Earlier this week Microsoft opened up its online ecosystem by giving developers the ability to implement cross-network play.
Chris Charla, director of ID@Xbox, revealed the new capabilities could see Xbox Live users competing with or fighting against players on different console and PC networks, including the PlayStation Network.
Understandably, the news was met with excitement, with many dreaming of linking up with their friends on other console networks to cruise through the latest triple-A releases.
However, is it really realistic to expect Sony and Microsoft to join forces for the sake of their online players?
According to Sony Worldwide Studios’ Shuhei Yoshida, talking to Eurogamer, technically speaking, it’s a possibility, although the situation is more complicated than it might first appear.
The real issue, says Yoshida, is whether or not letting console owners link up makes sense from a business standpoint – a delicate question that will take some time to answer.
“Because PC is an open platform it’s much more straightforward,” Yoshida explained. “Connecting two different closed networks is much more complicated so we have to work with developers and publishers to understand what it is they are trying to accomplish.
“We also have to look at the technical aspect – and the technical aspect could be the easiest. We also have to look at policy issues and business issues as well.”
Rocket League will be the first game to feature cross-network play on Xbox Live, with developer Psyonix revealing players should “expect to see cross-network play working on Xbox One and PC later this spring.”
The studio added that information regarding “other platforms” would be coming soon.