Kadokawa Group, a multinational media conglomerate that encompasses Elden Ring developer FromSoftware and Anime News Network, has acknowledged a "significant cyberattack" and is currently working on implementing solutions and workarounds to mitigate the damage.

According to an extensive update from Kadokawa Group, the cyberattack has affected various aspects of their operations, with popular Japanese video sharing site Niconico being one of the worst hit. Since June 8, all services on Niconico have been suspended. However, the impact of the breach on FromSoftware, the developer behind the highly anticipated game Elden Ring, remains unknown at this time.

Kadokawa Group's parent company, which is also FromSoftware's parent company, revealed that the perpetrators of the cyberattack are a ransomware group, claiming to have downloaded confidential information, including employee personal data. Kadokawa Group is currently collaborating with external organizations to investigate the full extent of the data breach.

The gaming industry has witnessed numerous cyberattacks targeting studios in the past. Rockstar Games and Insomniac are notable examples, with ransomware attacks resulting in the exposure of substantial amounts of confidential data. A recent report on Wired highlighted the increasing brutality of ransomware attacks in 2024.

While it remains unclear whether FromSoftware and Elden Ring were directly affected by this hack, IGN has reached out to both Bandai Namco and Kadokawa Group in search of more information. They will continue to update the story accordingly.

As the investigation into this cyberattack progresses, it highlights the vulnerability of the gaming industry to such malicious acts. Kadokawa Group's commitment to resolving the issue and safeguarding their systems serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital landscape.

Kat Bailey, IGN's News Director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat, is accepting tips regarding this incident. Send her a direct message at @the_katbot if you have any information to share.