Crunchyroll, A PLUS Japan Unveil 'Bleach: Soul Resonance' RPG

Crunchyroll Games and A PLUS Japan opened global pre-registration Tuesday for "Bleach: Soul Resonance," a mobile action role-playing game scheduled to launch later this year on iOS and Android platforms.

The title, developed by Nuverse and based on Tite Kubo's manga series, marks Crunchyroll's latest push into mobile gaming as streaming services increasingly diversify their entertainment offerings beyond video content. Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. have made similar moves, establishing gaming divisions to transform their platforms into broader multimedia ecosystems.

The game features what the publishers describe as "blade-clashing" combat mechanics, allowing players to engage in precision-based sword battles. Players can switch between characters mid-combat and chain combination attacks. The title employs a gacha monetization system with an 80-draw guarantee for character acquisition.

How to Pre-Register for Bleach: Soul Resonance and Unlock Exclusive Rewards

Pre-registration incentives include in-game currency, bonus items and character cards tied to enrollment milestones. Players can register through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, with rewards scaling based on total global registrations. The campaign coincides with Crunchyroll's launch of its manga webstore, part of a broader strategy to deepen user engagement across multiple content formats.

Publishing responsibilities will be divided geographically. A PLUS Japan will oversee distribution in most European and Middle Eastern territories, while Crunchyroll Games will manage North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Nordic countries. The release excludes Asian markets, where existing licensees retain publishing rights.

The launch comes as the mobile gaming sector faces intensifying competition, particularly in the gacha RPG category. KLab Inc.'s "Bleach: Brave Souls," the franchise's flagship mobile title, has exceeded 80 million downloads since its 2015 debut, setting a high benchmark for new entries.

Industry observers have raised questions about the game's long-term viability in an increasingly saturated market. The title follows the recent release of "Bleach: Rebirth of Souls," a console fighting game that launched earlier this year, as licensees continue mining the intellectual property across gaming platforms.

The global mobile gaming market generated $92.2 billion in revenue in 2024, according to market research firm Newzoo, though growth has slowed from pandemic-era highs. Anime-based mobile games represent a growing but competitive segment, with established titles from franchises including "Dragon Ball," "One Piece" and "Naruto" dominating download charts.