>>282983620
Crunchyroll now controls an overwhelming share of anime licenses, to the point that it effectively dictates where and how much of the medium can be accessed.
Exclusivity has indeed become a standard practice across streaming platforms; however, in many cases, the platforms fund or co-produce the shows they host, thereby making them legitimate rights holders. Crunchyroll’s situation, however, is more concerning; it’s less about creative investment and more about strategic consolidation. This limits competition and ultimately harms both creators and audiences by bottlenecking access through a single corporate pipeline.

To be clear, I’m not defending piracy. However, the system itself also drives people toward alternative routes. Viewers aren’t trying to cheat the industry; they’re trying to participate in it without unreasonable barriers.

If the anime industry truly wants to grow globally, it needs to remember that accessibility is not a luxury; it’s the foundation of cultural reach. Monopolizing distribution breeds resentment and disengagement. Supporting anime should not mean surrendering choice.