Fans of anime have expressed their frustrations online after Crunchyroll announced that they will not be providing users access to digital copies from Funimation after the full merger of the two streaming services. Crunchyroll’s merger guidelines, which will result in Funimation’s full absorption on April 2, 2024, two years after the announcement in March 2022, clearly state the lack of transferability of digital copies.
One of Crunchyroll’s statements reads as follows: “We understand that there may be concerns regarding owned digital copies from Funimation. It should be noted that Crunchyroll currently does not support Funimation’s digital copies, which means that access to previously available digital copies will not be supported.”
However, Crunchyroll assures fans that they are still working on expanding their content offerings and creating a unique anime streaming experience. They also acknowledge the fans’ understanding and encourage them to explore the extensive anime library available on Crunchyroll.
Anime fans did not take this news too enthusiastically and expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. For example, user DoesItPlay wrote on Twitter, “Digital is a form of rental. Example 2,371.” Meanwhile, EposVox adds, “Stop paying for streaming media and buy things that you actually own.”
It is worth noting that this issue primarily stems from Funimation’s original system rather than Crunchyroll’s absorption of the company. Funimation is primarily a streaming platform that does not allow users to purchase individual anime series. Digital copies were a promotion available to those who already owned the anime on DVD or Blu-ray. There was no option to directly purchase the digital version of the anime without previously owning the physical version.
Fans have also been criticized for promoting Funimation’s digital copies, which do not grant them full digital ownership but only allow for streaming without a premium Funimation subscription. A Funimation account and internet connection are still required.
As a result, Funimation users will have to decide whether to migrate to Crunchyroll or lose access to streaming anime by April 2. Crunchyroll is home to thousands of hours of anime and is the largest platform for simulcast, allowing access to anime in real-time shortly after its premiere in Japan.
Digital rights have been one of the hot topics in the entertainment industry, especially in the case of video games, where digital downloads have become a dominant part of sales for many companies. Last year, information leaked about Microsoft’s plans to introduce digital-only versions of the Xbox Series X and S consoles. In October, a representative from Ubisoft admitted that physical sales would decline even further.
Ryan Dinsdale is an independent journalist for IGN. He enjoys sharing his knowledge about The Witcher.
FAQ:
1. What news did Crunchyroll announce regarding Funimation’s digital copies?
Crunchyroll announced that the merger with Funimation will not grant users access to Funimation’s digital copies.
2. Does Crunchyroll support Funimation’s digital copies?
Currently, Crunchyroll does not support Funimation’s digital copies and will not provide access to previously available digital copies.
3. What does Crunchyroll assure anime fans after the announcement?
Crunchyroll assures anime fans that they are still working on expanding their content offerings and creating a unique anime streaming experience. They also encourage fans to explore the extensive anime library available on Crunchyroll.
4. Why did anime fans express their dissatisfaction?
Anime fans expressed their dissatisfaction because they will not have access to Funimation’s digital copies after the merger of both streaming services.
5. What were the users’ reactions on social media?
Users expressed their dissatisfaction on Twitter and other platforms, stating that digital copies are a form of rental and advocating for the purchase of physical products.
6. Is Crunchyroll home to thousands of hours of anime?
Yes, Crunchyroll is home to thousands of hours of anime and is the largest platform that allows for simulcast, granting access to anime in real-time shortly after its premiere in Japan.
7. Why does the issue with digital copies not stem from the merger with Crunchyroll but from Funimation’s system?
The issue with digital copies does not stem from the merger with Crunchyroll but rather from Funimation’s system, which does not allow users to purchase individual anime series without owning the physical version.
8. Do Funimation’s digital copies provide full digital ownership?
No, Funimation’s digital copies only allow for streaming without a premium Funimation subscription, but a Funimation account and internet connection are still required.
9. What are other examples of digital rights issues in the entertainment industry?
Other examples include the growing importance of digital downloads in video game sales and Microsoft’s plans to introduce digital-only versions of the Xbox Series X and S consoles.
10. Who is Ryan Dinsdale?
Ryan Dinsdale is an independent journalist for IGN who is interested in The Witcher.
Related Links:
– Crunchyroll
– Funimation
– IGN
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl