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Sony defends decision to block crossplay: "A responsibility to our install base."

What would enabling crossplay do that couldn't be replicated within one userbase? (I'm not of this specific part of the discussion but now I'm curious)

Mojang is revamping the console versions of Minecraft, in order to unify their Minecraft development and achieve feature parity among all versions instead of developing several different versions alongside one another.

Cross-play is an important part of this initiative because it enables massive dedicated server support (formerly absent on consoles) in a way that's not fragmented. Community-hosted servers will be enabled alongside Mojang-provided servers. These servers house infinite sized worlds that can play host to hundreds or tens of thousands of players at once, allowing for a community and a world to be shaped. Each Minecraft server is like a MMO in and of itself, and these dedicated servers will allow players to play crossplatform, which will grow the community exponentially by extending the social possibilities of dedicated servers more meaningfully to all platforms.

As a consequence of denying cross-play, the PS4 version can't benefit from the lions share of features that this coming engine revamp is intended to enable, and in addition, in order to support the PS4 version, Mojang would need to dedicate time and resources to treat it like a separate version, exactly the situation they're trying to end with this engine revamp.
 

Siege.exe

Member
Can people please fuck off with the "you guys need to understand the business reason blah blah blah"? Not making a certain because you know it won't sell? Sure. Hesitating to localize some niche stuff? Sure. Putting microtransactions in multiplayer games? Fine. Those are all things that we should be able to understand, because the stakes for developing and/or localizing a game with limited reach are actually high, and properly implemented microtransactions can be ignored by those that don't want them while being a huge source of revenue and resources for future games/expansions. Getting in the way of someone else doing ALL the work necessary to provide your customers with better products is not a good business decision. When you have developers saying that they literally just have to flip a switch to get something going, there is absolutely no reasonable excuse to not give them permission. You're restricting the flexibility of the people bringing content to your platform, and you're forcing the people who have already invested in your platform to be stuck with inferior versions of games. People aren't going to just up and leave because they no longer need their PS4 to play online with someone. All of the exclusives Sony's invested in, the things that actually make PlayStation unique, aren't going to suddenly fade away or lose all sway over someone's decision to buy a PS4 just because there's an open online environment. People who bought a PS4 for the Japanese games that don't come to Xbox aren't going to leave just because they can play the odd shooter or fighting game with people who own other systems. There is no legitimately good reason for them to be so crappy about this, it's a net benefit for everyone involved. If anything, they're losing money by not going along with crossplay. They're actively giving people reasons to invest in other systems, not buy certain games on PS4, and not maintain their PS+ subscriptions. Losing their 30% cut on digital sales of a game just because they don't want to let a guy flip a switch, that's really dumb. They're not making a good decision no matter how you want to spin it, we should expect and push for better.
 

mcrommert

Banned
Mojang is revamping the console versions of Minecraft, in order to unify their Minecraft development and achieve feature parity among all versions instead of developing several different versions alongside one another.

Cross-play is an important part of this initiative because it enables massive dedicated server support (formerly absent on consoles) in a way that's not fragmented. Community-hosted servers will be enabled alongside Mojang-provided servers. These servers house infinite sized worlds that can play host to hundreds or tens of thousands of players at once, allowing for a community and a world to be shaped. Each Minecraft server is like a MMO in and of itself, and these dedicated servers will allow players to play crossplatform, which will grow the community exponentially by extending the social possibilities of dedicated servers more meaningfully to all platforms.

As a consequence of denying cross-play, the PS4 version can't benefit from the lions share of features that this coming engine revamp is intended to enable, and in addition, in order to support the PS4 version, Mojang would need to dedicate time and resources to treat it like a separate version, exactly the situation they're trying to end with this engine revamp.

Well stated
 
"Hey Disneyland! We have these cool fairs coming up across town. We were wondering if maybe the kids that pay for our tickets can also come ride on your rides. Wouldn't want to disappoint the folks who don't normally visit your park, right?"

I don't know, this makes sense to me. They have their guidelines and I'm sure they're stretched a bit with crossplay and they may not be comfortable with that.... yet.

n5UL7.gif
 

CaptainClaw

Member
The point is to look at it from the bigger picture both short term and long term and not just some people who are on other platforms and not limited to Minecraft.

