The merger of Crunchyroll and Funimation, prominent anime streaming platforms, has sparked fervent debates within the fan base. Post-merger, Crunchyroll unveiled a substantial surge in subscription fees, nearly tripling the original rates. This decision has garnered extensive disapproval, as fans condemn the streaming service for what they perceive as preying pricing practices.
The anime community finds itself amid a contentious discourse, questioning the repercussions of these changes on accessibility and the evolving landscape of anime consumption.
Funimation’s Shutdown Confirmed In Crunchyroll Merger Agreement
In a big shakeup for anime streaming, Funimation is officially calling it quits as part of its merger with Crunchyroll. Funimation, a big player in the anime streaming world, just announced that it’s pulling the plug on its app and website on April 2, 2024, thanks to the March 2022 merger.
They say it’s all to give fans a top-notch streaming experience and access to the biggest anime library out there. They stated (Funimation),
“Exceptional streaming experience and access to the largest anime library in the world. The collaboration between Funimation and Crunchyroll allows us to continue delivering on that mission and bring you the best of anime content.”
But this merger talk has been going on for a while now. Since the merge, Funimation has slowly been phasing out features, like saying goodbye to downloading and offline viewing in December 2023.
They’re nudging users to switch over to Crunchyroll, and most accounts have already made the move. Your Funimation subscription? Yeah, that’s turning into a Crunchyroll one, and the fees will match Crunchyroll’s pricing.
They’re even transferring your watch history and queues to your new Crunchyroll account. Do you have any issues? Hit up Crunchyroll’s customer support.
Just know that the transfer might not be the same for everyone, depending on your payment platform, subscription type, and where you live. Plus, not everything from Funimation’s library is leaping Crunchyroll.
The idea behind the merger? To join forces and become a stronger player in the streaming world. However, fans aren’t exactly cheering. They’re taking to the internet to vent their frustrations about this whole merger deal.
Fans Slammed Crunchyroll For Hiking Prices Post-Funimation Merger
Fans aren’t happy with Crunchyroll’s move to hike subscription prices post-merger with Funimation. Many feel blindsided by the sudden increase, given the promise of a better streaming experience.
While the merger offers perks, like exceptional streaming, fans now have to pay more for it. Instead of feeling like winners, fans feel cheated as the platforms stopped offering seasonal shows for free and tripled subscription fees right after merging. This abrupt change has stirred frustration and disappointment among subscribers.
Some fans have taken to social media to express their discontent, with one (Steakdriven) commenting, “I guess it’s back to the pirate streaming sites for me then.” Others also criticize the merger, suggesting that it may not be such a great idea after all, especially if it drives fans to use pirated sites.
They really want us to take out the flags again dont they pic.twitter.com/ofnjpomYTx
— Shyaren 🌹🩸 Cringe Queen 👑 (@Shyaren_VT) February 8, 2024
Just buy manga while sailing the seven seas with me. pic.twitter.com/tt6Umdi1mi
— Fried Melon (@Fried_Melons) February 8, 2024
Every company goes to a point they grow so tall they just simply forget their basis. Until this flag comes around… pic.twitter.com/Fu4rM4UZzh
— EDEN 👾 (@Eredhen1) February 8, 2024
They have yet to fully add all the dubbed anime from Funimation to Crunchyroll.
I had problems with the Funimation app/service, but I’ve also used it a LOT over the last 8 years. I’m sad by this announcement, but I also knew it was coming.
The price increase also isn’t…
— 𝙰𝚛𝚢𝚡 (@Aryxanos) February 8, 2024
I absolutely hate what CR has become. Earlier you could watch the last week's episode for free with ads.
Now you can maybe watch less popular shows from a few years ago for free, because anything even slightly popular is premium only, even if it's 20 years old. pic.twitter.com/iAbatkO54f
— Starteller (@Reiteller) February 7, 2024
Also, FUNimation customers lose access to their digital libraries. https://t.co/pqYzU0hYAy
— Gideon on Gaming (@GideonOnGaming) February 7, 2024
All industries seem smaller despite record profits. We need new proprietors to step up in entertainment in order to revitalize the industry. But it will only work if they refuse to be bought out or go along with WEF guidelines. We need diversity of thought and honest competition.
— Joshua Glaze (@joshua_glaze2) February 8, 2024
This negative reaction highlights the importance of trust and loyalty in the anime community. Streaming platforms strive to balance profitability with consumer satisfaction. It remains to be seen how Crunchyroll and others will navigate this delicate balance in the future. With fans feeling let down, the streaming landscape faces uncertainty as it evolves.
