Things sure can change fast. Just a few years ago, the idea that Sony and Microsoft would work directly on anything related to gaming was probably little more than a pipe dream. Now, it seems the two multimedia giants have found some common ground. Unfortunately, those wanting to see Uncharted on Xbox or Gears of War on PlayStation will have to keep dreaming. The partnership is about cloud-based aspects of gaming.
As announced by Microsoft, the two companies have come together about using Microsoft Azure, a datacenter-based solution, for Sony’s game and content-streaming services. The partnership will extend to joint development of image sensor solutions by fusing Sony technology with Microsoft’s Azure AI, which both companies hope to use to improve their infrastructure for cloud-based gaming and AI.
“Sony has always been a leader in both entertainment and technology, and the collaboration we announced today builds on this history of innovation,” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. “Our partnership brings the power of Azure and Azure AI to Sony to deliver new gaming and entertainment experiences for customers.”
“For many years, Microsoft has been a key business partner for us, though of course the two companies have also been competing in some areas,” Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO of Sony said. “I believe that our joint development of future cloud solutions will contribute greatly to the advancement of interactive content. Additionally, I hope that in the areas of semiconductors and AI, leveraging each company’s cutting-edge technology in a mutually complementary way will lead to the creation of new value for society.”
It’s interesting for sure, and very much in line with Microsoft’s future cloud-based vision of gaming. Odds are most players won’t see results from the partnership directly in the form of game development between platforms. That’ll have to wait for another day- for now let’s hope the alliance will produce some solid technical foundations.