Sony and Microsoft Teaming Up for Cloud Streaming and AI

Hokay, I think we may have slipped into the twilight zone while I wasn’t paying attention.

Sony and Microsoft both announced yesterday that they’re going to partner up to create “new innovations to enhance customer experiences in their direct-to-consumer entertainment platformers and AI solutions.”

…Okay.

The declaration of unity is… vague, to say the least. But here’s what we know right now: the two companies are going to jointly develop “future cloud solutions” in Microsoft Azure to “support their respective game and content-streaming services." They also plan to use Microsoft Azure data centers for Sony’s current and future game-streaming services. In addition, they’ll apparently be partnering up to improve their AI technology and semiconductors, sharing technology and innovations with each other to improve both fields.

Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO of Sony, had this to say:

“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.

While Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, says this:

“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.”

One thing seems pretty clear: this is probably a direct response to Google Stadia. But the fact that both companies felt threatened enough to team up on this venture should speak volumes to how seriously they’re taking Stadia, either as a competitor or as a concept.

But most importantly: if Sony and Microsoft are playing nice now, does that mean we’ll finally get some goddamn cross-play?