Backwards Compatibility
Now, let me start by saying that I understand the technical challenges that likely stand in the way of PS3 backwards compatibility on the PS4. Unless others can qualitatively explain that their position that the PS4 isn’t up to the task of emulating PS3 hardware, I’m going to believe them on this.
However, PS1 and PS2 backwards compatibility is a whole other issue. It’s been discussed many times that the PS2 classics on PS4 run in a software emulator, one that could easily support all disc-based PS2 titles. My PSvita and my PS3 can easily play back PS1 games in emulation, both through the PSone classics program and disc-based on the PS3. There is no good reason for the PS4 to not support backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games.
PS1 games on disc and through the PSone Classics program should have been supported on the PS4 since day one. No excuses there. But it wasn’t there on launch day, and there is no good excuse why it still isn’t a feature.
For PS2 games, let me be a bit more blunt. The fact that the PS2 classics run in a software emulator means the fact that the PS4 doesn’t support any form of backwards compatibility for PS2 games is complete fucking bullshit. The emulator is there, the classics are proof it works, and there is ZERO reason that it cannot be opened to other games. Sure, it’s nice that they’re updating these classic PS2 games to be digital releases with support for cloud saves and trophies (and this format does allow them to address emulator bugs on a game-by-game basis), but that doesn’t mean a local emulator cannot be enabled.
This needed to be addressed years ago, and it wasn’t. Now Sony needs to answer for this.
PS Now
I don’t have a problem with the idea of this service, I just want to bitch that this is the go to answer for Sony on backwards compatibility. There are even rumors that classic titles from PS1 and PS2 will likely come to the service, further strengthening that argument for Sony. This is not backwards compatibility. This is a streaming service, and its usefulness is directly tied to the nature of your network conditions. Internet speed, congestion and data cap all play into this services viability for us gamers. Sony needs to begin addressing this as a service that works for some gamers, not as their answer for backwards compatibility.
Cross-Play
Let me start by saying that while I don’t agree with Sony’s position on cross-play regarding Xbox One and Switch, I do understand the business reasons behind the decision. It’s a very flimsy argument, but it is an argument. We should also remember that Sony doesn’t seem to be against the idea of cross-play, just when it benefits their competitors. Remember that PS4 has supported cross-play with PC and mobile, so that is something.
But Sony needs to recognize the trend. More and more games are supporting cross-platform play. Microsoft has made a huge push in this arena with Play Anywhere, and pretty much every first-party title from them supports the feature. Even some third-party games are being released on the Windows store to support this feature. And with play anywhere, Microsoft has pushed cross-play.
Now, this is to Microsoft’s benefit. It expands the player base that Xbox gamers have access to in multiplayer titles, a really good thing considering the platform’s lower sales. This is why I understand how it’s not in Sony’s business interests to support the feature. PC and mobile aren’t really going to affect their hardware sales, but Xbox and Switch will.
Now, I don’t personally think enough games support cross-play that their position makes sense. People aren’t choosing a console based on Fortnite or Rocket League. Sony’s first-party lineup still sells their consoles, and the larger player base in games that don’t support cross-play like COD and Destiny. Now, one could make the argument that if Sony supports cross-play, more multiplayer games may begin to supporting it. But I personally don’t see that happening, as it would require every multiplayer game to have mandatory account creation and the developers/publishers would have to take on many of the server hosting responsibilities, rather than relying on Sony and Microsoft for those features.
I don’t understand why Sony hasn’t at least begun allowing this on game-by-game basis, but they haven’t. And their answers on the question of why have not been good enough.
Fortnite
This whole Fortnite thing inspired this post and it’s total bullshit. This wouldn’t have blown up had the game simply lacked support for PS4-Switch cross-play. But locking an entire Epic Games account from being compatible with the Switch version of the game because it is linked to a PSN account is inexcusable.
Sony has no room here. Nothing they can come up with is good enough to excuse prevent players from playing a cross-platform game on another platform. And this only seems to apply to the Switch. My epic games account is linked to PC, mobile and Xbox with no issues. I only play the game on PC, but I would be unable to use my account on a Switch because I’ve linked my PSN account. And unlinking your account still doesn’t fix the problem. Your account is permanently inaccessible on Switch if it’s been connected to PSN, and some users are reporting lost progression as a result of unlinking the accounts.
I don’t understand what Sony was thinking here. It’s not the right hill to die on. The outcome of this is clear: Sony will have to capitulate and remove the restriction on Epic accounts attached to PSN accounts being used on Switch. They don’t have any option there. The backlash was quick and harsh, and there isn’t a single defender. Sony might be able to hang on to their position on cross-play for a little longer, but Microsoft is going to push hard into that going into the next generation and Sony will be forced to answer for it.
Sorry for the long rant, but we have to stop allowing Sony to get away with these blatantly anti-consumer positions. Backwards compatibility. Cross-play. PSnow as an alternative to backcompat. And this Fortnite nonsense are just the most egregious. And it’s time for Sony to stop.
