US esports organisation Cloud9 has agreed a multi-year partnership with Microsoft that will see the two parties join forces to develop new technologies in esports.
Throughout the contract, Cloud9 and Microsoft will dedicate resources to develop new tools and technologies that will enable Cloud9 players and staff to uncover insights across a variety of titles in which Cloud9 competes.
“Using a range of Microsoft’s commercial and consumer products and services, we will work with Cloud9 to build tools that will help them train more efficiently and determine their best strategies to win,” Mike Downey, director of sports technology at Microsoft, said.
“Pairing the technological expertise of Microsoft with some of the world’s best gamers and coaches, we have an opportunity to develop some really innovative technology.”
With the agreement, Microsoft becomes an official technology partner and the official performance analytics partner of all Cloud9 branded teams, including the League of Legends Championship Series team and the Counter Strike: Global Offensive squad.
The two parties said fans will also be able to receive new stats, more engaging and interactive content, and deeper analysis to better understand their favourite players.