Sony seems to be making a serious push towards cloud gaming again after Google Stadia’s demise. Despite recent layoffs, Sony is currently hiring 22 roles related to cloud gaming technology, including a position focused on developing the strategic vision for cloud game streaming at PlayStation.
Cloud gaming on the Horizon?
A Sony job posting for a Director of Product Management for Cloud Gaming indicates that the company seeks innovative individuals. Their goal is to make cloud gaming a major part of the gaming industry. The listed roles include positions such as senior platform engineers, software engineers, and technical project managers. Many of these professionals will report directly to Sony’s Future Technology Group (FTG).
FTG is at the forefront of bringing console-quality video games to any device, including R&D for Sony’s VR headsets, game controllers, and software features. Some positions, such as the Senior Business Intelligence Analyst and Security Architect, are specifically focused on cloud gaming experiences.
Interestingly, the job postings mention collaboration with Amazon’s AWS rather than Microsoft Azure, despite Sony’s previous announcement to use Microsoft’s technology in 2019. With Google Stadia and Amazon Luna out of the picture, Sony seems to be concentrating on strengthening its cloud gaming strategy.
Sony’s patent push for cloud gaming
Mark Cerny, PS5 and PS4’s lead developer, is named in numerous 2022 and 2023 cloud gaming patent applications. These patents include using multiple GPUs to power a single person’s game or VR experience. They also involve sharing a single GPU across multiple applications, which could potentially improve cloud gaming economics.
Rumors about a new PlayStation handheld, called the “Q Lite,” have emerged. Initially, it might be a console companion, streaming games from a PS5 via Remote Play. As Sony develops its next-gen cloud gaming service, the Q Lite could transform into a full-fledged PlayStation Portable. This would involve integrating controls, interfaces, and dedicated streaming hardware.
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