Well here's an interesting announcement: Sony and Microsoft have revealed that they're working together on a variety of tech-related ventures. The two companies are obviously competitors in the gaming console space with PlayStation and Xbox, but that hasn't stopped them from forming what they call a "strategic partnership".
"The two companies will partner on new innovations to enhance customer experiences in their direct-to-consumer entertainment platforms and AI solutions," reads the press release. A little vague, but more specific plans are outlined further in.
"The two companies will explore joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their respective game and content-streaming services," the statement continues. "In addition, the two companies will explore the use of current Microsoft Azure datacenter-based solutions for Sony’s game and content-streaming services. By working together, the companies aim to deliver more enhanced entertainment experiences for their worldwide customers," it adds.
This sounds like it has a lot to do with cloud and streaming-based entertainment -- something that both companies have had a hand in over the years. It'll be interesting to see how far-reaching this stuff is when it comes to gaming in particular.
Beyond that, Sony and Microsoft are even teaming up on the "potential joint development" of "intelligent image sensor solutions". With Sony's experience in crafting consumer-friendly products and Microsoft's expansive software know-how, it could prove to be a strong partnership.
Of course, we're going to need to see all of this come together at some point in order to determine what kind of partnership this is, but it's still an intriguing premise.
What really caught our eye, though, is how Sony president CEO Kenichiro Yoshida talks about the partnership: "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."
Yoshida continues: "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."
In other words, Microsoft's advancements in tech may indeed play a part in the future of PlayStation as a platform. Again, we're going to have to wait and see how this actually unfolds, but right now, it's clear that the two companies are getting along very well indeed.
[source news.microsoft.com]
Comments 68
Bring Forza to PlayStation and erm that's it please.
Cloud gaming for the majority in 10-15 years folks!
Interesting how EA, Microsoft and Sony all use the familiar Switch marketing slogan when discussing cloud gaming.
Also, boy the popcorn gonna be good.
But good on Sony for seeing Azure could be beneficial. Microsoft has server space and tech assets far beyond what Sony has. If they want to be truly competitive and offer cloud gaming that....well works nigh on flawlessly in the future years where infrastructure likely still wont be improved, they need all the assets they can get.
That’s very good news. Microsoft have made some brilliant innovations in the Cloud and AI so good to see they’re teaming up. It’s good for consumers if companies aren’t at each other’s throats, after all.
MicroSony? SonySoft? Lol
Neither of them want Google to get in on gaming.
@ShogunRok I was basically thinking something similar, in that in all likelihood they will need each other to be competitive against Google years down the line
They both want Cyberpunk 2077 to look and run dope. That's what I got out of this.
@kyleforrester87 exactly!
Sony know full well streaming is the future and need MS Azure bandwidth for that growth. Seems like more of a win for MS on face value...
This is rather interesting
And thus should be the end of the fanboyism of 'My plastic box is better than your plastic box'.
But who are we kidding? You just know the YouTubes will be full of clickbait/misinterpreted "OMG, Microsoft is buying Sony, MS has won next generations!1111!!"
Personally, I think this is very interesting news and I look forward to how this will impact the evolution of gaming over the next decade.
Playsoftdo, the ultimate gaming console
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
Had to do a double take there. This reminds me a bit of when Sony closed their Music Unlimited service in favour of Spotify so the company aren't above partnering with a "rival" if it brings a better product.
No doubt there will be clickbait articles about this in the coming days but I think it'll be sometime before we truly find out what's in store.
Makes sense once you get out of the console warrior mentality really. Microsoft has servers to sell, and Sony is a potentially very big customer for them. I'm not really surprised by this.
In other words, microsoft isn't doing too good this generation, testing next generation and wanting to possibly have Sony hand them some money (by producing items for Sony, which sony would then have to give them some money for). Makes sense. Would be nice to see some of Microsoft's IP's make a return or get released on Sony's next console, and Microsoft does have a lot of various entertainment zones for the XBONE. With Microsoft releasing some of their games on the Switch (CupHead and Super Lucky's Tale), maybe we'll see games also released on PS4 or PS5.
