Video game industry leaders Microsoft and Sony have agreed to join forces with the signing of a memorandum of understanding which allows the two companies to partner up to explore “new innovations to enhance customer experiences in their direct-to-consumer entertainment platforms and AI solutions.” The announcement came on Thursday and paints a broad scope for the future of the two companies and their endeavor to tackle the cloud space.
Utilizing Microsoft’s Azure datacenters, the two companies look to directly compete with cloud gaming newcomers, Google and Apple. By using the strengths of each company to make headway in the future of AI solutions and cloud based technology, the report also states that Sony will explore use of Microsoft’s Azure datacenters for their own streaming services, while also innovating and constructing enhanced platforms for future developers in the content creator space.
“Sony is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. We collaborate closely with a multitude of content creators that capture the imagination of people around the world, and through our cutting-edge technology, we provide the tools to bring their dreams and vision to reality(…)PlayStation itself came about through the integration of creativity and technology. Our mission is to seamlessly evolve this platform as one that continues to deliver the best and most immersive entertainment experiences, together with a cloud environment that ensures the best possible experience, anytime, anywhere. 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. 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.” – Sony CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida
While there’s not much more detail on the new relationship between the two competing companies, it’s surprising to see the industry titans working towards a better, more exciting future. So far, the information points directly towards combating the upcoming rise of cloud gaming thanks to Google’s GDC announcement of their game streaming service Stadia, and Apple’s own upcoming streaming service Apple Arcade.
This may not seem like the type of partnership similar to the Nintendo and Microsoft collaboration that many were hoping for, but it is a solid step forward for the industry. That is, if we want the industry to continue flourishing under the reigns of the longtime leaders.
Stay tuned for more details on the agreement once they’re made available by Microsoft and Sony.
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Source: Microsoft
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