And I am Looking at it from a Bigger picture and these guys aren't when more devs start to jump on this and sony still have the same stance?...Minecraft and Rocket league aren't these small games that people don't play their fucking huge, having cross play isn't going to make sony sales stop
 

AudioEppa

Member
Can people please fuck off with the "you guys need to understand the business reason blah blah blah"? Not making a certain because you know it won't sell? Sure. Hesitating to localize some niche stuff? Sure. Putting microtransactions in multiplayer games? Fine. Those are all things that we should be able to understand, because the stakes for developing and/or localizing a game with limited reach are actually high, and properly implemented microtransactions can be ignored by those that don't want them while being a huge source of revenue and resources for future games/expansions. Getting in the way of someone else doing ALL the work necessary to provide your customers with better products is not a good business decision. When you have developers saying that they literally just have to flip a switch to get something going, there is absolutely no reasonable excuse to not give them permission. You're restricting the flexibility of the people bringing content to your platform, and you're forcing the people who have already invested in your platform to be stuck with inferior versions of games. People aren't going to just up and leave because they no longer need their PS4 to play online with someone. All of the exclusives Sony's invested in, the things that actually make PlayStation unique, aren't going to suddenly fade away or lose all sway over someone's decision to buy a PS4 just because there's an open online environment. People who bought a PS4 for the Japanese games that don't come to Xbox aren't going to leave just because they can play the odd shooter or fighting game with people who own other systems. There is no legitimately good reason for them to be so crappy about this, it's a net benefit for everyone involved. If anything, they're losing money by not going along with crossplay. They're actively giving people reasons to invest in other systems, not buy certain games on PS4, and not maintain their PS+ subscriptions. Losing their 30% cut on digital sales of a game just because they don't want to let a guy flip a switch, that's really dumb. They're not making a good decision no matter how you want to spin it, we should expect and push for better.


Holy wall of text lol
 

gamz

Member
Mojang is revamping the console versions of Minecraft, in order to unify their Minecraft development and achieve feature parity among all versions instead of developing several different versions alongside one another.

Cross-play is an important part of this initiative because it enables massive dedicated server support (formerly absent on consoles) in a way that's not fragmented. Community-hosted servers will be enabled alongside Mojang-provided servers. These servers house infinite sized worlds that can play host to hundreds or tens of thousands of players at once, allowing for a community and a world to be shaped. Each Minecraft server is like a MMO in and of itself, and these dedicated servers will allow players to play crossplatform, which will grow the community exponentially by extending the social possibilities of dedicated servers more meaningfully to all platforms.

As a consequence of denying cross-play, the PS4 version can't benefit from the lions share of features that this coming engine revamp is intended to enable, and in addition, in order to support the PS4 version, Mojang would need to dedicate time and resources to treat it like a separate version, exactly the situation they're trying to end with this engine revamp.

Crazy. This is going to be fucking huge!
 
Mojang is revamping the console versions of Minecraft, in order to unify their Minecraft development and achieve feature parity among all versions instead of developing several different versions alongside one another.

Cross-play is an important part of this initiative because it enables massive dedicated server support (formerly absent on consoles) in a way that's not fragmented. Community-hosted servers will be enabled alongside Mojang-provided servers. These servers house infinite sized worlds that can play host to hundreds or tens of thousands of players at once, allowing for a community and a world to be shaped. Each Minecraft server is like a MMO in and of itself, and these dedicated servers will allow players to play crossplatform, which will grow the community exponentially by extending the social possibilities of dedicated servers more meaningfully to all platforms.

As a consequence of denying cross-play, the PS4 version can't benefit from the lions share of features that this coming engine revamp is intended to enable, and in addition, in order to support the PS4 version, Mojang would need to dedicate time and resources to treat it like a separate version, exactly the situation they're trying to end with this engine revamp.

Come to think of it.

Are they bringing all versions in house to Mojang now? 4J Studios still involved somehow?

Because giving a first party studio of your direct competitor access to dev tools and your dev network is probably a reason one could use to block this too.


Not a excuse for Rocket League tho
 
And I am Looking at it from a Bigger picture and these guys aren't when more devs start to jump on this and sony still have the same stance?...Minecraft and Rocket league aren't these small games that people don't play their fucking huge, having cross play isn't going to make sony sales stop

Developers are not going to jump ship over this. You're silly to think that. The install base and audience is too large to ignore over this feature.
 
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

It undermines it because people similarly laughed at Nintendo years ago when they offered lame excuses about missing functionality in the name of keeping kids safe.
 
They should at least let them play with PC/Switch/Tablet users if they're worried about losing console sales to Xbox.

