SQUARE ENIX announces the formation of Shinra Technologies, a new cloud-based service (thanks GamesIndustry.biz). They say this could launch in the U.S. and Japan by early next year, and the announcement indicates this project has also attracted the interest of Ubisoft. Here's word:

Shinra Technologies, Inc. (Headquarters: New York, President: Yoichi Wada; henceforth "Shinra") announces its establishment as a revolutionary new cloud gaming company. Shinra intends to change the game industry ecosystem by offering new types of game experiences through Shinra's proprietary cloud technologies. Furthermore, as a precursor to service launch, beta tests are intended for both the United States and Japan, beginning in early 2015.

Shinra Technologies, Inc. is a cloud gaming company whose business is based on its unique, patented technologies. Working with partner companies in the datacenter and network space, Shinra has created an optimized datacenter environment for the highest-quality cloud games. Shinra intends to closely collaborate with cutting-edge game studios to develop new, never-before-seen game experiences, and will become the hub of a high-end cloud community for gamers.

Shinra uses its original architecture to offer games with the power of a "virtual supercomputer," thus enabling radically new experiences not possible on PCs or game consoles. All games are streamed as video, and Shinra requires no particular hardware to play its games. Furthermore, Shinra has partnered with world-class infrastructure and network providers to ensure high video quality and minimal latency.

Shinra has already begun negotiations with best-in-class developers worldwide.

“Ubisoft has long believed that the cloud will play an important part in gaming’s future,” said Yves Guillemot, CEO and co-founder of Ubisoft. “We are intrigued by the direction Shinra Technologies, Inc. is taking and look forward to seeing what their architecture and technologies can deliver.”

Shinra is seeking additional influential developers to make practical use of its technologies in game development, expecting to create new game designs that have never before been possible, through close collaboration with Shinra's technology.

Firm content lineups and service requirements will be unveiled at a later time. In addition, further details on today’s announced beta test will be given in coming months.