Ford versus Chevy. Ferrari versus McLaren. Sony versus Microsoft. Some grudge matches seem almost as old as time itself, with console gamers being all too familiar with the third matchup. Exclusive titles on each console are only one aspect of the tough choice gamers face when picking a system: the number of friends on PSN or Xbox Live matters too, since players are restricted to those ecosystems. That might not be the case for much longer, however.
In a letter to readers, ID@Xbox director Chris Charla announced that the Microsoft team is opening up the One’s online network to function with other platforms. The ever-popular Rocket League – a game with a dedicated following on our forums – is one of the first titles to take advantage of this, with XB1 players able to play against PC players in much the same way PS4 users already enjoy. Charla also confirms that no matter what options become available, Xbox players will always be able to choose to play exclusively with other Live users.
The announcement means it’s now up to developers to include cross-platform support. Following the earlier news that cross-play and cross-buy will be possible between Windows 10 and Xbox One (with Forza 6: Apex being the first toe to dip in that pool), this is an encouraging sign that Microsoft is looking to move past the Gated community model (pun most certainly intended).
Meanwhile, Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida spoke to Eurogamer earlier this month at the Game Developer Conference about cross-platform play. While not confirming whether or not Sony would follow suit, Yoshida does at least acknowledge PS4-XB1 play isn’t impossible from a technical aspect:
“Because PC is an open platform it’s much more straightforward,” Yoshida continued. “Connecting two different closed networks is much more complicated so we have to work with developers and publishers to understand what it is they are trying to accomplish.
“We also have to look at the technical aspect – and the technical aspect could be the easiest. We also have to look at policy issues and business issues as well.”
As if to drive the technical point home: Rocket League’s developer, Psyonix, have already cracked inter-console play, only needing the go-ahead from both sides before moving forward.
If Sony can make the numbers work, we could be looking at the beginning of a much more cooperative approach to online gaming between the two tech giants. Just imagine how much larger the online communities in Project CARS, Sebastien Loeb Rally Evo, or even Need For Speed would feel!
Stay tuned to GTPlanet for more news on this as it develops.
See more articles on Cross-Platform, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Is PS4 ‘pay to play’ online? Yall can bust a gut, crackin up, all you want… but l just don’t know.
The way l see it is, if Sony continues with free online play, then GT7 will probably continue to be limited by all things to do without PTPO. And that’s fine by me. I really dig what PD has done without it. I have my reasons, but if Sony takes 7 (i dont do abbreviated GT) to the cha ching train… well let’s just say that would be the end of ole Infamous ;)
I have my reasons. But PTPO should blast GT into the &!&^#^#&!sphere!
Yeah, l know it’s onesided, but l don’t care much for FM or PTPO gaming.
MMMMMMM This they can do but the can’t make a game compatible with an older racing wheel…..Yeah right!!!!
When this does eventually become a reality can you imagine the amount of time you will receive the message ” YOU HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE SERVER ” PD should call their next game ” YOU HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE SERVER ” you see that term more than actually playing the game…..did not believe it before bit now am realizing the PD actually sucks……
At last.. if cross play will happen, I will be able to kick some Xbox guys asses online. . Yay :)
Sounds great in theory – but would it mean even more disconnections blighting the online experience?
So much hot air spewing from everyone right now. I’m gonna sit this one out until retirement!
Ha!this is pop eating it’s self…..I’m all for this but here me out…..it should be that software writers should write for computers…well that’s how it was first off…..but Sony came along and set a bench mark and made a sturdy platform to give game makers a no fuss market….we loved it….so Microsoft ditched there avid pc’ers (who spent big money even back then-trying to keep up) and wanted in.££££..then came the exclusives…and the not included accessorys…and the pay to play model ….and the console all out war…..now they want “peace and prosperity” for all game developers…balls! they want in on the costomer base and world server networking comunity that Sony is nurturing…
question is are they also willing to share there exclusive rights with associations or manufactures? You know! the ones that stop us all enjoying certain cars or events….
if I were Microsoft,I would concentrate on making,none exclusive high quality games for tech that is on the way in ten years time and stop trying to dominate everything with bigger is better and “right now”mentality
Not to burst your bubble here, but all of this stated WAY before Sony. The NES is what made the industry how it is now.
Hmm sounds interesting, but I could see a few fights
2 years have passed since WarThunder’s crossplatform multiplayer was introduced for PC and PS4 players.. Cross-Platform Play is the best what platformholders can do together!
Don’t forgot this was also heavely featured in Street Fighter 5 as well.
Rocket League is definitely one of the most appropriate games to do this for. Hopefully they can pull this off.
Hope Not
Why not?
Because fanboy
Let me guess, still under the massively outdated idea that only one console’s fans are worse then the other?
Apparently so, RACECAR. Multi-platform master race!
@MrWaflz55 And what of it?
@Chikane How about you explain why cross-platform play would be bad for anyone?
Rocket League is an amazing game and it’d be very appropriate if it were the first game to connect both platforms.