Microsoft has taken a lot of heat over the years for not supporting cross-platform multiplayer. Today, after much deliberation it has finally come around.
Microsoft has announced that going into the future it will be actively supporting cross-network play on Xbox. This will allow Xbox gamers to play with and against not only players on PC, but PS4 as well. It was described as the following:
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.
This will have a huge impact on multiplayer experiences, particularly by allowing for a larger number of players to compete. Those who have argued that it'll be unfair for Xbox gamers who are limited functionally by a controller should be pleased to hear that they will be able to specify whether or not they queue for games on the cross-network.
Although only two indie game are confirmed to be in testing for this measure, IDARB and Rocket League, Xbox gamers have quickly called for the support of Final Fantasy XIV. Final Fantasy XIV remains the greatest loss for Xbox resulting from Microsoft's previous anti-cross-platform stance.
