Microsoft caters to gamers across the aisle by opening up the Xbox One's Xbox Live online network to cross-platform play on both PC and PlayStation 4.
With Microsoft announcing that Rocket League is getting cross-network play on Xbox One and PC, the tech firm wasn't content to rest on its laurels. As it happens, on top of the reveal for Psyonix's sports game being the first title to be available for the Xbox Live's cross-platform functionality, Microsoft also made it known that the company's current generation console will be providing native support for cross-platform play between Xbox One, Windows 10, and other "online multiplayer networks," implying it would be possible for PlayStation 4 to join in as well.
Of course, Microsoft didn't directly call on any particular console like Sony's or speak specifically to services such as Electronic Arts' Origin to make the leap, but the Washington-based multinational has definitely made it clear that support for cross-network play is open to Sony's PlayStation Network, among others. As of writing, however, the software giant's offer has yet to be acknowledged by any companies.
The announcement was made by Microsoft's director of ID@Xbox, Chris Charla, on Xbox Wire, as he said that the decision had to be made by other game developers who wanted to take part in the feature. Apparently, the tools will be available for the foreseeable future, as Charla wrote:
"We’re enabling developers to support cross-network play . . . 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 . . . 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."
This is pretty big news, as Microsoft is essentially trying to make game development a much more inclusive environment, by not only attempting to put an end to the silly console wars, but also by putting its own bottom line at risk. After all, should other firms like Sony follow suit, it could mean even worse sales figures for Microsoft's console down the line, as the Xbox One's sales are already way behind the PlayStation 4's numbers. Nevertheless, Microsoft and its employees seem to simply have a love for the video game medium in and of itself, regardless of competition. For example, Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently praised the forthcoming Uncharted 4, saying that he's sure it would be a great game at launch, showing respect to Sony's ability to craft a solid release despite some Microsoft fans' protestations.
At any rate, if this kind of functionality comes about, gamers the world over are likely to rejoice, for there would be no more hassle involved with not being able to play online with a friend due to their lack of a specific platform. As many folks will agree, this is a bold move on Microsoft's part, but hopefully, it's a step that will pay off for everyone in the end.
What do you think about the possibility of cross-platform play between Xbox One and PlayStation 4? Do you believe it will actually come to fruition? If so, would it be a smart move on behalf of the companies involved? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Microsoft's next big title for the Xbox One is Quantum Break, and it is set to release on April 5, 2016 for the console, as well as PC.