Remember console wars? Remember the halcyon days of people tearing at each other’s throats? There were memes like ‘PS3 has no games’ or ‘hueg like XBox’. Flame wars would carry on for years talking about the pros and cons of each console.
Not to mention the mud-slinging matches and general anger from everyone because it’s the internet. And, no one can sit back and say ‘both of these consoles are pretty okay’.
Now, as if to laugh in the face of the brave keyboard warriors who laid down their lives (in the ‘could have been doing something better with them’ sense)… Sony and Microsoft have announced a partnership.
What are they doing?
Sony and Microsoft are partnering up in order to explore AI and cloud gaming. Sony will help Microsoft explore the use of Microsoft’s Azure data centres. It’ll be a way to better support cloud gaming for both communities. This also means exploring the potential of creating platforms for content creators. In return, Sony will be getting a hand with the physical aspect of technology. That is, through the use of AI and semiconductors, which can be used to improve sensor technology.
So, what does this mean for us? Only good things, hopefully, for the future of both consoles. Better technology, better interactivity as well as better usage of the internet and cloud services. Those are all things in the immediate future.
But what about the far future? Sony has been notoriously closed off when Microsoft and Nintendo have been all too happy to allow cross-console play, with Sony begrudgingly following along in the end.
Does this mean more cross-platform play? Easier cross-platform play? Possibly even shared games in the future?
Quotes from the company presidents
Sony president and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida had this to say:
“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. 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.”
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, also weighed in.
“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.”
