Xbox flings open the door to competitive play with PC, PlayStation
Microsoft just gave the term "console wars" a whole new meaning.
Xbox developers now (or soon will -- as of yet, it's not clear) have the ability to support cross-network play in their games. That means Xbox players can clash with PC or even PlayStation/Nintendo players in the multiplayer games built to support it.
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It's a big development for a gaming community that has long been populated by people with stated allegiances to one platform over the others. With limited exceptions, competitive play has never been possible between PC and console players or Xbox and PlayStation players.
"[I]n 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," ID@Xbox Director Chris Charla writes on Xbox Wire.
"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."
He doesn't come right out and say "Xbox versus PlayStation can be a thing now" for obvious reasons, but the subtext clearly indicates that the door is open for developers to support such a feature.
Rocket League, the popular car soccer game from Psyonix, is already confirmed for cross-network play between Xbox One and PC players. And from the sound of the developer's announcement, PlayStation 4 could be next.
"Expect to see Rocket League cross-network play working on Xbox One and PC later this spring, with information regarding other platforms coming soon," the official announcement reads.
Ultimately, the decision to support cross-network play comes down to the developer. What's more, it won't be forced on players who prefer to compete against only other Xbox users.
"[I]t’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," Charla writes.
"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."
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Topics Gaming Microsoft PlayStation Windows Xbox
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
