Xbox Live adds cross-network multiplayer
Microsoft allowing developers to make Xbox One games that can connect with other console networks
One of the big barriers between the console walled gardens could be coming down. Microsoft today announced a new policy that could pave the way for Xbox One gamers and PlayStation 4 gamers to play online games together. ID@Xbox director Chris Charla made the news the highlight of his Game Developers Conference update to developers.
"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," Charla said. "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."
A Sony representative did not immediately return requests for comment about the company's stance on cross-network play.
The other piece of news in Charla's update is that Sickhead Games is nearing completion on MonoGame, an open source solution to allow developers to get their XNA-developed games up and running on Xbox One. One of the first Xbox One games to launch using MonoGame will be Axiom Verge.