**The Best Anime Streaming Services for Gamers in 2023**
Anime and gaming culture have become deeply intertwined over the years, with many gamers being avid anime fans and vice versa. From breathtaking visuals to complex storylines, anime often serves as inspiration for games and offers *gamers* the kind of immersive worlds they thrive in. With countless high-quality anime shows and movies out there, choosing the best streaming service can be a challenge. Whether you’re into fantasy, science fiction, or action-packed adventures, there’s an anime streaming service that fits perfectly with the *gaming lifestyle*.
In this guide, we’ll break down the **best anime streaming services for gamers** in 2023, highlighting the features each platform provides, their game-related content, and how they may cater to gamers who love indulging in the otaku life during their gaming breaks.
### 1. **Crunchyroll**
#### Overview:
When it comes to dedicated anime streaming services, **Crunchyroll** reigns supreme. With over 1,200 titles to binge, including both simulcasts and classics, it’s no wonder this platform is often considered a *paradise for anime fans*, especially those who love gaming.
#### Why It’s Perfect for Gamers:
– **Exclusive Game Collaborations**: Crunchyroll frequently partners with gaming companies. Titles like *”The Rising of the Shield Hero”* and *”Re:Zero”* have inspired mobile RPGs and anime-based gacha games.
– **Complete Otaku Package**: In addition to anime, Crunchyroll regularly offers manga, merchandise, and even its own anime-inspired games.
– **Personalized Playlists**: Crunchyroll’s platform allows users to customize their playlists to suit their binge-watching or gaming breaks, which is ideal for gamers on a time crunch.
#### Key Titles for Gamers:
– *Sword Art Online* – The ultimate “trapped-in-a-game” anime.
– *Overlord* – Gamers will connect with this series about role-playing and living out in-game fantasies.
– *No Game No Life* – A must-watch for strategists and esports fans.
#### Pricing:
Crunchyroll offers a *free* tier with ads and *premium memberships* starting at $7.99 per month for ad-free streaming.
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### 2. **Funimation**
#### Overview:
**Funimation** brings an extensive library of anime that includes dubs, especially for anime lovers who prefer to multitask while gaming (or for those who might want to run an anime show in the background). Focused primarily on English-dubbed versions, Funimation is perfect if you like to keep your eyes on the game while being immersed in your favorite anime.
#### Why It’s Perfect for Gamers:
– **Offline Viewing**: Ideal for gamers who want to game uninterrupted or while traveling. Download anime and watch them anywhere, even without internet access.
– **Fan-Favorite Shonen Shows**: Funimation is loaded with high-energy, action-centered series that gamers often gravitate towards after an adrenaline-pumping gaming session.
– **Merchandise Sales for Fans**: Their shop includes anime gaming gear directly from some of the hottest titles.
#### Key Titles for Gamers:
– *Attack on Titan* – Intense, action-packed with monumental stakes, perfect for fans of RPGs and action games.
– *Dragon Ball Z* – A classic and a major inspiration for countless **fighting games** like *Dragon Ball FighterZ*.
– *My Hero Academia* – A go-to for fans who enjoy superhero-related content and have a love for epic, unbeatable power-ups à la competitive gaming.
#### Pricing:
Funimation offers a *free tier* supported by ads. Premium plans start at $5.99 per month for ad-free watching and up to five simultaneous streams.
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### 3. **Netflix**
#### Overview:
Though Netflix isn’t solely focused on anime, it has made significant strides in expanding its anime library, ensuring top-tier, globally licensed content ranging from exclusive *Netflix Originals* to classic series. Its wide media catalog that spans anime, TV shows, documentaries, and movies makes it a all-purpose service perfect for gamers who seek variety.
#### Why It’s Perfect for Gamers:
– **Cross-Genre Content**: Gamers can enjoy not only anime but also game-related documentaries like *”High Score”* or adaptations such as *Castlevania* and *The Witcher*.
