Sony Computer Entertainment has taken a giant step further into cloud gaming with a definitive agreement to acquire Gaikai for about $380 million.
The deal will make it possible for Sony to offer casual as well as top-quality core games that don’t require consumers to have a PlayStation or other console. In fact, Gaikai already has deals in place with Samsung and LG, enabling those electronic giants to provide gaming via their Smart TVs and other connected devices.
SCE will use its acquisition of Gaikai to establish a cloud service and expand its network business, using the young company’s technology and infrastructure including data centers that serve dozens of countries and key partners around the world.
CEO David Perry(pictured), who founded Gaikai Inc. in 2008, is a reknowned veteran of the game industry. He formed his first company, Shiny Entertainment, in 1993 and the following year had a major hit with its very first game, Earthworm Jim. Perry sold Shiny Entertainment to Atari in 2002, in a deal valued at $47 million.
“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 Andrew House, president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
“SCE has built an incredible brand with PlayStation and has earned the respect of countless millions of gamers worldwide,” Perry said. “We’re honored 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.”
The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Related links:
Gaikai – http://www.gaikai.com
Sony Computer Entertainment – press release [PDF]
Forbes – Sony Computer Entertainment Acquires Cloud Gaming Company Gaikai For $380 Million
IGN – Sony to Acquire Gaikai
Kotaku – Sony Buys a Cloud Gaming Service