I think the problem is you can't just isolate one platform in that equation. You either open it up to all other platforms or none at all. It's an all or nothing scenario.
 
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

You asked why it was being brought up and it was answered. No need for the attitude.
 

Dunlop

Member
if shit goes sideways? Who knows.

and can we ALL stop acting like MS and Nintendo are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts? MS is doing it because they're desperate/gaming division's (likely) on life support, and Nintendo's probably doing it because this was a sticking point for MS to make a Minecraft Switch version. LOL

One day when you are bored look at the Net worth of Microsoft vs Sony

It might be quite a shocker.

(also Sony is obviously winning the Gen in consoles sold but I believe the XB1 is still tracking above the 360 for the same timeframe)
 

Springy

Member
Makes sense imo. Can't have those dirty PC and Xbox players with their foul mouths and toxic behavior polluting the pristine, honorable denizens of PSN.
Been nothing but polite small talk and gentle flattery every time I've unmuted my fellow Black Ops 3 players on PSN. You may mock Jim Ryan, people, but the proof is right there: they're getting results.
 

MUnited83

For you.
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.
Sony's crappy reasoning undermines the fuck out of itself alone thank you very much.
Also a shitload of people use BC. I hope you realize that the OT title for Xbox BC is a joke.
 

Maximo

Member
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

Everyone...will be using it if your comparing it to Crossplay.
 

CaptainClaw

Member
Developers are not going to jump ship over this. You're silly to think that. The install base and audience is too large to ignore over this feature.

What are you on about?...this isn't jumping ships its simple Cross PLay or No Cross Play...and what does the install base have to do with anything Sony is the one saying no nkt the devs so when all these ppl can play together and ps players cant then they miss out that simple
 

Dunlop

Member
It undermines it because people similarly laughed at Nintendo years ago when they offered lame excuses about missing functionality in the name of keeping kids safe.

At least Nintendo maintained that standard for their gaming eco system.

I could load up a Witcher 3 save and very graphically have sex with a selection of prostitutes on my PS4, not sure I'd be thrilled with my kids playing that
 

Elandyll

Banned
One day when you are bored look at the Net worth of Microsoft vs Sony

It might be quite a shocker.

(also Sony is obviously winning the Gen in consoles sold but I believe the XB1 is still tracking above the 360 for the same timeframe)
They're not.
 

adin75

Member
People saying "Well PS4 already has a 60M install base" "Sony #1" is missing the point...

There are millions of ppl that play Minecraft on Mobile, so now Rose with the Ipad can play with her Dad John who has an Xbox and his Son Nate can join on his Nintendo switch...and his friend who only has an Xbox can play with him

And Now Kelly who bought a Switch and her Husband Grant with a PC can party up Rocket league with their best friend Nick who has a XB1...But Zack with the PS4, nope he's gonna have to see if Grant is up to play later or maybe he'll say fuxk it lemme get a SWITCH/PC/XB1 so I can play with them

There are a great number of people that have friends that play on opposite consoles...lets not get it twisted


I'm genuinely curious how this scenario will play out. How will you join games that friends are playing on different platforms? I would assume you can't add them to your platforms friend list, so how would you even see they were online let alone join their game? Can you join a friend or will it just create a larger matchmaking pool? I guess we will find out soon enough.
 

Calm Mind

Member
Mojang is revamping the console versions of Minecraft, in order to unify their Minecraft development and achieve feature parity among all versions instead of developing several different versions alongside one another.

Cross-play is an important part of this initiative because it enables massive dedicated server support (formerly absent on consoles) in a way that's not fragmented. Community-hosted servers will be enabled alongside Mojang-provided servers. These servers house infinite sized worlds that can play host to hundreds or tens of thousands of players at once, allowing for a community and a world to be shaped. Each Minecraft server is like a MMO in and of itself, and these dedicated servers will allow players to play crossplatform, which will grow the community exponentially by extending the social possibilities of dedicated servers more meaningfully to all platforms.

As a consequence of denying cross-play, the PS4 version can't benefit from the lions share of features that this coming engine revamp is intended to enable, and in addition, in order to support the PS4 version, Mojang would need to dedicate time and resources to treat it like a separate version, exactly the situation they're trying to end with this engine revamp.

I feel like this post deserves to be added to the OP.
 
"Hey Disneyland! We have these cool fairs coming up across town. We were wondering if maybe the kids that pay for our tickets can also come ride on your rides. Wouldn't want to disappoint the folks who don't normally visit your park, right?"

