SEGA and Microsoft announced a new “strategic alliance” that will help SEGA with its next-gen game development. This new initiative will utilize Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. SEGA describes its ‘Super Game initiative as “developing new and innovative titles.” These games will apparently focus on “Global, Online, Community.”
The Tokyo-based company SEGA is currently exploring making titles with the Xbox maker’s cloud gaming tech for global reach as mentioned by the company in a stock exchange statement. However, SEGA did not provide further details about the partnership. But some experts opine that this could point to a deeper connection between the two companies.
“SEGA has played such an iconic role in the gaming industry and has been a tremendous partner over the years,” commented Sarah Bond, CVP Microsoft Corporation. “We look forward to working together as they explore new ways to create unique gaming experiences for the future using Microsoft cloud technologies.”
On the other hand, Yukio Sugino, the President and COO of SEGA corporation, said, “By considering a strategic partnership with Microsoft, we seek to further advance our game development so that our titles can be enjoyed by fans all over the world. In this regard, we aim to build an alliance that utilizes both SEGA’s powerful game development capabilities and Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology and development environment.”
Microsoft’s cloud gaming initiative features gaming titles from SEGA, such as the infamous Yakuza series. After the announcement was made, SEGA shares jumped 6% in the morning trading. This move could also greatly benefit Microsoft in the gaming section since its Xbox is often considered on the back foot compared to Sony’s PlayStation and its countless engaging gaming titles.
The two firms already have a long history of partnership, but SEGA did abandon its own console business after it failed to rise to the expectations of gamers.
