Almost all cases of MS cross-play aside from FFXI are between platforms controlled by MS, whereas both Sony and Nintendo have allowed cross-play with platforms they have no control over and even each other's platforms. This is implicit evidence rather than TruFact™, so I suppose we can only assume that it's MS that has a cross platform play hangup with 75%-90% certainty rather than 100%.
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Who is preventing online cross-play from happening?
- Thread starter Blak_Status
- Start date
Delusibeta
Banned
It's a big Japanese MMO released while Microsoft was trying to break into Japan. It's pretty much the only exception, and Square Enix has heavily implied that the reason why there's no Xbone version of FF14 is because of Microsoft blocking cross-play outside of Win10Store.
I'm not sure I even understand this sentence but ok I give up.
You know what I said but if you want to be like that, cool.
No I don't. Really. Take that as a true fact because I would know.
At least you got one fact right.
But again what you ask for is unreasonable.
"I know MS doesn't allow cross play, but if MS did allow cross play, would Sony really go to them?"
The question is utterly unreasonable. You could make up literally ANY RESPONSE and it would by default be true, because the question itself is impossible. Being impossible, we can only talk about what is real. And the reality is that Sony does offer cross play with other platforms. Would they with MS? No one in the world can responsibly answer that including Sony, because it's literally impossible to happen.
Edit - obviously not technically impossible. But MS' policy has been around for 13 years and only one game in that entire time was given an exception. Clearly MS isn't going to change the policy.
Demoskinos
Member
Fun Fact Final Fantasy XI is cross play with Xbox 360, PS2 and PC or at least it was. I'm not sure if they still support the PS2 version.
Teletraan1
Banned
Damn there is some interesting information in this thread if you filter out this constant useless fight about finding specific proof that Sony is some nefarious community breaker.
So that people stop saying mean (likely true) things about about a multi-billion dollar corporation.
Both the PS2 and 360 versions are scheduled to be shut down in 2016, last I heard.
hodayathink
Member
In case you missed it, there's a dev commenting in this thread that worked on a game that was actually shown running cross-play on the 360 and PS3 saying that the only reason that feature didn't make it into the released game was because Microsoft wouldn't allow it. Which more than likely means that Sony would have.
I understand why Microsoft is against it when it comes to Sony. Xbox Live is a paid service and they are responsible for the experience of their users. Why more games don't feature connectivity with PC users, I'll never know, but when the Windows and Xbox platforms are more integrated I could see this changing.
Nikkuthulu
Member
Well there's one big catch. Microsoft does allow cross play..... sorta. But it's pretty much only allowed between either 360 / One or PC. Microsoft is on record and very heavily saying they DO NOT want to allow Cross-Play when other rival consoles are involved.
FF14 got blocked by Microsoft, and as a result PS3/PS4/PC share. DC Universe Online is introducing cross play soon between PS3/PS4 and PC but when asking Microsoft for the Microsoft release.. they said nope. Microsoft just doesn't like to play nice when a rival is involved. Even then it's still iffy, such as recently Cryptic's Neverwinter for PC and now Xbox. This time again they just outright said no to cross platform. Their recent stances are strongly against it and they rejected the idea again.
So I don't think it's actual hate as it is... Microsoft has shown it's stance on it. Is it right,,,,? Well, you'd have to ask microsoft though I strongly believe games that need people like MMOs are always better with more people in general. (Despite the actual quality of person)
Microsoft easily.
I wonder Why they don't allow cross-play with PC is because of something-something with their long term plans for the Xbox platform, PC gaming, and integration of the two.
What that is or why it's affecting cross play now? Have no idea just speculating as I can't thing of any good reason not to allow it.
If anything it's hurting their current Xbox users by not letting them play certain games (FFXIV specifically) and is sad
I wonder Why they don't allow cross-play with PC is because of something-something with their long term plans for the Xbox platform, PC gaming, and integration of the two.
What that is or why it's affecting cross play now? Have no idea just speculating as I can't thing of any good reason not to allow it.
If anything it's hurting their current Xbox users by not letting them play certain games (FFXIV specifically) and is sad
You've kinda answered your own question. They want the PC side to also be running Xbox Live, so they can maintain control of the quality of the experience.
Omegabalmung9
Member
Both PS2 and 360 versions getting shutdown next year.
EatinOlives
Member
Rocket League is cross-play with PC, and SF V will be. Needless to say, fault lies squarely on Microsoft.
OrlanisWorks
Banned
I don't think any dev could talk them out of it. It's entirely up to them to remove the barrier dividing One users and everyone else. It doesn't drive people to buy xbox ones.
Moon_frogger
Member
First of all, sorry for the snark. I thought I was replying to someone else, someone far more annoying. Second, Sony didn't block pure chess from being cross platform. The developer just couldn't figure out how to integrate the existing psn setup with the wii u, mobile and 3ds ports.
