Funimation Bids Farewell on April 2, 2024
In a significant turn of events for anime enthusiasts, Funimation, a leading anime streaming service, has officially announced the shutdown of its app and website services. This move comes as part of its merger with Crunchyroll in March 2022, marking the end of an era for Funimation users. The closure is scheduled for April 2, 2024, with the platform emphasizing its commitment to providing an exceptional streaming experience and access to the world’s largest anime library through its collaboration with Crunchyroll.
The Crunchyroll and Funimation Merger Journey
The merger between Crunchyroll and Funimation has been an ongoing process since 2022. While this union promised a powerhouse of anime content, Funimation users have witnessed a gradual rollback of features. In December 2023, the service announced the discontinuation of downloading content and offline viewing. As part of the transition, Funimation subscriptions will be replaced by Crunchyroll subscriptions, aligning with the latter’s pricing structure.
Seamless Transition Measures
To facilitate a seamless transition, Funimation has already migrated most accounts to Crunchyroll. Users are encouraged to complete the migration process, and steps have been taken to transfer Watch History and queues to the new Crunchyroll accounts. While the measures seem comprehensive, Funimation acknowledges that account transfers may vary based on specific payment platforms, subscription types, and regions.
Considerations for Users
It’s essential for users to note that not all content from Funimation will be transferred to Crunchyroll due to library differences. For instance, Funimation Digital copies are not supported on Crunchyroll, leading to potential loss of access to these copies. The platform’s FAQ does not explicitly mention whether refunds will be provided. Specific instructions have been issued for Canadian, Chilean, Legacy, and Roku Pay subscribers, urging them to check the official announcement for further guidance.
The Rise of Crunchyroll
Despite the bittersweet farewell to Funimation, Crunchyroll stands tall as one of the world’s largest anime streamers, boasting over 13 million paid subscribers. The recent acquisition of Right Stuf has solidified Crunchyroll’s position as a go-to destination for anime merchandise. With expansions into financing major anime titles and upcoming events like The Anime Effect podcast and the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in March, Crunchyroll continues to shape the landscape of anime streaming. As Funimation bids adieu, the anime community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Crunchyroll’s ever-evolving journey.