It’s official – the long-anticipated merger between Funimation and Crunchyroll is set to take place on April 2, 2022. This merger will result in all content being consolidated under the Crunchyroll banner, marking a significant change for subscribers of both services.

For current Funimation subscribers, it is crucial to complete the account merging process before the April 2 deadline. However, it’s important to note that any shows that were previously purchased through Funimation will not transfer to Crunchyroll. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of true ownership when it comes to digital content – ultimately, platform holders dictate access.

On the other hand, current Crunchyroll subscribers will not be required to make any account changes. However, they should be aware that the subscription price will increase to $100 per year in the near future. While the merger will bring a more extensive content library to Crunchyroll, the price hike may be disappointing for some subscribers.

In addition to the merger, Crunchyroll is also venturing into the video game industry as a publisher. While the specific details of this endeavor are yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate the intersection of anime and gaming in exciting new ways. For a glimpse of this new venture, check out the package sent to Game Informer’s TikTok account.

As someone who subscribes to both services, the merger elicits mixed feelings. While the simplicity of a single anime streaming service is appealing, the prospect of increased costs is concerning. This serves as a reminder to approach mergers with caution and to remain mindful of the potential impact on consumers.