Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) is to buy cloud-gaming platform Gaikai in a deal worth $380 million (€302 million). The tech firm is planning to set up a new cloud service that will offer everything from core games to casual content to players.

“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 chief executive of SCE.

The deal is expected to close by the end of August. California-based Gaikai was co-founded by Belfast games developer David Perry, who moved to the US in the 1990s to pursue a career in the industry.

Before last month’s E3 trade fair, rumours were rife that Sony was planning a move for Gaikai. The cloud company subsequently announced it had done a deal with Samsung to bring its cloud gaming to Samsung’s Smart TV platform. It had also worked with LG.