Funimation End of Services
Sony-owned Funimation is shutting down its anime streaming and digital copy service and migrating users to Crunchyroll, but previously purchased “digital copies” tied to DVDs and Blu-rays will not carry over. Commenters see this as another example of how digital purchases are really revocable licenses, raising concerns about consumer rights, misleading “buy” buttons, and the long‑term reliability of corporate platforms. Many argue that only DRM‑free local copies offer true ownership, and some call for regulation requiring continued access or refunds when services close.
Service shutdown and migration
- Funimation’s streaming service is being shut down and remaining content and users are being moved to Crunchyroll, which Sony also owns.
- Some content licensed to Funimation has not appeared on Crunchyroll; commenters expect those licenses may simply be allowed to expire instead of being renegotiated.
- Funimation is described not just as a distributor but as a dubbing studio (actors, writers, directors in-house).
Loss of “digital copies”
- The main controversy: digital copies that came with Funimation DVDs/Blu-rays will not be supported or migrated to Crunchyroll.
- Customers who redeemed codes lose streaming access despite having “bought” that bundle.
- Some argue this is less serious because buyers still have the physical discs; others say the digital component was part of what they paid for and treating it as disposable is unacceptable.
Ownership, licensing, and consumer rights
- Strong frustration with the gap between the “Buy” button and the fine-print license that allows unilateral revocation.
- Several comments argue: if buying doesn’t mean durable ownership, consumers will feel morally justified in piracy.
- Others note piracy is legally distinct from theft, but current licenses intentionally obscure rights and limits.
- Suggestions include regulation requiring that if a DRM service shuts down, it must provide DRM‑free downloads for a period; some see this as straightforward, others as costly or hard to enforce, especially if a company dissolves.
Comparisons to games, music, and other platforms
- Steam is held up as an example of a relatively trusted platform: games often get delisted but typically remain playable for existing owners.
- Ubisoft is criticized for shutting down servers (e.g., The Crew) and previously revoking DLC/access, reinforcing distrust of “access, not ownership” models.
- Licensing of music inside games frequently forces delistings or content removals.
- Music sales are noted as an exception in digital media: mainstream stores still sell DRM‑free files, attributed to the legacy of CDs and past industry battles.
Sony, acquisitions, and legal obligations
- Discussion of Sony’s history (CD rootkit, PS3 OtherOS removal, earlier digital library scares) as context for boycotts.
- Question raised: why isn’t Sony obligated to honor Funimation’s digital commitments?
- Answers point to license terms that allow termination, weak consumer protection, and the low priority of customers in bankruptcy or shutdown scenarios.
Language, PR, and reaction
- “Sunsetting” instead of “shutting down” is mocked as euphemistic PR‑speak that obscures impact.
- Some express anger and a renewed resolve to avoid digital “purchases” without local, DRM‑free copies, and a few say this pushes them toward piracy.