One closer step to cross platform gaming.
"PlayStation itself came about through the integration of creativity and technology."
I thought it was because Nintendo decided to have an affair with Philips at the last minute...
5 years ago this may have shocked me, but given Microsoft's other recent developments it was only a matter of time.
@get2sammyb I completely agree!!
Cuphead please
@Useyourname Love a raunchy origin story
@get2sammyb Who does Sony use at the moment to hold PS Now? Do they have their own small infrastructure for it are are they using AWS etc?
@Useyourname and Nintendo only had that affair because a relationship with Sony would be like an arranged marriage they'd have to pay royalties to release stuff on their own system.
Super raunchy (>~<)
@ShogunRok how did you and sammy meet?
Well for the cloud this sort of partnership was bound to happen. That doesn't mean much really.
I just hope PlayStation priority is still local gaming
For real, they just want that secret exclusive formula.
Stupid jokes aside, this could result in some good stuff. As pointed out, there's both firm's tech experience which will definitely be useful as we keep going forward into digital and streaming. I haven't been keeping up that much with Microsoft honestly, but their online infrastructure has generally been one of the few things they've done well compared to others. That may be very helpful when both go more in for streaming.
The development of image sensor to me at least sounds like it can be a boon for VR related tech, and it would be great if that can continue to grow. In regard to the articles last few paragraphs, I'm all for improvement of games, and anything that can give us the best games as they can possibly be. Heck, improvement to the consoles themselves is also welcome. I might be overthinking, but if it's a possibility, I'll welcome it.
Obviously, we have to wait and see, but I think there's some potential good that can come out of this.
To me that reads as: Sony are going to use Azure for backhaul rather than managing the server hardware themselves. Makes sense in terms of costs building a bespoke service. Use a hugely well scaled service already in place. Sony will still develop their own software to run these systems but they’ll use Microsoft azure as they already have Data centres well positioned all around the world.
It won’t make Xbox and PlayStation any closer to merging or that.
Just in the same way competing platforms Netflix and Amazon Prime run on Amazons competing platform to Azure: AWS (Amazon Web Services)
Cuphead, gears, halo on ps4 when? 😌
Microsoft: "If fans refuse to shut up about 'console wars', we might as well wrap it all up with console truces"
Not sure I like what this means for the future direction of PlayStation.
Interesting, but not surprising. After what Microsoft has been doing as of late.
@ShogunRok The enemy of my enemy is my friend I guess. Still seems odd. Truly a wait and see situation.
Also it looks like the analysts saying Ms will dominate next gen because of the cloud were full of it. What a surprise!
@kyleforrester87 Both pretending to be women in PlayStation Home
That’s cool. Microsoft has the better online service with Xbox Live, hands down. Sony knows it, so... If you can’t beat them, join them. Smart move, I’d say. :>
@ShogunRok haha I bet
Interesting to see what happens from this partnership.
gears of war for ps4 confirm.word up son
Programmers assemble!
@Stragen8 - Sony bought both OnLive and Gaikai game streaming services years ago and use that tech to deliver PSNow.
It's a weird combination, but this partnership might prove beneficial for everyone.
FORZA PSVR please.
This can turn out to be great news
It would never happen but imagine if Sony and Microsoft both worked together on a console to see off competitors like Google’s Stadia? I can see the name now, PlayStation X (PSX).
@Shigurui Yeah I’m familiar with their purchase of Gaikai and stuff, I guess I just don’t know enough about servers and things to understand what’s providing the current PS Now service. Like does Sony have a few of their own sever farms/building around the globe that’s providing the service currently and then they’re going to just get rid of those and move to MS’s servers?
Surely Sony and Microsoft were spooked by the shadow of the next-generation console which will dominate all and decided to fight it together. The name of the beast that struck fear into the collective hearts of two of the world's largest tech giants?
