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Sony to pump $1bn more into Fortnite developer Epic Games

Japanese conglomerate looks to expand metaverse footprint

Apr 12 (Nikkei) - Sony Group has decided to invest an additional $1 billion in Epic Games, the U.S. developer of the blockbuster Fortnite, in hopes of staking a bigger claim in the metaverse.

Epic is raising $2 billion from Sony and Kirkbi, the Danish parent of toymaker Lego, under plans announced Monday. Each is chipping in $1 billion. Sony's investment is the biggest ever by the group as a minority shareholder.

With the latest financing, Sony will have poured $1.45 billion into Epic over three occasions, bringing its stake to roughly 4.9%. The Japanese electronics and media conglomerate started out with a $250 million investment announced in July 2020, then followed up on this with a $200 million investment in April 2021.

Sony sees its relationship with Epic as a path toward upgrading online entertainment operations that integrate gaming, music and films. ...continue reading

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Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

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Abe Shooting Suspect Admits Murder

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, began on October 28th at the Nara District Court. While Yamagami has admitted to killing Abe, the central issue now lies in determining his sentence.

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Emperor Naruhito met with former U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time in six years at the Imperial Palace on October 27th. The two exchanged greetings in English, with the Emperor saying, "I’m pleased to see you again," as he welcomed Trump to the Imperial residence around 6:30 p.m.

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Tokyo Court Rules Workplace Use of '-chan' as Sexual Harassment

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