For those of you in the PlayStation world, this weekend was probably filled with lots of shooting and running around with your friends in Destiny. However, if all your friends aren’t on the same platform, you can’t play together – even if you’re all on PlayStation. Bungie has a reason for this.
Speaking to Digital Trends, Bungie engineer Roger Wolfson explained that cross play was considered, but the studio decided not to include it; this isn’t because of some technical issues, but about preserving the experience for everyone:
I’ll speak for the hypothetical player. I have a disadvantage sniping across the map because [my opponent with a next-gen console] is only two pixels on my screen and I’m four pixels on his. You see that in the world of PC gaming, where people are always racing to the best video card to give themselves the advantage.
Regardless of where the reality is, there’s definitely a perception among gamers that better hardware means you have an advantage. We don’t want to have to enter that fray, so to create the best, most level playing field, both actually and perceptually, we separated it by platform.
Hm, so can I blame the PC master race for affecting a game they aren’t even allowed to play? Really though, while this makes sense in PvP, I’m not entirely sure why I can’t have people from different platforms in my Fireteam. When doing exploration maps or a Strike, we should all be able to shoot enemies together, regardless of how many pixels wide they are. I know straddling four consoles is a tricky matter for Bungie, and their quality across consoles is fantastic; I suppose we’ll just have to convince all our friends to upgrade to newer consoles so that we can all play together.
Last Updated: July 21, 2014
Kensei Seraph
July 21, 2014 at 08:10
No, you should all downgrade to meet us… or move to PC.
Yeah, I like that second option better.
Samuel Githegi
September 23, 2014 at 11:53
I have a PS3, I just don’t have destiny on it. I only have Destiny on my PS4. Someone find out how to downgrade without buying another Destiny title?
Umar Fong Wong
July 21, 2014 at 08:10
Ahh DOH! I did not know this. I still invited people thats on PS4 to my friendlist so I could play with them…..Oh well
Kensei Seraph
July 21, 2014 at 08:32
I take it you’re on PS3?
Umar Fong Wong
July 21, 2014 at 08:33
Yebo yeth
Kensei Seraph
July 21, 2014 at 08:34
I assume that all I would need to do is add you as a friend to be able to play with you then (once I’ve gotten to a decent level)?
Umar Fong Wong
July 21, 2014 at 08:37
Yebo. I’m sure we would also run into each other some time or another if we weren’t friends too, not that I would know who you are
Kensei Seraph
July 21, 2014 at 08:37
Lol.
Raymond Ortega
July 16, 2015 at 08:21
PS3: daterayp
level 32 Hunter
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 09:22
Did you enjoy the game on the Ps3? It absolutely Rock on the Ps4.
Umar Fong Wong
July 21, 2014 at 11:05
I did actually…Surprisingly. Not a huge shooter fan though. But I did enjoy it. Those public events rock
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 11:23
Glad you got a Ps3 key. The public events is going to make the game me think. You need those rewards to upgrade you char.
It is a very cool idea to get people not such fans of public events into them
Cory Trutt
October 21, 2014 at 03:15
Aside from upgrading your character, they are also used for upgrading weapons and armor. Though with the expansions hoping they increase the level cap from 20 – 30 or 40 and continue the light after that as well. Also since we upgrade weapons and armor, what about upgrading the actual character or grenades and such. There is a lot they can do with the basics they have now.
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 21, 2014 at 08:15
Er… okay. I’m guessing perception is the key word.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 21, 2014 at 08:16
“My pixel count is greater than yours”
HvR - Still dislikes Random.or
July 21, 2014 at 08:29
“With great pixel count comes great responsibility”
VampyreSquirrel
July 21, 2014 at 09:04
“With great pixel count comes great snipe-ability” as an alternative?
XD
Rince&pop
July 21, 2014 at 08:34
Your pixel count is a LIE!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew
July 21, 2014 at 08:37
Because it’s upscaled? *Runs*
Rince&pop
July 21, 2014 at 08:42
AHAHAHAH! He’s been ‘over-clocking’ for years? *RUNS
Sir Rants A Lot Llew
July 21, 2014 at 08:20
I don’t think he is using PC as a excuse. I think he’s using it as an example about fidelity.
On an old gen console you may not spot the person when trying to snipe because of the bad resolution whereas it’s more crisp and clear on the next gen consoles with higher resolutions, better shadow maps etc.
