation. Crunchyroll’s method is terrible in my opinion. Not that’s the only thing I dislike about the interface for Crunchyroll

Post by **Ojisama** » 03 Mar 2022, 12:01

Funimation account holders should check their e-mails everyday, and don't forget your spam/junk folders.

My invite to the 60 day free trial came yesterday. Click the link, create an account, fill in your payment details, and your good to go.

As usual with these things, paid membership starts as soon as the trial finishes, so don't forget to cancel on day 59 if you don't want to continue.

Tanya · Post by **Tanya** » 04 Mar 2022, 03:45

I’m fairly sure you can cancel right after if that’s your intention and the subscription will end on the same date regardless.

That’s what I typically do if I don’t want a continuing subscription.

Post by **Expendable** » 13 Mar 2022, 04:20

I was hoping they just port everything over. *sigh*

Post by **Ojisama** » 13 Mar 2022, 23:40

I'm about to cancel my Funimation subscription.

I think Funimation will just quietly slip away. They have paid for the rights to certain long running series, and it would be a waste of money to just stop showing them. They won't get their money back. When it comes time to renew the rights, they won't bother 'cos why pay twice for one show. At that time Funimation will disappear.

The new Beta system at Crunchyroll is a big improvement on their "Classic" player, and is clearly influenced by the Funimation system.

Tanya · Post by **Tanya** » 21 Mar 2022, 01:28

Well it seems Funimation has no plans on giving any type of a refund for current subscribers.

Nor sharing subscriptions.

This feels underhanded and a dirty thing to pull by Sony

Post by **Ojisama** » 21 Mar 2022, 19:25

Tanya wrote: ↑
21 Mar 2022, 01:28
Well it seems Funimation has no plans on giving any type of a refund for current subscribers.

Nor sharing subscriptions.

This feels underhanded and a dirty thing to pull by Sony

That's probably another reason why they are continuing to stream until current licenses expire. If they shut Funimation down entirely, they are obliged to refund unused monthly/annual subscriptions. By continuing to offer a service, they can keep your money.