Will the bad economy and competition finally make Microsoft integrate all the Live entertainment services?

A couple of stories caught my attention today. The New York Times reported on a reorganization within Sony. PlayStation chief Kaz Hirai will lead a division that encompasses the gaming, software, PC and portable device units. The goal is to improve cooperation between those parts of the company. This could help Sony leverage its PlayStation Network software and services across its different device categories. TVs are now in another division, so I guess no connected entertainment experience soup for you.

The other article was a CNET interview with Microsoft’s Stephen Elop, who runs the company’s business unit. The point that struck me there was the idea that the bad economy would force different Microsoft units to work more closely together.

Essentially the currently dismal market conditions might stop the usual political infighting and competition between different product groups, and make them focus on just making things work. Let’s just work together and get this done, that sort of thing.

Does that mean that we will finally see the long-awaited integration between the Zune, Xbox Live, and Games for Windows areas? A unified marketplace that can be accessed on PCs and consoles, with one account and set of currency, where I can buy a TV show once and view it on my computer, Zune or gaming console. Consistent Xbox Live access from within Windows, the Xbox 360 dashboard and finally mobile devices. Xbox Live integration with other Live services like Mesh, Groups, Messenger, and the new Live activity pages.

I doubt we’ll see any of that this year, but I really hope that I am wrong. The least this bad economy could do for us is make more people talk to each other more often and produce better integrated products and services.