Sony and Xfire confirm online PS3 partnership

Xfire is developing a middleware solution that will allow developers to incorporate cross-platform communications between users playing on PC and the PlayStation 3 console.

Sony's PS3 launch title Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom will be the first title to incorporate online functionality via the Xfire gaming service, allowing users to communicate whether using console or home computer.

The announcement confirms rumours that surfaced last month, and highlights Sony's willingness to incorporate third-party solutions in its answer to Microsoft's Xbox Live.

"Many of our PC game players already use Xfire to find and play with their friends online," said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment.

"By integrating Xfire features into our games we are able to strengthen our online community, making it even easier for our players to remain connected, whether they're on a PC or a PlayStation 3," he added.

"The opportunity to work with the PlayStation 3 is tremendous," said Mike Cassidy, CEO of Xfire.

"Many Xfire gamers and game publishers have been asking us about a version of Xfire for console play for some time now. Working with SOE on one of their highly anticipated PlayStation 3 launch titles is a very exciting beginning for Xfire's new console game product."