Microsoft-Sony Registed Domain (What COULD It Mean for Gaming)

The internet, if not already, is soon to be abuzz with the rumor surrounding the registry of a Microsoft-Sony.com and Sony-Microsoft.com domain. With this rumor, as is expected, comes a mass of wild speculation of what this all means. In response to to this rumor, Microsoft have stated that the listing is nothing more than a 'defensive hold' and that "Sony is a great Microsoft Partner." The speculation that has run rampant concerning this rumor of a possible Sony-Microsoft or Microsoft-Sony merger we aren't prepared to except just yet but, we're certain that Microsoft and Sony are up to something.

When searching the topic of the merger, what you'll find is the assumption that Microsoft are looking to acquire Sony is forums. Sony Corporation is far too big for such a thing and I doubt Sony would ever give themselves up like that nor do I believe Microsoft would spend such a hefty sum that Sony would ask, theoretically thinking Sony would put themselves into that situation. This assumption is vastly erroneous and I wouldn't hold my breath if that's what is to be thought.

The other assumption that runs even more rampant is that Sony Computer Entertainment division would be teaming with Microsoft Game Studios to develop and market a gaming console to likely compete with the Wii U like the X-Station and PlayStation-X. In so many ways, this is the sort of thing that would sense, keeping note that some of these are rather subjective. First, you're really only deciding between two consoles rather than three. Secondly, which is fact, that Sony's hardware is much more durable. Otherwise, it simply comes down to software, again subjective but, Sony has a much stronger gaming library having been in the gaming console business much longer than Microsoft and have acquired several more development companies to their cause and currently can boast more exclusives while Microsoft are finding themselves struggling to find such having been reliant, and for some time successful, on gaining exclusive content for games but, hadn't really proven to hold as strong a ground as game exclusives as Sony later had acquired that content and playing Microsoft's own game.

There's also the question as to whether this new console would feature Sony's hardware run by Microsoft's software and developer tools i.e. PlayStation 4 with Rare's dashboard and Microsoft's Live gaming service. Basically a Sony Vaio.

For Xbox fans, it seems to be more a welcome than for Sony's fanbase. While Xbox fans welcome the hardware and gaming library, PlayStation fans aren't so apt to make the gamble of dealing with Microsoft in exchange for an online service that's going to cost them and a lack-luster gaming library of a few exclusives. Many would argue PlayStation Networks comparable reliability to Xbox Live, with a layout that's easily duplicable come PlayStation 4.

There are far more reasons why this couldn't work or make sense. Though times were different, Sony found themselves unable to get along with Nintendo, Sony venturing off to crank out the original PlayStation and Nintendo falling short with the Nintendo 64. Sony could result in being difficult to get along with unless Microsoft submit themselves to simply developing software and games for the PlayStation brand which Microsoft aren't going to be so apt to agree with as Microsoft have sold more units of their Xbox 360 than Sony's this console generation currently leading by 3 million units.

There are several more reasons to speculate as Sony's new console is rumored to go back to the PlayStation Eye, or if you feel more comfortable saying Sony's adopting Microsoft's Kinect, then that alone could cause some thought that Microsoft are evolving their Kinect technology to include in the PlayStation 4 as well as Naughty Dogs job posting for PC/Xbox 360 Developers. Its not likely at all to find Nathan Drake leaping from ledge to ledge on Xbox 360 but, could see such a thing coupled with Microsoft in a Sony-Microsoft merger.

The question is, is it really worth it for Sony? Either to send off Nathan Drake, Ratchet and Clank, Kratos, Sly and Nathan Hale and Sackboy to Microsoft, or welcome Marcus Fenix, Master Cheif and Peter Molenux. We find Microsoft standing more to gain as the Xbox 360 game library is starting to struggle but Microsoft surely feels they can contribute to Sony's online services. But, at the end of the day, both companies see things far to differently with IP, welcoming the hacking community and so fourth.

Likely, this registry is something to do with something outside the gaming universe. The two companies will work together but both recognize the value of competition. Sony Vaio's are powered by Windows while PlayStation Vita is rumored support the now Microsoft owned Skype.

What do you think? Would you like to see Marcus Fenix and Master Chief come to the PlayStation Brand, or see Nathan Drake and Kratos head off to Microsoft's Xbox?

Keep checking back as we continue to bring you all these merging, all things Microsoft Xbox, all things Sony PlayStation, and all things gaming keeping you inside the X-Gaming Zone here at the XZONE.