Cross platform play on XBO and PS4
It’s been a discussion for many years now, but finally Xbox has said it will enable the XBO cross-network play with other console networks, including the PS4 and PC.
It’s a surprise that there isn’t already cross play across XBO and PC, as they’re both Microsoft game companies, however the real clincher here is PS4 will also be thrown in the mix.
The announcement came from the Xbox Wire, Chris Charla (ID@Xbox top dog) said that cross-platform play was purely down to the developers and whether or not they’d allow it, but XBO would enable the functionality.
“Of course, it’s up to game developers to support this feature, and Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players.”
Rocket League, which is already cross-platform compatible on the PS4 (PS4 to PC only), will be the first game to get the cross-network support and Psyonix has said it was “both honored [sic] and excited to have Rocket League as the first cross-network game is a massive understatement.”
Apparently, since Rocket League was announced on XBO, cross-network gaming has been “the number one most requested feature our community has asked for” said developer Psyonix.
“Expect to see Rocket League cross-network play working on XBO and PC later this spring,” with more info on other platforms to follow.
It’s not the first time there has been an attempt at cross platform gaming. Sony had tried before, many years ago with an MMO game on the PS3 and PC, called The Agency, but it didn’t do as well as hoped.
Although Sony hasn’t made any comment on this (and it’ll be interesting to see what developers will create games which are cross-platform; it’s a lot of work), Microsoft has put down the challenge. Sony doesn’t have to agree to this, remember, so Microsoft’s very public announcement could damage Sony if they refuse to accept or comment. Online gaming is still a very divided world, and it would be great if the two big players were able to meet somewhere in the middle and allow us, the gamers, to play with our friends no matter what console or PC they’re playing on.