Why Crunchyroll Can't Show Licensed Anime While Other Streaming Services Can: A Dive into Licensing Complexity

Introduction to Licensing Agreements

The world of anime streaming is complex, with various factors influencing which licensed anime different platforms can show. This article explores the key reasons why Crunchyroll may not be able to offer certain licensed anime that other streaming services provide. We'll delve into licensing agreements, regional restrictions, content strategies, negotiation outcomes, and corporate partnerships.

Licensing Agreements

Crunchyroll's ability to stream licensed anime is primarily determined by the licensing agreements it has with anime studios and distributors. These agreements can be extremely specific, allowing only certain platforms to broadcast a particular anime. For instance, while a popular title might be licensed to Netflix or Hulu in North America, Crunchyroll may not have the rights to stream it. This is often due to various factors such as the target audience, marketing strategies, and regional distribution rights. Exclusive licensing agreements play a significant role in determining which platforms can offer which anime titles.

Regional Restrictions

Licensing agreements often vary by region. A title might be available on Crunchyroll in one country but not in another due to different deals made with local distributors. This situation highlights the challenges of global distribution, where regional rights can be held by different platforms. For example, a title that is licensed for the United States might not be available in the United Kingdom due to different rights negotiations with local distributors.

Content Strategy

Each streaming platform has its own content strategy. Crunchyroll focuses heavily on simulcasting and providing a large library of anime. This focus might mean that certain live-action series or movies are not prioritized. Other streaming services may have different strategies, leading to different licensing choices. For instance, a streaming platform that prioritizes live-action content may secure rights to titles that Crunchyroll does not.

Negotiation and Availability

The availability of certain titles for licensing can also affect what Crunchyroll can offer. When a title is in high demand, multiple platforms may compete for the rights. In such cases, Crunchyroll may not be able to secure the rights, even if it would be the preferred service for many fans.

Partnerships and Acquisitions

Partnerships and acquisitions also play a role in determining Crunchyroll's catalog. For example, Crunchyroll's acquisition by Sony and its merger with Funimation have changed the dynamics of content availability. These changes might mean that some content is no longer available on Crunchyroll but instead on its sister service.

Historical Context and Japan's Unique Challenges

While the complexities of licensing anime have evolved over time, the basic principles remain rooted in how business was done in the days of VHS releases. Back then, a company outside Japan that wanted to release an anime translation had to contact the Japanese studio and negotiate a license. This license allowed them and only them to release their version in their country/region for a set number of years, typically with the option to renew. This system led to issues such as multiple countries sharing a language but not being able to sell a licensed release to each other.

Japan itself has been slow to adapt to the digital age. Despite advancements in technology and the global reach of the internet, Japan still licenses anime by region, meaning that legal streaming sites must adhere to these regional agreements. This makes it difficult for fans in certain regions to access the content they want. Additionally, a single streaming service might have the rights to stream a title in multiple areas, while another service only has the rights for a specific area. This can create frustrating situations where fans have to switch between services to access the content they love.

Conclusion

In summary, licensing agreements, regional restrictions, content strategies, negotiation outcomes, and corporate partnerships all play significant roles in determining what anime Crunchyroll can stream compared to other platforms. The unique challenges posed by Japan's tradition-bound approach to licensing further complicate the global distribution of anime. Understanding these complexities can help anime enthusiasts appreciate the effort behind curating the content they love.