Following Microsoft’s announcement last month that it plans to allow cross-network play over Xbox Live, ID@Xbox’s European head Agnotino Simonetta has said that any developer wishing to make use of the feature may do so.
Speaking to Eurogamer at EGX Rezzed, Simonetta said “Absolutely, we’re ready,” when asked if the capability is currently in place. “Any title that wants to update their game to include cross-network play, any title that wants to launch soon and take advantage of that, we are ready.”
Psyonix’s Rocket League has been confirmed as the first game to take advantage of the feature, allowing Xbox One gamers to play against those on PC. As the PlayStation 4 version of the game already allows its users to play against PC gamers, speculation turned to the possibility of Xbox One and PS4 cross-play.
While Simonetta could not provide a precise date for when Xbox One owners will be able to pit themselves against PS4 owners, he said, “it’s always up to the developer to decide. We issued an open invitation.”
He stressed that the infrastructure is in place already and anyone who wants to explore cross-play options is welcome to do so.
“We’ve made the announcement and we’re ready – whoever wants to get on board,” he continued. “It remains an open invitation to any network that wants to do the same.”
For its part, Sony’s Adam Boyes has said, “We’re always open to stuff like that,” adding that they’ll work with developers and publishers on a case-by-case basis. In an official statement, the company said it has supported cross-platform play between PlayStation consoles and PC since Final Fantasy 11 in 2002.
Psyonix has also stated that it has the technology to support Xbox One and PlayStation 4 cross-play but the “politics” of the situation will need to be resolved first.
