Rumors have been swirling that Google is set to enter the console video game market with not only a streaming service, but its very own hardware as well. We've already seen patents for a Google game console controller, and the tech giant is expected to properly unveil the project at the 2019 Game Developers Conference on March 18. And if a new rumor is to be believed, the Google console's expected unveiling at GDC will include the announcement of a major partnership with Sega to produce games for the device and streaming service.

This rumor appears to stem from YouTube channel Spawn Wave, hosted by Jonathan Downey, who didn't provide any sources for where he got this information. So fans should take these claims with a massive grain of salt, though the prospect of Sega returning to the console market will no doubt get some gamers excited at the possibilities.

Right now, there's not a lot in the way of new Sega games announced for existing consoles, which is one reason why this rumor is somewhat easier to believe than it would be otherwise. At the time of this writing, Sega has no main series Sonic the Hedgehog games announced for PC, PS4, Switch, or Xbox One, and only a handful of other titles have been announced, like Team Sonic Racing, and the PS4-exclusive Judgment. Sega is undoubtedly working on new video games, but perhaps we haven't heard about them because they are in the works as exclusive titles for Google's unannounced console. Of course, that's just speculation, and we must stress that there's a chance Sega isn't working with Google in any capacity.

The other potential video game publisher Google may be partnering with, according to Downey, is Ubisoft. This would make a lot of sense, especially since Ubisoft is one of the industry's biggest third-party publishers and has shown a willingness to support new, unproven hardware right out of the gate.

Furthermore, Ubisoft has already partnered with Google to help test its Project Stream platform. In 2018, Google and Ubisoft allowed gamers to test Project Stream by playing the critically-acclaimed Assassin's Creed Odyssey, and since there's an established relationship between the two companies, their continued cooperation seems likely.

Then again, it's possible that Google's video game plans are far less ambitious than many expect. But with this year's GDC set to kick off in just over a week on Monday, March 18, fans won't have to wait much longer to find out if there's any truth to these rumors.