So it gives the advantage to the person who has the clearest image.
The same thing happens on PC too.
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 21, 2014 at 08:26
I dunno. Maybe it’s got little to do with resolution & more to do with draw distance with the PS4 having a bit more power than the PS3. Plus aim-assist should negate it to an extent as well.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew
July 21, 2014 at 08:33
Agreed. All these things add up. Lower resolution, less draw distance, less quality etc can all add in to give a disadvantage to a player. However with aim assist as you pointed out it is negated slightly. But not to the extent where the experience would be the same on both old and new-gen consoles.
I can see why they erred on the side of caution with this
Hooligantuan
July 24, 2014 at 19:31
Big enough television and that doesn’t matter so much.
This whole reason is a massive BS cop-out. It definitely cost them a lot of PS3 purchases, too; I can’t be the only one that would have bought a second copy of the game so a buddy could come over and could man the PS3 while I was on the PS4 and shoot dudes together.
Rince&pop
July 21, 2014 at 08:26
Don’t see an issue here. Couldn’t do this with the PS3 and 2, so…
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 08:37
Regarding Destiny all I can say is OMG, I am not a shooter fan but played 36 hours of the BETA this weekend, also participated in the special event Saturday night and it was awesome.
Have upgrade my pre-order to the limited edition. Because this will be my shooter of choice for a long time. Destiny is kill zone combined with Diablo. The customizations is so cool and will be the thing that let players come back for more.
I played all classes up till level 8, then started again and then the fun start, because the upgrades still continue.
There is a big difference on Ps4 compared to Ps3, on Ps4 the grass and flags move actually on the Ps3 everything is static so I can see why this is an issue during multiplayer.
Nikola
July 21, 2014 at 10:33
I am on the same page not a fan of fps especially on console but heck that game is absolutely brilliant coudn’t put it down, love the rpg element to it collecting gear upgrading it. Also leveled two classes up to 8 then did all the story missions again just on heroic which is a nice a bit harder difficulty more of a challenge.
I also upgraded my my pre order to limited edition after this weekend will be worth it. What I am looking forward to the most is when the game comes out is to check out the subclasses for the 3 classes and also hope they add end game content raids will be cool having like a 6 man team, if they add good end game content this game will do very well.
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 10:51
Seems the Beta is very successful if they are able to convert people like us :).
My brother and I played everything CO-OP, We mixed and match our characters and we played the same classes completely differently.
We played our last characters on hard and it was insanely tuff so there is something for everyone.
Nikola
July 21, 2014 at 11:00
Haha totally I also got my cousin hooked on the game now and my brother so I say BETA was a success in my opinion. That must have been awesome playing the whole thing with someone thats what makes the game so fun.
Well add me on PSN: Nikola_Domazet if you keen to team up when the game comes out for some fun dude. I will be playing a lot:)
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 11:15
Will do, you can also join our destiny clan, see there is additional rewards for clans: Ride the Lightning
Nikola
July 21, 2014 at 11:25
Will do maybe if you can send me the link to clan’s page struggling to find it:)
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 11:35
http://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Detail/134682
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 11:08
Progression wise, how far would you say you played into the story of the game?
I’m trying to understand how long the campaign will be, roughly
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 11:19
No one know currently how big the game will be. So we played everything that is available in the Beta, the Beta is 12 Gig, apparently the final install is going to be closer to 50 Gig apparently, but no one knows.
The beta is only on the one map on earth, there is still different planets etc. So my guess is between 10 and 20%, purely on the story. but I might be completely wrong
ElimiNathan
July 21, 2014 at 08:55
Then why did they limit the PS4 version to 30 FPS to give it “The same feel all around” or something, why not just make the next gen version completely next gen
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 09:11
Very true, next gen is pointless if it feels the same as current gen.
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 09:20
There is a big differenc between the ps3 and ps4 version when you pop it on your killer TV screen, although the frame rate might be the same there is far more movement of the environment on the PS4, can also see graphical differences.
So in my opinion in is far better on the Ps4.
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 09:23
I’ll assume you played it on both. Is it a game changer though? Would you go and buy next gen for this? Personally I’ll wait for pc, no point getting it on my xbox, and not ready to buy next gen quite yet
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 09:35
Did not play on both but seen a side by side comparison in real life. I played on my ps4 for 36 hours :). Decided to buy the limited edition after this weekend because it includes the season passes.
