Looking to the skies to save me
Sega and Microsoft announced that they have entered a “strategic alliance” that will enable Sega to explore the development of major video games via Microsoft’s cloud gaming platform, Azure. The alliance, which appears to form at least a part of Sega’s recent “Super Game” initiative, will along the developer to explore new opportunities via its range of globally recognized IPs and franchises.
“With the world now more connected than ever following the widespread deployment of 5G and cloud services in recent years, consumers can more easily enjoy high-quality entertainment content at any time,” said Sega said of the new endeavor. “Within this highly connected environment, the ecosystem surrounding the games industry continues to evolve and expand as more sophisticated tools and technologies become available.”
This partnership will see Sega experiment with the evolution of cloud gaming, or alternately “Always Online” gaming. Outside of mobile gaming, Sega has stayed relatively distant from subscription-based MMO titles, with the obvious exception being the popular Phantasy Star Online series, but this new alliance will open the door for the developer to investigate the possibilities of online and streaming games via Microsoft’s premier cloud gaming tools and services.
“Sega has played such an iconic role in the gaming industry and has been a tremendous partner over the years,” said Microsoft CVP Sarah Bond of the collaboration. “We look forward to working together as they explore new ways to create unique gaming experiences for the future using Microsoft cloud technologies. Together we will reimagine how games get built, hosted, and operated, with a goal of adding more value to players and Sega alike.”
No specific projects were announced. The partnership is expected to roll out across the ninth gen and possibly beyond.
