We’re in the year 2016, and still the idea of players from different console networks playing on the same servers is somehow not a reality. Purchasing a game for Xbox or PlayStation looks you into their respective networks, which seems silly when so many games could benefit from more wholesome, fuller servers. And Microsoft seems to agree, which is why they’ve opened up the doors to cross-network play.
Starting with play between Xbox One and Windows PCs, Microsoft is allowing developers to capitalise on new tools that will make these connections possible for the first time in Xbox Live history. In the past Microsoft has been very against this idea, but as the times have changed so have they. Rocket League will be the first title to make use of this, mimicking the functionality it has with PS4 and PC gamers.
But Microsoft wants to go beyond this. They’ve already implemented tools to allow for cross-network play, which in theory allows developers to add functionality that allows for games to grab players from both Xbox Live and PSN (or any other online service really). Microsoft have opened that door, but it’s not a one way street. Sony, for instance, would have to allow it from their side to work too – with Microsoft making it very clear that they would want that.
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.
It’s a great move, and about time someone somewhere was making it a reality. Just the other day in our party on Xbox Live while playing The Division we were discussing just how much better cross-network play would make the game. Breaking down the barriers between platforms means more chances for partying up with friends, more populated servers and generally a better online experience. It gets a bit murky with serious competitive play, but I’m sure developers of those games will think hard about implementation in those cases.
Either way, Microsoft have opened the door. And I hope Sony come to the party.
Last Updated: March 15, 2016
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
March 15, 2016 at 07:40
Awww yis.. Now all the peasants can play together…
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 07:58
Question is: will Sony bite, and allow it, or will they keep on keeping on?
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
March 15, 2016 at 09:07
It will be good for Sony if they bite and make this happen from this side. For the community as a whole.
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 09:08
I predict a big fat no. I hope I am wrong.
Fox1 - Retro
March 15, 2016 at 09:29
Doubt Sony will bite. This will just show up their network inadequacy and subscriber numbers 😉
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 08:47
I am not even qualified to be a peasant at the moment. More like sewer scum.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 08:55
You’re using a Wii? 😉
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 08:57
I wish. I am currently watching movies on my drive. Both my consoles are at cash converters….. There is always a quiet period that drains my soul. I am doing a gig this week so I can hopefully rectify the situation and get em back…….. We do what we must.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 09:00
Eish man, hope it works out for you.
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 09:02
This is totally normal for me. Being a freelancer…this occurs at least once a year. This one stung like a beeeach cause I missed the launch of the Division.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 07:44
That would be pretty cool if it goes ahead. It’s all about the game and not how you play it.
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 07:58
Keep telling yourself that. If it helps you sleep at night. 😛
Pieter Kruger
March 15, 2016 at 07:45
Fantastic…..Windows 10, Steam, Nintendo, PSN etc. all playing together!????????????. Also, the new digital game sharing sounds awesome….????
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 07:57
Except the Windows 10 Games for Xbox Live part. ie: app store games. ie: GITS
Pieter Kruger
March 15, 2016 at 08:06
Then just don’t buy from there till it’s sorted…..????
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:08
I have little faith in MS sorting it out tbh. Games For Windows Live was enough for most of us to lose faith in MS on PC.
If they do, cool. But I aint holdin’ mah breath.
miaau
March 15, 2016 at 08:33
Hi. Do you have an idea why are all of Pieter Kruger’s very reasonable comments flagged for MOD comment?
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:34
Are they? Dafuq? O_O
miaau
March 15, 2016 at 08:40
Yeah, all them posts in this little conversation.
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:41
That’s fucked up. I upvoted his comments, they were all reasonable, as you said.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 08:40
It might be your emoticons – that’s the only difference between this comment & the moderated ones.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 08:41
Oops – I confused Pariah with Pieter. How awkward. 😀
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:42
Awesome. I’m now an Xbox fan boy! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mossel
March 15, 2016 at 08:47
hahaha! I also got confused, its the yellow avatars they have.
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:41
tl;dr
miaau
March 15, 2016 at 08:43
Test: 🙂
????
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 15, 2016 at 08:54
Nope, worked fine. Someone is messing with my MS-bro!
HvR
March 15, 2016 at 10:00
Maybe …… ?
Pieter Kruger
March 15, 2016 at 09:16
Its the Pony Police……….????
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 09:18
Who are the Pony Police ? What are the Pony Police ? For some reason I am thinking of my little Pony.
miaau
March 15, 2016 at 09:41
well, this comment is ok.
Which is strange. It means they have no fear of being outed……..
Original Heretic
March 15, 2016 at 07:53
FINALLY! Jeez, it’s taken someone way too long to do this.
Pariah
March 15, 2016 at 08:14
GAH! “You used logic. It’s super effective.”
XD
HairyEwok
March 15, 2016 at 08:23
Sony be like…
http://z11communications.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/don-t-cross-the-streams-t-shirt-vintage-t-shirt-review-snorg-tees-snorg-tees-280×187.gif
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 08:44
Jeez, If this happened, Fanboyism will go nuts. It might even start world war 3…..As always, The master race will snigger and laugh.
miaau
March 15, 2016 at 08:47
I am curios as to how easy or difficult this is. This is major traffic, the old open a port on the firewall and chuck traffic through will not really work. This is big.
Do they do it on a per game? I suppose so.
DragonSpirit009
March 15, 2016 at 08:57
Awesome! But the question is when will all this happen? That is if they both agree on all their terms they set for each other!
Ghost In The Rift
March 15, 2016 at 09:09
This is good news, but wont it be a bit unfair to play COD on PC against a console player lol?
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 09:10
The Master Race will moan.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
March 15, 2016 at 09:10
nah. then I can show them little kiddies how much better I am at sleeping with their mothers
Darren Peach
March 15, 2016 at 09:11
Yikes. There are some old moms out there.
Aries
March 15, 2016 at 10:28
This wont work, they release to much broken games on PC
chimera_85
March 15, 2016 at 10:32
I don’t think Sony will, they are weird
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
March 15, 2016 at 13:42
Would be awesome to see consoles and PC also get cross play.
*Don't read replies*
March 16, 2016 at 05:19
Nope. Don’t want that. A lot of cheaters on PC online games. I had enough with cheaters on PS3 when it was hacked. Definitely don’t want to go through the same BS.