Microsoft and Sega have announced they will be working together in order to create new global games with online and cloud elements.
As stated in the press release, the companies have entered a “strategic alliance” to explore ways for Sega to produce “large-scale, global games in a next-generation development environment built on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.”
This will become a key part of Sega’s mid to long-term plans, so they can move forward with “Super Game” initiatives. This is for new titles with a focus on “Global,” “Online,” “Community,” and “IP utilization.” Nonetheless, the press release discusses how 5G and cloud services mean more players can play at any time.
The mutual cooperation will see both Microsoft and Sega attempting to build more evolutions in network and communication technology; with global online services a “key priority.” This will also include Sega shifting to next-generation development to “diversfying work styles and potential infrastructural changes.”
You can find comments from major figures in both companies below.
“We are very pleased to announce today that we are considering a strategic alliance with Microsoft to help develop SEGA’s new “Super Game” initiative as well as build a next-generation game development environment. 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.”
– Yukio Sugino, President and COO, SEGA Corporation
SEGA has played such an iconic role in the gaming industry and has been a tremendous partner over the years. 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.
– Sarah Bond, CVP, Microsoft Corporation
Sega’s action MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is notably an Xbox console exclusive. This may suggest the two companies have been getting on well prior to this alliance. We will keep you informed as we learn more.
