It seems like the stuff of fantasy, but imagine a game of Overwatch where Xbox One players mingle with PlayStation 4 players and vice-versa.
Now, such an idea is still only fantasy, but with all the talk of cross-platform play coming out of the video gaming industry, could the day finally arrive soon that will allow players on both consoles to game together?
It's not entirely impossible: new technology can bring gaming platforms together. This year, Rocket League made history by becoming the first game to support cross-network play between PC and Xbox One. That was an easy move, though, because Microsoft not only supports PC with its Windows OS, but also manufactures the Xbox One.
However, things get trickier when considering cross-platform play between consoles. Microsoft and Sony are competitors, after all. Here's how cross-platform play would benefit everyone involved.
It Would Bring People Together
The most obvious benefit of allowing cross-platform play between consoles is a social one: more players get to come together. It also allows friends with different consoles to play certain games together. This would make everyone happy, regardless of whether they own an Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
It Would Sell More Games
Cross-platform play would also help the game development companies sell more games. Since most multiplayer games are available on multiple consoles, when players find out they can play with their friends, regardless of platform, they're going to go out and buy those games that support cross-platform play.
It Would Sell More Consoles
One of the chief complaints of PC gamers is the restrictiveness of multiplayer on consoles. If true cross-platform gameplay between PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 becomes popular, though, consoles could benefit from more sales, because that would also allow PC gamers to play their games on any platform.
It Makes Microsoft And Sony Even More Competitive With Nintendo
Although Nintendo hasn't officially announced its next console, the NX, rumors already suggest that it will support cross-platform play. Those are just rumors, but if Microsoft and Sony agree to cross-platform play now, they get the jump on their competition, especially with no one actually knowing what the NX has up its sleeve. Although both companies tend to underestimate Nintendo, the NX could make the console market a lot more competitive than it is at the moment.
It's What Developers Want
Because of the likelihood of selling more games and keeping players happy, developers have consistently spoken out in favor of cross-platform play between consoles. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt developer, CD Projekt Red, is one of those developers.
"It's not the battle of who can make a better ghetto any more, but who is better for the gamer," CD Projekt Red CEO Marcin Iwinski said in an interview with GI.biz. "That's what we're after. It's about opening up and competing on who has the better offer."
