Many at Xbox, PlayStation teams "blindsided" by Microsoft and Sony's secretive cloud deal Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Many at Xbox, PlayStation teams "blindsided" by Microsoft and Sony's secretive cloud deal As Nintendo reportedly preps own Microsoft deal. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 20 May 2019 82 comments Microsoft and Sony bosses stunned the video game industry last week by agreeing to a historic - if vague - deal to collaborate on cloud-based tech for future gaming platforms. But plenty within each company were also surprised. Bloomberg reported today how many within Sony's own PlayStation division were "blindsided" by the news. Discussions between the two companies - which celebrated their union with an image of Sony boss Kenichiro Yoshida and Microsoft head honcho Satya Nadella shaking hands - were conducted at a level senior to the PlayStation division, the report continues. The future of gaming? Eurogamer understands many at Xbox were similarly unaware of the decision, which was planned at a high level within Microsoft. Such a union between two big console gaming rivals is naturally surprising - but it speaks to the importance of cloud-computing infrastructure and how the next generation of gaming hardware will demand it. And, of course, the threat of new rivals, Google and Amazon. Nintendo, meanwhile, is also mulling a Microsoft deal. Tokyo-based analyst David Gibson noted that Nintendo was already considering using Microsoft tech for its own streaming service. But also Nintendo itself is looking also to work with MSFT (Azure) to offer its own streaming service in limited regions (JP, US etc).- David Gibson (@gibbogame) May 17, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Earlier this year, there were also reports of Nintendo and Microsoft exploring a partnership to integrate Xbox Live functionality into Nintendo Switch somehow. More recently, however, this appears to have been placed onto the back burner while Microsoft rolls out Xbox Live for games on Android and iOS. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store