Microsoft Announces Cross-Network for Xbox One (And Sony Responds)

 Lovely, isn’t it? It’s like we are witnessing the start of a big romance between two individuals who hated eachother for a long time. (No, I don’t watch romantic comedies. Three words: blatant Hollywoodian emotions.)

How did it start?

Two days ago, ID@Xbox Director Chris Charla announced the cross-network support additional to the cross-platform ability of Xbox One, which supports playing between our Xbox consoles and Windows 10 computers. What is cross-network? With that, Microsoft allows the developers to build their games to ratify playing between various other networks (and the first thing that comes to mind is PSN, naturally). Let’s read it from his words:

First, in addition to natively supporting cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 games that use Xbox Live, we’re enabling developers to support cross-network play as well. This means players on Xbox One and Windows 10 using Xbox Live will be able to play with players on different online multiplayer networks – including other console and PC networks.

 

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. We’re thrilled to confirm that Psyonix’s Rocket League will be one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability by enabling cross-network play between Xbox One and PC players, with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well.

You see the “other consoles” statement? Yeah; while Microsoft did not openly mention PSN, everybody understood the reference along with Sony –whom responded in the same, subtle way. GameSpot asked, and Sony stated that they are receptive about such invitations:

“PlayStation has been supporting cross-platform play between PC on several software titles starting with Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC back in 2002.”

 

“We would be happy to have the conversation with any publishers or developers who are interested in cross platform play.”

Romantic jokes aside, this is a big development for all the gaming commuinty because it could signify the unfication of various players in the same salad bowl. Some console-fanatics who demanded a refund for their purchases after the Windows 10 announcement of Quantum Break will be upset, I guess.

We will be waiting for the developments about the issue, so stay tuned for the updates!

(Image credit: Guardianlv.com)

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in:News

0 %