It was earlier this week that Microsoft announced cross-network play, a new feature that, in theory, could result in Xbox One gamers playing certain games online with PlayStation 4 users.
That, of course, is up to Sony. More than a few gamers were skeptical that Sony would play ball, but so far the company seems at least receptive to the idea of having Xbox and PlayStation users share (or compete) on the online battlefield. When asked if it could happen by Game Informer, Adam Boyes, vice president of publisher and developer relations at Sony, said the idea isn't entirely new.
"For us, it's not a new thing," Boyes said. "If you go back to PS3 days, we had Dust 514 tied into EVE Online. Paragon is PS4/PC cross-play, and so is Street Fighter V. There are a ton of games that have had it. Portal 2 had Steam integration, and we've had other games that have allowed you to import your Xbox save content on PlayStation, like Diablo III and Grand Theft Auto V."
He then goes on to say that the idea of cross-network play is more up to game developers and publishers.
"We're always open to stuff like that," he continued. "It's all about what the developers and publishers want to do. They get in touch with us and handle everything on a case by case basis."
It's similar to the statement from Sony that Gamespot received.
"PlayStation has been supporting cross-platform play between PC on several software titles starting with Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC back in 2002," the statement reads. "We would be happy to have the conversation with any publishers or developers who are interested in cross platform play."
If that's the case, it looks like the break-out indie hit Rocket League may become the first game to bridge the gap between PS4, Xbox One and PC users. The Xbox version of the game is becoming cross-network enabled with PC later this spring, with developer Psyonix seeming to express hope that Xbox and PS4 Rocket League players will be able to play online together in the near future.