I don't know, this makes sense to me. They have their guidelines and I'm sure they're stretched a bit with crossplay and they may not be comfortable with that.... yet.
lmaoooooooooo

this has to be the worst comparison i've ever seen. some of you guys are straight up delusional
 

Mpl90

Two copies sold? That's not a bomb guys, stop trolling!!!
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

April NPD charts don't agree with this statement.
 
People saying "Well PS4 already has a 60M install base" "Sony #1" is missing the point...

There are millions of ppl that play Minecraft on Mobile, so now Rose with the Ipad can play with her Dad John who has an Xbox and his Son Nate can join on his Nintendo switch...and his friend who only has an Xbox can play with him

And Now Kelly who bought a Switch and her Husband Grant with a PC can party up Rocket league with their best friend Nick who has a XB1...But Zack with the PS4, nope he's gonna have to see if Grant is up to play later or maybe he'll say fuxk it lemme get a SWITCH/PC/XB1 so I can play with them

There are a great number of people that have friends that play on opposite consoles...lets not get it twisted
You can party up in Rocket League across platforms?
 

Oersted

Member
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

It is funny how we needed just one generation till Sony fans argued against backwards compability and crossplay, but in favor of online paywalls.

Anyway, you are being childish and lack arguments.

Nintendo allows crossplay.

Steam allows crossplay.

Microsoft allows crossplay.

iOS allows crossplay.

Android allows crossplay.

Sony allows crossplay. Just not with Switch and Xbox. Thats not the end of the world, but I have yet to see a compelling argument why this is in our best interest.
 

mcrommert

Banned
I'm genuinely curious how this scenario will play out. How will you join games that friends are playing on different platforms? I would assume you can't add them to your platforms friend list, so how would you even see they were online let alone join their game? Can you join a friend or will it just create a larger matchmaking pool? I guess we will find out soon enough.

Xbox live will be integrated into the game
 

xaosslug

Member
It undermines it because people similarly laughed at Nintendo years ago when they offered lame excuses about missing functionality in the name of keeping kids safe.

this isn't missing functionality, per se, tho. You can still play online, just not with other platforms. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don't think anyone bought Minecraft on Playstation w/ the foreknowledge they would be playing w/ Switch/XBOX/PC players in the future... LOL The fact that Playstation's Minecraft will miss a huge update is solely on MS/Mojang. They should have to explain why they can't update the PS version beyond "we don't want to do a lot of different things anymore! *pout*"

You asked why it was being brought up and it was answered. No need for the attitude.

what attitude? LOL
 
It is funny how we needed just one generation till Sony fans argued against backwards compability and crossplay, but in favor of online paywalls.

Anyway, you are being childish and lack arguments.

Nintendo allows crossplay.

Steam allows crossplay.

Microsoft allows crossplay.

iOS allows crossplay.

Android allows crossplay.

Sony allows crossplay. Just not with Switch and Xbox. Thats not the end of the world, but I have yet to see a compelling argument why this is in our best interest.

Sony has said publicly this week that the Switch isn't seen as a direct competitor and they see people owning both. I think they only really have a problem with cross play with Microsoft.
 

Jonnax

Member
I think some of the stuff is connected to Realms?

They held that update from Windows Phone (their own platform) for ages. I think it doesn't make sense to give PS4 access to Realms if there's no cross-play.

It's not being held "hostage", there are actual reasons for the PS4 not being able to get this update. And those reasons are listed in several posts all over the thread. This one is on Sony.

I don't know how some of you even participate in discussions like these when you don't wanna read or come in informed at all. You should probably look into what the Minecraft updates entail before you mischaracterize this situation.

Yes. Microsoft is clearly the bad guy here.

So I guess I was being a bit facetious with the "hostage" remark but I can't help but feel that Microsoft engineered this situation so that they can score some PR points about big bad Sony.

Didn't they do the same thing last year with Rocket League cross play?
It's a fair enough question sure, and Sony is blocking it for business reasons. And if Microsoft had sold 60 million consoles instead I'm sure they'd do the same.

I remember the same thing being leveled at Microsoft about FFXIV and the devs commenting about it.
To this day no FFXIV on the Xbox One.

This whole thing about how they're revamping their engine to have one code base and dedicated servers. I don't see how it's a difficult task to have PS4 players separated from the rest of the cross platform players.
 
What are you on about?...this isn't jumping ships its simple Cross PLay or No Cross Play...and what does the install base have to do with anything Sony is the one saying no nkt the devs so when all these ppl can play together and ps players cant then they miss out that simple

Sorry, I misread your quote..

these guys aren't when more devs start to jump on this and sony still have the same stance?