"Weve not been able to get the Sony versions of the game integrated into that cross-platform system, yet. Its possible for the future, but we dont know. Were not sure how"
Probably because the Sony versions existed before the cross platform setup was in place. The game started on psvita and PS3 then was ported from there to ps4. Sony didn't block anything. The just couldn't solve the issue due to the existing framework of the software. Seriously, it's Microsoft. Square Enix told us it's Microsoft, Capcom has basically said it's because of Microsoft, a developer in this thread shared his story and surprise....he said it's because of Microsoft. We've all know it for years. Hopefully they get over it Xbox owners don't have to keep missing out on games.
abracadaver
Member
Tweet Phil
TheRedSnifit
Member
It'd last a week before Xbox players began throwing tantrums about how using a mouse and keyboard is "cheating".
Moon_frogger
Member
There are many more PlayStation games that are cross compatible with pc/steam. Most of them have failed to even make an appearance on Microsoft consoles. I wouldn't be too shocked to see the next battlefield as a ps4 console exclusive with pc cross play. Microsoft shouldn't be putting up these barriers considering that they aren't king shit anymore.
Simply Sami
Member
I could see why MS would be reluctant to do cross play in the 360 and PS3 era. Which is mainly because they charged for online and Sony didn't. That would have undervalued Xbox live.
But there's no reason not to now.
But there's no reason not to now.
Simply Sami
Member
Battlefield as in Battlefield made by EA?
No way will that be console exclusive especially considering EA have a very good relationship with MS. After all MS have let the EA access on their system.
toddhunter
Member
The "best" version of every non-parity game will be on PS4. The only real reason to play on xbox 1, besides perhaps controller, is because "that is where your friends are".
If they enabled crossplay they lose a huge competitive advantage in their key demographics. Just look at how COD sold better on XB1 in America (bundle arguments aside). There is only one real reason for that.
So no, they are not going to enable crossplay with PS4. It might happen with PC if they can control people paying for online there. Then they will not give a shit which platform you buy your games on.
kavanf1
Member
I'm not a techy person, so I can't answer your questions. My background is risk management and governance in technology.
In case you missed it, I repeat that I don't support MS's position on cross platform play, I was merely trying to shed some light on why they are likely to shoot themselves in the foot in this way - it's more than likely because they have a highly prescriptive set of standards in place that they expect anyone they do business with to adhere to.
If the people seeking that kind of partnership with MS are unable or unwilling to meet those standards, MS will say thanks but no thanks.
MS have been able to do this because they are such a dominant force in the industry they specialise in. In some ways it's a positive because it ensures a level of quality in a product, but it also has downsides, as has been discussed in this thread.
kavanf1
Member
I don't think there is much devs can do alone. What needs to happen, as dull as it sounds, is the functions responsible for the policies and standards preventing this from happening need to get together and work out what they need to change to make it a possibility. And that will only happen if they can sell it to senior management as having commercial benefit.
Kaleinc
Banned
You should probably thank your job. Blaming m&kb is as meaningful as blaming chair for hemorrhoids.
The thread is foocused on crossplay between consoles and PC, what about consoles? Yeah, that's right, why would they allow it - there you have the answer. Any kind of crossplay is a very lucky turn of events.
KennyLinder
Member
Once upon a time I was working on a cross-platform racing game that featured online play. During a regular network test on a typical day, Console A joined Console B's in-game lobby. We were surprised and thought, 'how cool?!".
We started the race, completed the race, and everything was great. It worked perfectly. After all, the network code was very similar, the game was pretty much exactly the same, so it just worked. Everyone was excited at the thought that these early online capable consoles could play together.
We contacted both Console A and Console B to see how they felt about it. Console B said it would be fine, Console A were against it completely, so it had to be blocked.
We started the race, completed the race, and everything was great. It worked perfectly. After all, the network code was very similar, the game was pretty much exactly the same, so it just worked. Everyone was excited at the thought that these early online capable consoles could play together.
We contacted both Console A and Console B to see how they felt about it. Console B said it would be fine, Console A were against it completely, so it had to be blocked.
Niceguydan8
Member
I mean, PC crossplay using Steam is probably not a whole lot different than using the Windows Store. I can't imagine MS would make the mistake of charging for online play on the PC, so I don't see how you can say it isn't 'actual' crossplay when PC players will be able to play with console players, regardless of what arbitrary client they have to use to launch the game.
As for the topic at hand, pretty sure neither MS or Sony are against their consoles and PC players playing together. I don't think either company are interested in having either of the consoles play with each other though.
TheSpoiler
Member
Sony seems far more willing to let that slide on a constant basis though. Whether or not they want to seems like a deviation of the point since one isn't enforcing it. At all.
The difference is that the XBox App is exclusive to Windows 10.
It may be temporarily available for free, but there's alot who don't want to upgrade, and so there's a part of the PC userbase that is locked away from crossplay through Microsoft's service.
