SEGA has announced it is forming “a strategic alliance” with Microsoft.
The partnership was revealed in a SEGA press release on Monday (1 November) and was confirmed as being part of their long-term plans.
They are hoping to use Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to produce “large-scale, global games” for their “Super Game” initiative.
The press release explained: “This proposed alliance represents SEGA looking ahead, and 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.”
It went on to state: “Microsoft and SEGA have agreed upon the foundation for this alliance and through mutual cooperation, will look to build further technological evolutions with areas such as the network infrastructure and communication tools required for global online services being a key priority.
“Additionally, by shifting to a next-generation development platform, SEGA can effectively adapt to diversifying work styles and potential infrastructural changes.”
The producers of Sonic the Hedgehog first hinted at their “Super Game” initiative to investors in May, with it being centred around creating online titles based on existing franchises.
According to the press release, the key focuses of the project are “Global”, “Online”, “Community” and “IP utilization”.
SEGA isn’t the first company to have partnered with Microsoft to use their Azure platform as Sony did the same in May of 2019.
However, not much is known about the agreement and it hasn’t been revealed whether SEGA titles utilising Azure’s capabilities will be exclusive to Xbox consoles.
Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Sarah Bond said: “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.”
Words by Julius Lawless-Master
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