Streaming has completely transformed the anime industry, and one Dragon Ball executive has explained how it has positively impacted the franchise. In a recent interview, Akio Iyoku, a key member of the Dragon Ball committee, discussed how streaming changed the way anime is produced, marketed, and consumed—making Dragon Ball even more accessible and successful than before.
Streaming Made Dragon Ball More Accessible Than Ever
Before Streaming:
- Fans had to watch episodes at scheduled times, making it easy to miss key moments.
- Reruns were the only way to catch up, often leading to long waiting periods.
- Anime renewals depended largely on Blu-ray sales, limiting the potential for future seasons.
With Streaming:
- Viewers can watch at their convenience, making it easier to follow long-running series.
- More anime get renewed based on streaming data rather than Blu-ray sales (e.g., Chainsaw Man’s second season).
- Marketing efforts can be timed for peak streaming periods, such as holidays and breaks.
Dragon Ball DAIMA’s strategy included a holiday break, ensuring fans had time to catch up before new episodes aired.
Dragon Ball DAIMA’s Smart Approach to Attracting New Fans
Dragon Ball DAIMA took a unique approach to accessibility:
- Episode 1 featured a recap of past events, so even new viewers could jump in without needing prior series knowledge.
- The franchise’s vast history can be overwhelming, but DAIMA eliminated the need for extensive background knowledge to enjoy the story.
This strategy ensures new fans stay engaged while encouraging them to explore older Dragon Ball content.
Dragon Ball’s Streaming Success Keeps Growing
- The Dragon Ball franchise is now easier to find than ever before.
- Multiple streaming platforms host the series, making it one of the most widely available anime franchises.
- Dragon Ball Super’s long hiatus didn’t hurt its popularity, proving its enduring success.
- Dragon Ball DAIMA topped the streaming charts, confirming that the series remains stronger than ever.
Four decades later, Dragon Ball continues to dominate the anime world, thanks in large part to streaming’s accessibility and global reach.
