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Sony, Bandai Namco Jointly Invest 10 Billion Yen in Web3/AI Company Gaudiy
posted on by Joanna Cayanan
The partnership among the three companies will focus on five themes:
- Promote initiatives to expand Japanese IP (intellectual property) to the global market and maximize its value, through Sony's subsidiary Crunchyroll, Gaudiy's subsidiary MyAnimeList, and Bandai Namco's IP-related products and services.
- Enrich creation, encourage continuous creation, and nurture next generation creators of Japanese IP.
- Combine the three companies' data assets to use for creating personalized entertainment experiences.
- Build a safe blockchain ecosystem for fans and creators by utilizing Sony's public blockchain Soneium, and Gaudiy's tokenomics design and auction design knowledge.
- Create new entertainment experiences with Bandai Namco and Gaudiy's pushes on the research development and application of Generative AI.
Established in 2018, Gaudiy uses blockchain and generative AI in its aim to create what it terms as "fan nations," or online venues where fans can connect and express their fandom. Gaudiy operates the Gaudiy Fanlink platform, a blockchain- and NFT-focused fan platform, which includes Sony Music Group, Bandai Namco, Sanrio, Aniplex, Shueisha, TOHO, and ComicSmart, Inc. as its partners. Gaudiy also operates the Gaudiy Financial Labs company, which is focused on providing Web3-based financial services, including NFTs and cryptocurrency partnerships.
E-book distributor Media Do Holdings announced on March 26 that it has sold all of its shares in the anime database website MyAnimeList to Gaudiy. The sale transfer took place on Wednesday
Update: Added more information on MyAnimeList sale. Source: MyAnimeList Thanks, EpicMatt16.
Sources: Bandai Namco Holdings (link 2), 4Gamer (或鷹)
Disclosure: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. (Sunrise) is a non-controlling, minority shareholder in Anime News Network Inc.
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