Microsoft and SEGA are teaming up on a 'Super Game' project

The ultimate gaming collaboration! Microsoft and SEGA are teaming up on a ‘Super Game’ project to develop ‘large scale global games’ on the Azure cloud platform

  • Microsoft and SEGA are partnering at a ‘strategic level’ on cloud gaming services
  • It is thought SEGA will use Microsoft Azure to build, host and operate new games
  • SEGA says it wants to develop new larger scale games that have a global reach 
  • It isn’t clear what titles will be available or when the first titles will appear 

Microsoft and SEGA are teaming up on a new ‘Super Game’ initiative, a project that will allow developers to create ‘large scale global games’ that run in the cloud.

Few details have been released about how the deal will work, beyond the fact that Tokyo-based SEGA is exploring making titles on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

Microsoft’s own cloud gaming initiative is available via the Xbox Game Pass, a cross-platform subscription service featuring SEGA titles such as the hit ‘Yakuza’ series.

SEGA says the partnership will allow it to move forward with ‘Super Game’ and create larger scale projects that work worldwide, but hasn’t confirmed any titles or details.

The partnership has increased speculation on social media that the Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft is considering a bid to buy SEGA, as the two firms have a long history of partnerships, including a string of critically acclaimed games. 

Microsoft and SEGA are teaming up on a new ‘Super Game’ initiative, a project that will allow developers to create ‘large scale global games’ that run in the cloud

SEGA ‘SUPER GAME’: A NEW STRATEGIC CLOUD PROJECT 

‘Super Game’ is the SEGA five-year strategy to create new games with a global reach and scale.

It is expected that Super Game will run in the cloud on multiple platforms.

This will allow it to be a much larger world, and require more computing power than might be possible if it were to be loaded on a user machine.

SlashGear suggests this could be a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) – a live title focused on community and online gameplay.

Building a game in Azure cloud would allow it to be played on consoles, phones, computers, and any future device with an internet connection. 

Cloud gaming not only allows developers to dramatically expand the scale of their games by moving data off users’ machines, but can also allow for more power hungry software, cutting ties to bulky hardware by streaming the game online. 

Deep pocketed Microsoft’s push into the nascent sector comes as Xbox is widely seen as being on the backfoot in the console battle with Sony’s PlayStation.

‘By working with Microsoft to anticipate such trends as they accelerate further in future, the goal is to optimise development processes and continue to bring high-quality experiences to players using Azure cloud technologies,’ SEGA said.

SlashGear suggests this could be a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) – a live title focused on community and online gameplay.

Building a game in Azure cloud would allow it to be played on consoles, phones, computers, and any future device with an internet connection. 

Live service games, such as Destiny 2 and Apex Legends, have proven to be incredibly popular, connecting players around the world. 

While SEGA hasn’t said what the ‘Super Game’ will be, it has previously mentioned plans for a new IP, which suggests it won’t be based on existing characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog. 

A bid for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ publisher Sega by Microsoft has been rumoured for decades, as Japan, the world’s third largest gaming market and a major innovator in the industry, remains a weak spot for Microsoft. 

However, the new agreement is a proposed strategic alliance, rather than a take over or merger between the two technology firms.

SEGA says the alliance would form a key part of its mid to long-term strategy, allowing the business to move forward with ‘Super Game’.

This is ‘a new initiative for developing new and innovative titles where the key focuses are ‘Global’, ‘Online’, ‘Community’ and ‘IP utilisation’,’ the firm says.

They hope to capitalise on the rise of 5G mobile connections, faster home broadband and and always on devices giving users access to ‘high-quality entertainment content at any time.’ 

Few details have been released about how the deal will work, beyond the fact that Tokyo-based SEGA is exploring making titles on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform

WHAT IS MICROSOFT AZURE? 

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft.

It can be used for running or managing applications, storing data or providing software and infrastructure services.

It is designed to support a wide range of programming languages, frameworks and systems.

It was first announced in October 2008 and formally released in February 2010, as Windows Azure .

It operates across multiple industries, locations and business size. 

This new, very well connected environment is forcing the games industry to adapt and evolve, leading to more sophisticated tools and technologies.

‘As such, video games continue to grow as a major medium for gamers globally, with access to a vast range of gaming experiences and communities becoming more diverse and attainable,’ SEGA says. 

The current announcement is ‘top level,’ with agreements for the two firms to work together to ‘build further technological revolutions with areas such as the network infrastructure and communication tools required for global online services.’ 

Yukio Sugino, President and COO at SEGA Corporation, said the move allows them to adapt to diversifying work styles and potential infrastructure changes.  

‘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 utilises both SEGA’s powerful game development capabilities and Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology and development environment.’

Sarah Bond, CVP at Microsoft Corporation, described SEGA as a ‘tremendous partner’ for the firm when it comes to game development.

Adding: ‘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.’

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