Video game console rivals Sony and Microsoft will team up for on-demand gaming and AI solutions to provide customers with better experiences. This move seems to have been likely spurred by Google’s announcement of Stadia, their new game streaming service.
The memorandum signed by both parties details how Microsoft and Sony will explore joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their game and content streaming services. The two companies will also explore the usage of current Microsoft Azure datacenter based solutions for Sony’s game and content streaming services.
This tie-up aims to deliver building better development platforms for the content creator community and enhanced experience for their worldwide customers. A collaboration will also be explored in the areas of semiconductors and AI that might include potential joint development of new intelligent image sensor solutions.
“Sony has always been a leader in both entertainment and technology, and the collaboration we announced today builds on this history of innovation. Our partnership brings the power of Azure and Azure AI to Sony to deliver new gaming and entertainment experiences for customers.” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft.
“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.” said Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO, Sony.