In recent years, the anime industry has experienced a surge akin to the video game boom that began around 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought entertainment while staying home, both video games and anime saw significant growth. Gaming enthusiasts tackled their backlogs, and viewers flocked to streaming services for their anime fix. However, as pandemic restrictions eased and daily routines resumed, both sectors faced new challenges adapting to the post-pandemic landscape.
Much like the video game industry, which has seen substantial layoffs as a consequence of its rapid expansion during the pandemic, the anime industry now grapples with its own set of issues. The industry’s growth has led to increased crunch time for animators, a trend mirrored in gaming where studios have struggled with overwork and project delays. Notable studios such as Mappa, renowned for hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, have faced criticism for fostering crunch while struggling to meet the high demand for new content. This mirrors the situation at Naughty Dog, where the cancellation of The Last of Us Online has drawn comparisons to anime’s struggle with overextended development cycles.
Anime benefits from a steady stream of content derived from popular manga series, leading to a continuous cycle of adaptations. While this system has traditionally kept the industry thriving, it has also resulted in mounting pressure on creators to produce content rapidly. This intense demand often results in either rushed episodes or the remaking of older series.
Recent trends in anime include a heavy reliance on nostalgia through remakes of beloved series like Spice and Wolf, Fruits Basket, and Ranma ½. While some remakes, such as the Neon Genesis Evangelion rebuild films, successfully reimagine original works, others, such as the new adaptation of One Piece by Wit Studio, have left fans questioning their necessity. Wit Studio’s explanation for the remake focuses on technological advancements and the original anime’s outdated format, a justification that echoes the gaming industry’s rationale for remaking titles like Resident Evil 4.
Another challenge facing the anime industry is the consolidation of streaming services, which mirrors issues seen in the gaming sector. Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll and Funimation has led to increased costs and loss of digital content for consumers. The dominance of major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Hidive, Netflix, and Hulu has created a monopolistic environment where fans often feel underserved by the lack of promotional support and delayed releases. This dissatisfaction has fueled a rise in piracy as viewers seek more accessible options.
Despite these challenges, the anime industry is not without its successes. Recent standout series such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Delicious in Dungeon have revitalized the fantasy genre, offering fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. These series, notable for being written by women in a predominantly male field, exemplify how breaking away from traditional formulas can lead to critical acclaim.
As the anime industry continues to evolve, it faces the dual task of sustaining its recent growth while addressing the issues that have arisen from its rapid expansion. Whether it can adapt successfully, as the video game industry has struggled to do, remains to be seen.