Sony Buys Gaikai For $380m

Sony Computer Entertainment has signed an agreement to acquire cloud gaming service Gaikai for $380 million.

The deal bags Sony all Gaikai’s technology and infrastructure, which includes a huge network of datacenters with which it can stream content to customers.

“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,” came Andrew House, group CEO of SCE.

“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.”

Sony has kept quiet on where the service will be made available, which has started the PlayStation 4 rumor mill going at some serious speed.

There were reports of a deal between Sony and Gaikai last month but Gaikai denied any truth in them at the time. It’s been though that Sony will use the streaming service to offer older titles from their earlier consoles.

Gaikai was founded towards the end of 2008, and has been meticulously refining its tech in order to let its customers play both demos and full games from their cloud service without owning high-tech gaming PC equipment.

The service is similar to its rival Onlive, with both companies opting for a subscription fee model. By taking advantage of their cloud streaming it’s possible to play modern and processor-hungry games even on tablets or smartphones.