Ploid 3.0
Member
The cynic in me thinks that "who owns the customer data?" Question will always be preventing seamless cross play between the first party platforms. Customer data is simply far too valuable to be sharing with direct competitors.
That's the primary reason next to cost cutting that we have multiple delivery market/platforms on PC all with their own social networks. Realistically a big reason EA created origin, because it wanted to own it's customer data and avoid fees on sales (on steam), etc etc etc.
There's a reason big companies spend multimillions to buy other companies after all just for their consumer base and aggregate data.
That's the primary reason next to cost cutting that we have multiple delivery market/platforms on PC all with their own social networks. Realistically a big reason EA created origin, because it wanted to own it's customer data and avoid fees on sales (on steam), etc etc etc.
There's a reason big companies spend multimillions to buy other companies after all just for their consumer base and aggregate data.
EarsOfASnake
Member
Hopefully we can get to the point where people are all in one pool for matchmaking, I wouldn't expect cross service messaging, parties or even invites anytime soon though.
It's 110% Microsoft.
It has something to do with keeping the live infrastructure fast and smooth, but I think it's just some bullshit to get users to pay for gold, lol. If your game is built with Xbox Live API you are allowed to have cross-play between devices but I've only seen this recently with Microsofts's iOS, Android, Xbox 360/One and Windows 10 games.
It has something to do with keeping the live infrastructure fast and smooth, but I think it's just some bullshit to get users to pay for gold, lol. If your game is built with Xbox Live API you are allowed to have cross-play between devices but I've only seen this recently with Microsofts's iOS, Android, Xbox 360/One and Windows 10 games.
Niceguydan8
Member
Let what slide?
BibiMaghoo
Member
No, it is really simple. You stated something was known to be the case, when it actually isn't at all. It's an assumption. I asked if you knew it as a fact because you may be a dev, but you answered with speculation. Here is your quote again:
Do you know this as fact? The answer is no, so stop pretending otherwise.
ScatheZombie
Member
So, here's the problem. It's an impossible thing to prove because while Sony has never explicitly come out and said they don't have a policy, they've also never (to my knowledge, having worked on products with intentions of cross-play and other devs with cross-play products) formally blocked a game from cross-play functionality either. And when you don't have an actual policy, you generally don't need to come out saying you don't have a policy. Like, prove Sony doesn't have a policy that Kaz eats your first born if you don't sell at least a million units as a first party game. Go ahead, PROVE IT. He's never come out and said he won't. But he's also never actually done it. So obviously you can't be sure. That's how stupid this argument is. If there was more than one example of Sony actively preventing cross-play with any other system - like the multiple examples we have with Microsoft - then maybe your (and others) skepticism would make sense. But there isn't. We have multiple examples of Microsoft blocking it (heavily implicating they have an almost zero tolerance policy - with rare exception - to cross-play outside the Xbox ecosystem) and we have multiple examples of Sony not giving a fuck.
And, the reason this has kept going in circles is because - despite all the already available evidence - certain posters absolutely refuse to believe that Sony doesn't care if you have cross-platform play with a Microsoft console. They demand that we find a specific insider example of a game that was only coming to XB/PS (with both multiplayer and cross-play intentions) and show definitive proof that Sony explicitly stated this is was Ok.
Even though we have at least 3 examples of multi-platform games that also came to PC, that have cross-play between PS and PC but not XB, and developers explicitly stating that the only reason it's not cross-play between all three systems is because of Microsoft. At this point in the conversation, you either have to be incredibly dense, intentionally trolling, or the biggest of Microsoft fanboy shills to continue to argue this point.
Mostly Microsoft because they only support cross-play via the Win store where the XBL API is integrated.
Some info I found from before -
To add further to this it's more of a requirement of using the Xbox live SDK on PC which is only integrated into the Win 10 store so without that you're not getting cross play support.
From what I found earlier -
Also see Rocket league devs -
Some info I found from before -
To add further to this it's more of a requirement of using the Xbox live SDK on PC which is only integrated into the Win 10 store so without that you're not getting cross play support.
From what I found earlier -
Also see Rocket league devs -
Like I posted on second page. I think it is crossplay but I can see why someone would argue it isn't.
That being said I think what MS offers is much closer to PSVita and PS4 crossplay than PS4 and Steam crossplay as Steam and PS4 are both in different ecosystems. I think those are very different types of crossplay where I almost would say that PSVita to PS4 isn't actual crossplay.
It is really hard to say if Sony would be okay with crossplay on MS platforms but most of the evidence seems to point that Sony would be okay with it.
TheSpoiler
Member
Cross play between consoles.
Edit: the guy above me did a far better job articulating that.
The discussion about Sony allowing it 100 percent isn't really relevant. Maybe they won't do this with every game in the future. Maybe there will be exceptions. But as it stands, Sony has been far more willing to cross play between consoles that aren't theirs rather than keep it primarily in their own ecosystems. There are examples to back this up, developers in this very topic, and examples of MS not doing so.