Mad Box.
Bow your head in reverence when you say its name.
Google who?
@SaikoWaifu2003 Ironic To Considering Thats what Nintendo Did to Sony back in the Day
@Stragen8
I think they are just being pragmatic for now but it's mainly a long term partnership to develop future game streaming solution together. That reminds that Sony admited a few months ago that game streaming will eventually be a threat to console gaming in like a decade or so.
Brad Sams made me laugh. Can't remember the exact quote but hes like :'if Sony think Ms cloud is great to stream their own games then just imagine how good Ms NATIVE game streaming is'. Haha
Being at the complete mercy of Big companies doesnt sound too good. You want too play your old game too bad we just discontinued support. Oh your internet is down sucks too be you. Paying for air ofcourse. Ah yes a few more payed services why not. And ofcourse all the money stays at the biggest companies thats what we all like.
@Shepherd_Tallon Less exclusive games is a terrible big trade off then i can just go and leave the consoles.
@Turismo4GT Mad Box the one where all the investors are pulling their support from. The most ugly thing i have ever seen nah.
@Nyne11Tyme If i have too choose the second one.
It's the End of Days as we know it...
Smart move on both sides. Amazon is Microsofts main cloud based competitor I understand and, Sony is smaller and needs cloud computing. They will still compete in the gaming market but elsewhere, they will work together. Just how big business works...
@Flaming_Kaiser A mere inconsequential setback on the way to world domination, I can assure you my good man.
Mad Box will conquer all! 🤣
I hate Microsoft so I HATE this News:-/ I don't want nothing to do with them and SONY shouldn't have nothing to do with them to. Oh well Microsoft will OWN US ALL soon :-/
Wait, the war between Commodore 64 and Spectrum is over?
On topic though, this makes sense structurally for Sony, with what they wish to achieve in the future. Arguably a cheaper and pre-built option that makes sense.
Be interesting to see if the initial good will between them extends further in the future, especially with cross play and maybe one day cross streaming, as you would still be at the behest of each individual company for the games, no matter what box ya streamed it through.
@NintendoFan4Lyf yep exact same way as I see it. Both companies playing to their strengths.
Keep your friends close... 😉
MS really wants cloud gaming to happen. It fits their current portfolio of products. Why should they care what plastic box is in front of your screen when all they really need is your sub?
"Beyond that, Sony and Microsoft are even teaming up on the "potential joint development" of "intelligent image sensor solutions"."
So PSVR and Kinect might have a love child then?
I think this is good in some respects Google thinks they can just come in & tell everyone how the gaming future goes that did not sit well with me!
I will give my money to Sony Microsoft & Nintendo above Google when it comes to gaming! these companies have put all the hard work & effort to get gaming in the state it is now & google think they can just take over NO WAY
@Lando_ naa that story is old man you're in 2012 still with talk like that PSN runs perfect now.
PSN has always done what I needed it for back in the day as well.
Interesting. I hope this means something good for cross-play for the future too. The google things also makes sense. But yeah, something might go better partnered. I doubt this will stop the competition in other areas. Nor should it, competition is good for the industry.
@Shepherd_Tallon If it would be one console why even bother no competition thats why.
@Turismo4GT Microsoft number 1 that will make the quality consolegames market die. Cant wait too play mediocre liveserviceeee games and let them kill off the great studio's and ip's. Loved what they did too RARE. A collection off old games is there biggest achievement this generation.
@Lando_ Well i have no problems i always have the idea some people try too make things look bigger then they are. I think i had maybe 1 or 2 things this year which where solved in 2/3 hours tops.
@Shepherd_Tallon For the love of god keep it 2 consoles. I console will only streamline it leaving out the niche games. 😉
To be honest there are 2 games i want Ori and Recore. 😁
Huh, I never thought this could happen. Good news if this helps improve cloud gaming and other areas.
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