– **Anime-Inspired Original Titles**: Netflix invests in game-related anime series and movies. For example, *Dota: Dragon’s Blood*, based on **Dota 2**, has drawn in fans of the MOBA game.
– **Multiple Devices**: Netflix offers device flexibility, allowing you to stream both anime and games across multiple platforms without interruption.
#### Key Titles for Gamers:
– *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* – For fans of the *Cyberpunk 2077* universe, this cyberpunk dystopia adds depth to the world of guns and hacking.
– *The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf* – The prequel anime movie to the **Witcher** series will resonate with fans of the role-playing video game.
– *Castlevania* – Based on the iconic video game series, this gothic horror anime attracts both horror fans and Castlevania gamers.
#### Pricing:
Netflix offers a variety of streaming plans starting at $6.99 per month (for the Basic with Ads plan).
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### 4. **HIDIVE**
#### Overview:
**HIDIVE** focuses on niche anime that may be overlooked by mainstream viewers, making it perfect for *hardcore anime enthusiasts* (often gamers), who aren’t looking for the most popular shows but want something off the beaten path.
#### Why It’s Perfect for Gamers:
– **Unique Genres for Niche Gamers**: Whether you’re into *visual novels*, mecha (*Gundam*, anyone?), or otome games, HIDIVE’s out-of-the-box catalog appeals to gamers who appreciate strategy and deep storytelling.
– **Simuldubs Available Early**: Similar to Funimation, HIDIVE is one of the few services offering early English dubs for new series, making it easy for gamers to binge-watch without reading subtitles while gaming.
– **Exclusive Titles**: Some shows on HIDIVE, like *”Made in Abyss”*, are rare gems beloved by fans of fantasy MMORPGs.
#### Key Titles for Gamers:
– *Log Horizon* – A strategic MMORPG anime that draws comparisons to games like *Final Fantasy XIV*.
– *Made in Abyss* – A dark, atmospheric series that parallels the puzzle-solving aspect of classic adventure games.
– *No Game No Life Zero* – A prequel that tells the origins of a perilous video-game-driven world.
#### Pricing:
HIDIVE is priced at *$4.99 per month*, one of the more affordable options for anime streaming.
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### 5. **Hulu**
#### Overview:
Though **Hulu** isn’t an anime-focused platform, it offers a growing number of popular titles along with a solid selection of live-action and animated series that complement the busy schedules of gamers.
#### Why It’s Perfect for Gamers:
– **Wide Variety**: Hulu provides a balance between anime and standard Western media, making it ideal for gamers who enjoy mixing up their viewing choices.
– **Live TV Add-On for Esports Fans**: Hulu’s Live TV option allows live streaming of events like esports tournaments, letting you stay up to date on competitive gaming.
– **Underrated Anime Selections**: Titles like **Hunter x Hunter** and *”One Piece”* draw in gamers and anime fans alike, ensuring hundreds of hours of content ideal for long gaming breaks.
#### Key Titles for Gamers:
– *Hunter x Hunter* – A saga twinged with the themes of persistence and growth, connecting well with adventure and RPG gamers.
– *One Piece* – With over 1000 episodes, it’s perfect for long gaming-sessions with binge breaks in the middle.
– *Naruto/Naruto Shippuden* – This franchise has its share of **fighting games**, including *Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm*.
#### Pricing:
Hulu’s basic plan starts at *$7.99 per month*. Similar to Netflix, it also offers additional services, including Hulu + Live TV ($69.99 per month).
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### Conclusion:
For gamers who are equally dedicated anime fans, choosing the right anime streaming service is essential. Whether you’re looking to re-watch *Naruto*, catch up on the latest simulcasts, or explore more obscure titles during breaks from your favorite online multiplayer game, there’s a perfect service based on your preferences. Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, HIDIVE, and Hulu all offer expansive libraries to satisfy the tastes of anime-loving gamers.
So, grab your controller, set up your next playlist, and get ready to immerse yourself in the worlds of anime after diving out of your most recent gaming session!