Will it ever get release on the PC?
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 09:37
Fuck I hope so. Otherwise PS4 it is 😛
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 09:49
I can guarantee you, you will not be disappointed on the PS4, the graphics is stunning, it runs so smooth. Hours and hours of fun. Games such as Spiderman and Murder soul suspect cost 700 bucks but you only play between 10 and 15 hours for the story.
Here you will go back for more and more, it is as addictive as Diablo.
So paying R1000 for something that you will play for hours (main game plus 2 season passes), absolutely priceless.
I know the PC race would want it for free, or trying to hack it to work but come on. If I was destiny I will not release this on PC but only make it a console exclusive.
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 10:08
Yea, Spiderman and Murder aren’t really the games I’ll compare with, but I get your drift.
And no PC, that’s blasphemy!!!
This is my most anticipated game, and it might make me buy next gen. Maybe.
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 10:56
Whaaa, My comparison is kak, I am sure it will come to PC eventually, maybe next year, Bungy seems to be committed to PC it seems.
Spaffy
July 21, 2014 at 11:05
Next year 🙁
That’s like GTA coming to pc this year. Already finished it, so I’ll pass, until it’s very cheap somewhere, or bundled with DLCs or something.
Jonah Cash
July 21, 2014 at 10:45
You are starting to sound like me after the Alpha…. I still love this game!! Also played well over 30 hours over the weekend!! I saw the upgrade, just waiting for the wife to leave the house so I can order it… Hahahahaha
Sageville
July 21, 2014 at 09:49
Season Passes? What are these thing you speak of?
Is that like ultra-limited PS+?
Morne Nell
July 21, 2014 at 09:57
Expansion packs 🙂
Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below
Destiny Expansion II: House of Wolves
Sageville
July 21, 2014 at 10:29
Dammit that probably makes sense to buy big up front.
Destiny will be rolling in da monies!
Consumer of Little Rabbits
July 21, 2014 at 13:29
🙁
Unbeliever
July 21, 2014 at 21:54
Well that’s a new one. The truth I imagine is that Sony and Microsoft don’t want cross console play because it would expose the lie they have been telling for years about why games can’t be played between PS, XBOX, and PC.
Hooligantuan
July 24, 2014 at 19:28
That is an absolutely terrible reason.
Justifying that terrible reason because of garbage Snipers is an absolutely terrible reason on top of that.
Do it
August 21, 2014 at 03:03
I vote boycott bunnies till they allow cross play
Do it
August 21, 2014 at 03:04
Boycott bungie till they allow cross play!!!!!!!
Just saying!!
September 7, 2014 at 01:46
In my own opinion some game light destiny should let you crossplay between consoles if possible which it is, regardless as long as there was a purchase ownership of the game, bungee should open crossplay so more player can have a full experience of the game even though ps3 does not have the high specs as the ps4 it would be the owner opinion if they want to upgrade to the ps4(as of graphic). Just saying dont hold the game back form what it can become.. a great game.
Marcelo Baptista
September 12, 2014 at 17:43
I just want to play with my friends, i don’t care if i will be on disadvantage just because i am playing in a old gen console, this is bullshit, makes no sense at all, just put a filter on the game that allows turn on cross platform, if you dont want play in disavantage just turn off this filter, this is just a stupid excuse.
Umbra Deus
September 25, 2014 at 04:34
i really hate that i own a ps3 and a ps4 and my lil brother and i cant level up 2gether on this game… he on my 3 and i on my 4 running thru strike missions and VoG woulda been pretty cool to do 2gether… make it cross play and dont dumb it down on either console, just make it so we cant enter PvP together make it so when we try it just connects him to ps3 gamers and i to ps4 gamers only… would that be a hard thing to do?
