In an unprecedented move, Sony and Microsoft have joined forces to better game streaming in what could be an effort to combat the looming spectre of Google's Stadia system, which stands to offer a gaming experience comparable to high-end PCs and consoles without the need for any of the associated hardware.
"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," Sony president and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said via PCGamer.
"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."
As it stands this "strategic partnership" is a handshake deal only, with the two companies planning to trial run Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to support some of Sony's online servers. Moving forward though, the two companies could bring Sony's expertise in image sensors and semiconductors to bear on Azure, developing new AI and cloud technology for new gaming experiences and game streaming options.
We'd settle for better cross-platform play between the two main systems. What would you like to see come from this partnership?
Image source: Microsoft