Tencent may end investments in several Japanese game developers

Tencent is reportedly preparing to sell off stakes in several Japanese studios as part of a broader shift in its investment strategy. According to a new Bloomberg report, Tencent is reassessing those deals and considering exits from studios it views as underperforming.

One of the companies reportedly affected is Marvelous, best known for the Story of Seasons franchise, Rune Factory, as well as work on Monster Hunter Stories. Bloomberg‘s sources claim Tencent is evaluating whether the “envisioned synergies” with certain portfolio studios have lapsed, prompting the company to explore divestment. Marvelous was part of a wave of Japanese investments Tencent made around 2020, targeting creative houses it believed were undervalued at the time.

While Tencent might be dropping its investment in Marvelous, there are other Japanese studios that the report confirms won't be affected. This list includes the likes of Platinum Games (Bayonetta, Wonderful 101) and From Software (Elden Ring, Dark Souls). These studios are considered marquee partners and continue to align with Tencent’s long‑term goals.

Apparently, Tencent also wants to work with its investment teams to seek a more hands-on role in the studios it owns stakes in. Previously, Tencent had been a hands-off partner, but the report claims that Tencent would now prefer a more hands-on approach, which would also include more directly supporting studios with things like recruitment and talent scouting.

KitGuru Says: Like most other major publishers right now, Tencent is looking to reduce risk and focus on more on titles and studios with ‘hit game' potential.

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