Microsoft shocked the world on Monday when they announced that the Xbox One is integrating cross-network play. For many years gamers have been talking about how cool it would be if cross-network play between the Xbox One and PS4 were possible, and now we’re one step closer to finding out.
It remains to be seen if Sony will get on board with the Playstation 4. But According to Chris Charla, the director of Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program, the company has sent out an open invitation to other networks. He posted the following in an update letter:
“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.”
As you probably noticed, he mentioned that Psyonix will be one of the first companies to use the feature, and Xbox One gamers will be able to play “Rocket League” against PC gamers. He also mentioned that it’s up to the player to choose if they want to engage with gamers on other networks. So if you’re one of those people who really likes to hold a grudge in the console wars, you won’t have to cross the battle lines.
This is a pretty huge announcement and it will be interesting to see if Sony gets on board. Microsoft literally put the ball in their court so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
