News

Sony acquires cloud gaming company Gaikai for $380 million

Set to play with PlayStation

Sony acquires cloud gaming company Gaikai for $380 million
Sony has acquired cloud gaming company Gaikai for $380 million, with the firm claiming it is looking to deliver "unparalleled cloud entertainment experiences."

No details have been given as to how its new purchase will be handled, though the suggestion is Gaikai will be set to work on PlayStation in some form – though likely PlayStation 4 rather than PS Vita.

The PlayStation play

"By combining Gaikai's resources including its technological strength and engineering talent with SCE's extensive game platform knowledge and experience, SCE will provide users with unparalleled cloud entertainment experiences," said SCE president Andrew House.

"SCE will deliver a world-class cloud-streaming service that allows users to instantly enjoy a broad array of content ranging from immersive core games with rich graphics to casual content anytime, anywhere on a variety of internet-connected devices."

For Gaikai's part, CEO David Perry – who recently oversaw a deal with Samsung to deploy Gaikai's library of games within the firm's smart TVs – said partnering with PlayStation would help the company release a new audience.

"SCE has built an incredible brand with PlayStation and has earned the respect of countless millions of gamers worldwide," added Gaikai CEO David Perry.

"We're honoured to be able to help SCE rapidly harness the power of the interactive cloud and to continue to grow their ecosystem, to empower developers with new capabilities, to dramatically improve the reach of exciting content and to bring breathtaking new experiences to users worldwide."

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.