sure we on tye ps4 would have to have the ps3 users back more often and help the ps3 user more but honestly it wasnt that hard on either console doing pve only wouldnt give 1another any advantages… after all if i was on ps3 i would love to have sum1 who can snipe hobgoblins and minataurs from a farther distance then me… it would be a great help when i was a low level…
paige brown
September 28, 2014 at 02:58
I have a ps3 and ps4 and me and my husband want to play together but cant because of this that’s bs
Destiny Schmestiny
October 1, 2014 at 17:55
Seems like bunk to me. If I want to join a PS4 player, with a disadvantage, then let me have the choice. But the bigger reason this is bunk is Destiny is quite largely about cooperative play. There is no split screen, so you are already handicapped there. It would be nice to fireteam with someone from PS3. Who cares if they have a disadvantage? We are all on the same team. To doubly handicap things, they don’t have a proper matchmaking service so you can’t find people to do weekly heroic strikes with you (or daily missions) so it is a total crapshoot trying to find people to cooperatively play with
spike
October 5, 2014 at 22:42
Agreed also ive noticed people have failed to comment when you do said weekly you dont even get a fire team…whats up with that? If i do the select 3 mans on the various planets i have to wait till were 3 people but go in a weekly which is UBER tougher i go in alone?…all my friends are still on ps3 and im not a very go getting type of person in games cause half the people ive actually been paired with seems more comfortable dead rather then helpful…not that i dont have my fair share but its just how it seems to go…fix this bungie give us back our friends on old and new gen consoles
Daniel Fischer Montt
October 10, 2014 at 16:39
this reasosn are stupid, and if ps3 could pay iwth ps4 would increase sales…
not every one is a pro player, some ones just whant to play…
Cory Trutt
October 21, 2014 at 03:12
I understand the reasons behind the inability to cross-platform but my actual question isn’t based on multiplayer so much as it is to help fellow friends and players. I have a friend that doesn’t have many friends that play destiny, so he asked if I could help him on his PS3. Sadly I said no, because of this no Cross-Platforming, however he only wants help to progress through the story mode before attempting strikes, multiplayer, events and so on. This is why I think it should be allowed in one of the upcoming expansions if not then to create an update that allows this so as to help the others.
Larry Williams
January 1, 2015 at 01:34
Sorry but that to me just sounds like a stupid, bullshit excuse just so that they don’t have to pour extra money into a game that they’re letting people play for free online anyway (for ps3 users…ps4 has to have playstation plus). But Bungie also doesn’t charge a subscription rate to play, so that’s mainly what I meant. But yeah! If Grand Theft Auto V can do it, then Destiny should do it too. That’s just my 2 cent rant on the subject. My brother has a PS3, I have a PS4. I would love to be able to play online with him versus not being able to. That just doesn’t make any sense. I guess I’ll have to stick to playing with him in Grand Theft Auto V. This is ridiculous. Sony promised us a ton of things at their conference and I still haven’t seen it. They promised a subscription option for Playstation Now. They still don’t have that. And even though they said it’s in the works…here…read it for yourself…
INTERVIEW BETWEEN GAMEINFORMER AND Sony’s Eric Lempel:
Could it ever tie in with the PlayStation Plus program and/or another separate subscription?
First, on the Plus side. As you all know Plus is doing really well. The customer satisfaction rates for that product are off the charts and we continue to add a ton of value to what the user receives through that. So we’ve never really put a limit on what PlayStation Now actually is. So there’s definitely a possibility in the future of us exploring some type of additional offering for the Plus community as it relates to PlayStation Now. So we can certainly see that. Separate from that, and could be related we are exploring a subscription option for PlayStation Now and that would be basically a set price for a certain set of content. No details on that just yet, but we are actively working on that behind the scenes because we have heard from our users that that’s something they’re really interested in. And we’d like to see how we can present some type of offering to them.
….a “certain set of content”???? What the hell is that supposed to mean, Sony? If I’m paying a monthly subscription price, I want FULL access to Sony Playstation Now with UNLIMITED streaming and playing on any title whenever I want as long as I continue the subscription fee. That’s what Netflix does, so why can’t you???? It’s funny how when companies say “a certain SET of content”, that SET usually translates to a limitation or cap on how much you can access each month or whatever.
But that’s my rant. Thanks for listening. LOL
Larry Williams
January 1, 2015 at 17:53
Why did they delete out my post? That’s ridiculous! All I said is that they should cross platform it since GTA 5 can do it! What’s so wrong with that?
Moon Station
January 20, 2016 at 03:30
Bungie thats total bull! your trying to rape your customers. I just upgraded my son to a PS4 now he can’t play with the rest of his friends who are still on PS3, you can’t expect then to upgrade! Its bad enough you knuckle heads prevent PS4 to Xbox for the same Game, your greed is getting in the way! Customers remember things like this when it comes to future purchases.