..as you suggesting that developers will leave the platform over this.

That said, I think Sony feels that the number of people who will be upset and actively do something over it will be small and less damaging to their interest than opening it up. They have a huge install base, and like someone else suggested, someone on the PS4 isn't necessarily hurting trying to find people to play with. As for friends, it's been clear in the past that people pick platforms based on their friendslist so for many, these people already are on the same platform with that version of the game anyway. The negative impact with this is probably not very big at all. Again, I think it sucks for consumers and gamers, but Sony is acting what they view is their best interest here not just with Minecraft, but all future games down the line.
 

Combichristoffersen

Combovers don't work when there is no hair
That's... quite the excuse. LOL. I mean, crossplay wouldn't benefit the bottom line of the company and I can see why they wouldn't want Microsoft to potentially get info from their playerbase through Minecraft, but come on. That's a sorry ass excuse.
 

Podge293

Member
"Hey Disneyland! We have these cool fairs coming up across town. We were wondering if maybe the kids that pay for our tickets can also come ride on your rides. Wouldn't want to disappoint the folks who don't normally visit your park, right?"

I don't know, this makes sense to me. They have their guidelines and I'm sure they're stretched a bit with crossplay and they may not be comfortable with that.... yet.

Would the analogy not be more apt if you bought a ticket to Disneyland but if you went on this one ride you can't interact with the other ones cuz other kids might be mean with you there and we can't control that?
 
this isn't missing functionality, per se, tho. You can still play online, just not with other platforms. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ I don't think anyone bought Minecraft on Playstation w/ the foreknowledge they would be playing w/ Switch/XBOX/PC players in the future... LOL The fact that Playstation's Minecraft will miss a huge update is solely on MS/Mojang. They should have to explain why they can't update the PS version beyond "we don't want to do a lot of different things anymore! *pout*"



what attitude? LOL
wait are you really trying to paint microsoft as the ones at fault here

sony aren't getting a patch that is built around unifying platforms because they don't want to be apart of that unification
 
Sony =/= Nintendo. Stop acting like saying "bububu but Nintendo's doing it!" undermines Sony's reasoning in any meaningful way. -___-

this will be like the BC argument... everyone wants it, no one uses it.

http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2017/02/27/minecraft-sales-reach-122-million/

122 million sales, I'm sure a good chunk of PS4 players make up that number. Everyone wants it, because everyone uses it!

And a lot of people use Xbox One BC, enough that the small OS team they dedicate to the service is worth it to provide original XBox compatibility.

Honestly, I've never seen people not want options.
 

xaosslug

Member
It is funny how we needed just one generation till Sony fans argued against backwards compability and crossplay, but in favor of online paywalls.

lmao... you seem to have an axe to grind again Sony, so all I'mma say is this: I am not arguing against BC, so get a grip.

April NPD charts don't agree with this statement.

1 game, and because the newest installment is looked upon unfavorably... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
 
this isn't missing functionality, per se, tho. You can still play online, just not with other platforms. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don't think anyone bought Minecraft on Playstation w/ the foreknowledge they would be playing w/ Switch/XBOX/PC players in the future... LOL The fact that Playstation's Minecraft will miss a huge update is solely on MS/Mojang. They should have to explain why they can't update the PS version beyond "we don't want to do a lot of different things anymore! *pout*"

This is an utterly embarrassing performance and you should feel bad for making these posts.
 

Dunlop

Member
That's... quite the excuse. LOL. I mean, crossplay wouldn't benefit the bottom line of the company and I can see why they wouldn't want Microsoft to potentially get info from their playerbase through Minecraft, but come on. That's a sorry ass excuse.

I see this thrown down a lot, I can't imagine it is hard to datamine PSN ID's from external sources.

Wouldn't that and the IP location be all that is passed? How is this useful to them that would be such a scare for Sony?
 
The thing that 'nobody uses' in a couple of years will be legacy Minecraft (PS4, Windows 10 mobile, Java et al).

The weird thing is that Sony is choosing to sunset Minecraft.
 
They should at least let them play with PC/Switch/Tablet users if they're worried about losing console sales to Xbox.

Yeah, they could theoretically settle for this if things got heated like they have for other titles, but with this being owned by Microsoft they would never be allowed to do that.

Microsoft could allow this too like some third parties would, but there's no way they will.
 
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