Azure Dreams: A Lawyer's Thoughts on the Microsoft/Sony Gaming Alliance (VL58)
35On May 16, 2019, video game industry titans (and competitors) Microsoft and Sony announced an alliance between the companies that could spell better, faster gaming experiences for everyone; an alliance that will open the doors of Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing solution, Sony’s proprietary semiconductor technology, the companies' artificial intelligence research, and potentially much more.
Having negotiated our share of joint development projects and memorandums of understanding (MOUs), we take a dive into the press release that shook the gaming world...from a lawyer's perspective.
What did Microsoft agree to do and/or give up?
What did Sony agree to do and/or give up?
How will this affect the Xbox and PlayStation going forward? How will it not?
What are the chances that something significant comes of this?
And just what is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and why was it used to document a relationship of this type, anyway?
You don't need a memorandum to understand that...it's time for Virtual Legality.
#Microsoft #Sony #VirtualLegality
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Discussed in this episode:
"Sony and Microsoft to explore strategic partnership"
Microsoft Press Release - May 16, 2019
(https://news.microsoft.com/2019/05/16/sony-and-microsoft-to-explore-strategic-partnership/)
"What is Azure?"
Azure Website
(https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/what-is-azure/)
"What Is Microsoft Azure, Anyway?"
How-To Geek - January 4, 2018
(https://www.howtogeek.com/337961/what-is-microsoft-azure/)
"Azure Gaming"
Azure Website
(https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/gaming/)
"Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)"
Investopedia - Updated April 16, 2019
(https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mou.asp)
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PODCAST VERSIONS AVAILABLE AT
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iTunes:
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/virtual-legality/id1448785539?mt=2)
SoundCloud:
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"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
Rick has practiced for more than a decade at some of the country's largest law firms, representing IT, software, video game, and other technology companies, as well as the individuals and institutions which fund them.
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!
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FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:
On Twitter @hoeglaw
At our website: https://hoeglaw.com/
On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at https://hoeglaw.wordpress.com/
On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)
Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050