Changes to Sony digital library access raise concerns about permanence

A shot from One Piece , one of the animes that Funimation made DVDs for. (credit: Crunchyroll: Inside Anime/YouTube ) How long is “forever”? When it comes to digital media, forever could be as close as a couple of months away. Funimation, a Sony-owned streaming service for anime, recently announced that subscribers’ digital libraries on the platform will be unavailable after April 2. For years, F

Many anime fans built digital libraries on Funimation, believing they could access them “forever.” However, that promise faces a deadline: April 2nd, 2024. Funimation, owned by Sony, will shut down and merge with its competitor, Crunchyroll. This raises concerns about the permanence of digital media and ownership rights.

Background:

For years, Funimation emphasized “forever” access to purchased anime, but added a vague “restrictions” disclaimer. Now, the merger with Crunchyroll throws that claim into question. While Funimation assures users most content will be available on Crunchyroll, questions remain:

• Will all purchased titles transfer seamlessly?
• What happens to content not currently on Crunchyroll?
• Do legacy “forever access” terms still apply?

Implications and Concerns:

• Digital ownership vs. licensing: This situation highlights the difference between owning digital content and “renting” it through a platform. Users may lose access even if they purchased titles.
• Transparency and communication: The transition process raises questions about Sony’s communication with users and the clarity of terms and conditions.
• Impact on consumers: Fans invested in building Funimation libraries face uncertainty about future access and potential price changes under Crunchyroll’s subscription model.

Outlook:

While the merger offers increased anime content in one place, concerns about digital ownership and user experience persist.

Further Discussion:

• Consider adding your own analysis of the situation and its implications for the broader digital media landscape.
• Mention user reactions and discussions surrounding the merger.
• Provide information on resources or support options available to Funimation users during the transition.

By addressing these points and adding your own voice, you can create a more informative and engaging article that resonates with your target audience.

Source: Sony is erasing digital libraries that were supposed to be accessible “forever”