Funimation, the popular anime streaming app, will be shutting down in April and merging with Crunchyroll, leaving many fans disheartened. However, users can continue enjoying their favorite anime on Crunchyroll and transfer their viewing history from Funimation. This transition has sparked controversy due to a price increase and the lack of support for previously purchased digital shows and movies.
Sony has officially shut down the anime giant Funimation, merging it with the streaming service Crunchyroll. This move, announced some time ago, marks the end of an era for Funimation users, who will see the platform close in April and merge with Crunchyroll. Despite the anticipation, the shutdown is still a significant moment in the anime industry.
Details about the transition were shared on Funimation's official website, reassuring users that they can continue to enjoy their favorite anime through Crunchyroll. The shutdown will take effect on April 2, 2024, allowing Funimation users to transfer their viewing history to Crunchyroll.
One major highlight is that the entire Dragon Ball saga will now be available on Crunchyroll in the UK and France, making Goku's adventures more accessible to fans in these regions.
The acquisition of Crunchyroll by Sony, Funimation's parent company, has significantly reshaped the anime streaming landscape. This consolidation has brought together the two largest providers under one umbrella, ensuring that all anime licensed by Funimation are now available on Crunchyroll. Popular series like My Hero Academia, Cowboy Bebop, and Jobless Reincarnation have become more accessible, enriching Crunchyroll's library.
While the transition promises a seamless experience with viewing histories transferring over, there are notable downsides. The subscription price will nearly double, rising from $55 per year on Funimation to $99 per year on Crunchyroll. Additionally, digital products purchased on Funimation will not be supported on Crunchyroll, and no refund policy has been announced yet. This price hike and lack of support for previously purchased digital content have caused considerable concern among anime fans.
Despite these challenges, Crunchyroll now holds a dominant position in the anime streaming market. Although it faces competition from other anime streamers like HIDIVE and major platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll remains the leading name in anime streaming. Its broader global availability, compared to Funimation, enhances its appeal, with only 10 countries lacking access to Crunchyroll, while Funimation's reach is limited to 11 countries, supplemented by a few others through Wakanim.
In an effort to solidify its dominance, Crunchyroll has expanded its anime and manga offerings, making it easier for fans to access a wide range of content. However, the increased subscription cost and the non-transferable digital purchases from Funimation continue to stir controversy among the anime community.