Sony Expands Portfolio Through Latest Acquisition
Sony expands its video and streaming services by acquiring a UK-based AI company, boosting their technical capabilities
Article Key Points
Sony is acquiring UK-based company iSIZE, signaling a potential shift towards cloud gaming and strengthening its position in the gaming sector.
Sony gains valuable deep learning expertise in video processing through the acquisition of iSIZE, which strengthens its research and development endeavors as well as its video and streaming services. In response to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Sony's investment in cloud gaming indicates a proactive approach and hints at potential future acquisitions aimed at bolstering its technical capabilities.
Sony has announced the acquisition of iSIZE, a UK-based company specializing in deep learning for video delivery. This move comes as Sony seeks to enhance its position in the gaming sector, amidst Microsoft's efforts to expand its gaming footprint. While the acquisition doesn't involve a studio, it could potentially shape Sony's future in gaming.
In addition to acquiring promising studios, Sony is also focusing on improving its technical capabilities. The company has previously hinted at providing fans with more cloud gaming options, with its former CEO teasing ambitious plans in that area. Starting in August, Sony began beta testing 4K cloud gaming on the PS5, offering players the opportunity to stream titles like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and others. With this recent announcement, it seems that Sony is committed to fulfilling its promise of delivering cloud gaming, especially as interest in this segment continues to grow.
In an official statement, Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced its acquisition of iSIZE, a UK-based company specializing in deep learning for video delivery. While the price has not been disclosed, Sony asserts that the acquisition will bring "significant expertise in applying machine learning to video processing." The company anticipates that this additional expertise will enhance its R&D efforts and bolster its video and streaming services. Sony has not provided specific details on how it plans to enhance its technical capabilities through iSIZE, but the statement strongly implies that cloud gaming on PlayStation may receive an upgrade in the near future.
Sony's investments in cloud gaming have been expected, especially following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. With this purchase, Microsoft's partnerships with Nvidia, Nintendo, Boosteroid, and others have also come into effect, expanding the availability of Xbox and Activision Blizzard titles on different platforms, including cloud streaming. However, the success of Sony's own cloud gaming strategy remains uncertain, and it is possible that the company will make further acquisitions to enhance its technical capabilities.
Coincidentally, Sony-owned Bungie recently laid off approximately 100 employees, making it the fourth Sony-owned studio to undergo staff reductions this month. Other studios, such as Naughty Dog, Visual Arts, and Media Molecule, have also experienced layoffs despite the gaming industry showing promise in areas like acquisitions and successful game releases. Only time will reveal how Sony will navigate these challenges while seeking to expand its presence in the gaming industry.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Sony's acquisition of iSIZE. On the one hand, I am excited about the potential for this acquisition to improve the quality of video and streaming services offered by Sony. As someone who relies heavily on streaming services for entertainment, I am always looking for ways to improve my viewing experience. If Sony can use iSIZE's expertise in deep learning to enhance its video processing capabilities, it could lead to significant improvements in the quality of streamed content.
On the other hand, I am concerned about the potential impact of this acquisition on the gaming industry. Sony is already a major player in the gaming space, and this acquisition could further strengthen its position. This could make it more difficult for smaller, independent game developers to compete, which could ultimately lead to a less diverse and innovative gaming landscape.
Overall, I think Sony's acquisition of iSIZE is a positive development for consumers, but I am also concerned about the potential impact on the gaming industry. I hope that Sony will use its newfound expertise in deep learning to improve the quality of its video and streaming services, while also taking steps to ensure that the gaming industry remains competitive and diverse.
