In a recent article by ARS Technica, Funimation announced that subscribers’ digital libraries on the platform will no longer be accessible after April 2nd. Previously, Funimation had assured users they could keep streaming their purchased content “forever,” with the caveat of “some restrictions.”
As suspected, its parent company Sony, will be merging its anime streaming services, Funimation and Crunchyroll. Starting April 2nd, the Funimation app and website will shut down, with user accounts seamlessly transitioning to Crunchyroll. This move consolidates Sony’s anime offerings under one platform, with most Funimation content already available on Crunchyroll.
Beyond streaming, Funimation also dubbed and released anime on physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays. These releases often included digital codes redeemable on the Funimation platform, allowing subscribers to seamlessly transition between physical and digital viewing.
User sentiments and potential refunds
Funimation’s closure leaves a sour taste for users, especially those who redeemed digital codes from physical media. While the announcement mentions contacting support for potential refunds based on the payment method, it’s unclear if users who bought physical copies solely for the “forever” digital access will be compensated.
This highlights the fickle nature of relying solely on streaming services for permanent ownership of purchased content. As services like Crunchyroll and Funimation merge, users may face more frequent disruptions and uncertainties regarding access to their libraries. This underscores the importance of diversifying your media consumption habits and considering physical ownership or alternative platforms for content you want to keep permanently.
