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Microsoft ready to talk to devs who want crossplay
- Thread starter ArtHands
- Start date
You give gamers way too much credit.
MetalliCabombination
Member
Conspiracy? Making sony look bad?
Dont put words in my mouth.
I was only trying to put forward a rational explanation of why all these devs want cross play just after e3, and no it has nothing to do with them wanting to make sony look bad, its because ms is now actively supporting and encouraging them to do it as a part of their new pro customer and or pr policy and sony is being anti consumer and or business minded and blocking it.
The fact that it does make sony look bad has nothing to do with my argument. But I guess it just isn't as fun until you pick a side huh...
No room for actual discussion in the thread. Clearly everyone has to have an agenda.
This is good. I really hope crossplay would become a standard, I get it that there could or should be some exceptions. Doing that for shooters can be really bad for the console side of gamers when crossplaying with PC. Having an in-game option to choose if you want to play with PC folks would ofcourse take care of this. Since not everyone really cares that much and some even play with m+kb on consoles anyway.
Maybe, but this is why it should become a standard feature as fast as possible. So we don't have to do this same song and dance every gen. It's for the players.
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
Sony have never had an issue with cross-platform to PC, and the overlap (in terms or possible interoperability) with titles on the Switch is comparatively far lower than with PC/Xbox titles, so this is all about Playstation vs. Xbox anyway.
Switching from PS4 to Xbox would achieve nothing, in fact without changes to marketshare ratios you'd actually be giving up matching possibilities in any instance where a Switch version isn't part of the equation. Whch as already noted is likely to be the majority of cases given how Nintendo's machine is the technological outlier.
Louis Cyphre
Banned
Nintendo seems to be supportive of it too so it's manifesting itself into something bigger than years past. I don't believe it's some collusion to make Sony look bad but they are not helping themselves being the odd man out. It may not impact sales but it's not a good signal they are sending out there.
It's not actually that simple, because MS and Sony don't actually have directly reversible positions. If Xbox was dominating globally... MS would still own Minecraft (across tons of devices/ecosystems), would still own Windows, and would still be a services-based company.
gwent and rocket league already had crossplay discussions before E3
OuterLimits
Member
I don't have a Xbox this gen, but I like some of the moves Microsoft is making lately.
I don't get the defense force attitude by some in regard to Sony. I would love having crossplay. I would like for Sony to offer backwards compatibility, or at the very least offer PS1 games digitally similar to last gen. I would like services like EA Access. Frankly the excuses Sony has given for not offering the things I mentioned have often been laughable.
All these things would make the product better and benefit me as a consumer.
I don't get the defense force attitude by some in regard to Sony. I would love having crossplay. I would like for Sony to offer backwards compatibility, or at the very least offer PS1 games digitally similar to last gen. I would like services like EA Access. Frankly the excuses Sony has given for not offering the things I mentioned have often been laughable.
All these things would make the product better and benefit me as a consumer.
The only way this will be standard across platforms or even be a realistic option is if MS makes it standard for theirs and gamers respond in turn. If you want to force Sony to really come to the table, support this in spades when the next games with PC-Xbox launch together.
Fixed for you.
Head.spawn
Junior Member
So maybe... just maybe... it was MS as well, pushing devs to give them shit about not having crossplay for years on end before they changed their stance? Maybe they're forcing the interviewers to ask these developers the questions that they respond to as well.
This is the part that always gets me... it started with Sony yelling and back-patting their "open" stance from the rooftops, combined with Psyonix on the PS4 platform having wild success and crossplay and the community, news outlets, and devs strongly urging MS to jump on board or have an isolated, worse version of the game. Then it actually happens and people still want to paint MS as the bad guy in this situation.
before MS spoke in crossplay, no developer spoke on the feature.
Not even when it had PC x PS4.
Same BC. Before MS announce, no one asked, now it's very important.
Yes you're right there.
The one difference I would say is that in those instances they account holders are not losing anything from letting other services use their system(In terms of giving up advantages or selling points to their service). If cross play was as seamless as possible platforms would lose some appeal they once had.
People wouldn't be forced to buy into a platform they might not have preferred to because in majority of games it wouldn't matter. Which is a decent influencer in purchasing into a platform to play with friends for good amount of the console player base.
At point you could argue that platform with instead compete unique platform features/services and games.
Anyways I feel it's something that wouldn't happen even if the larger pool barrier is broken the fact it's seen has a different issue points towards this.
I feel that is a bit different they are not giving up anything by offering streaming.
Consoles are involved this time.
If I were to throw a stab in the dark, it's probably that Sony doesn't want to have games on PSN that relies upon people logging into "xbox" accounts for the multiplayer, given how a microsoft account is unified across all their services, e.g email, skype, xbox etc, and it'd require authentication through that to connect with the people on Switch and Xbox.
GuitarAtomik
Member
Maybe the fact that Sony is the only hold out to cross console crossplay now. Or the fact that they either A) let people think they were all for it last gen until MS called their bluff this gen or B) changed their mind to the anti-consumer/dev stance just because they're in the lead now. Neither of which are a good look.
This is only true for Minecraft.
LordBaztion
Member
that's good to hear. Hope they start with Fornite.
Also with EA too.
Also with EA too.
Head.spawn
Junior Member
Either this is a joke post or you're just pushing bs.
That's not accurate at all. Why would you make that up?
Nobody on Rocket League is logging into "Xbox" accounts on Steam for cross-play.
Sweet sweet conspiracy
There actually isn't that much difference with the service examples I gave and gaming. The reason it feels like there is, is because we're just used to it not being there. Yes, WhatsApp is a service that they maintain.. but so is uPlay, or Origin, battle.net, or whatever Bethseda calls their shit these days. On the smaller scales Rocket League has their own Psyonix account, Capcom has their CFN. WhatsApp at the end of the day still have to go through Apple's AppStore, Google's Play Store, MS's Windows Store etc.. the same sort of platform holder restrictions absolutely could apply to apps like that, where if one person had a iPhone with WhatsApp it wouldn't be allowed to talk to an Android phone with WhatsApp, else Apple would yank it from the store. That doesn't happen though because the cross-communication is such an expected standard that nobody would dare be the first-mover on something like that. They'd be slaughtered, and their phone line would likely cease to exist by the end of the year.
As for not having anything to lose to Twitch... not really, just as they have their own segregated chat services, they could also have their own proprietary streaming services.. and Microsoft actually does have their own embedded into their console. The only real difference seems to be that they didn't already have one before Twitch. To make the mobile comparison again, WhatsApp is still allowed to exist and maintain crossplatform functionality despite Apple having their own Facetime and Messenger apps. Discord would serve the same role. Some people would continue to use the proprietary services for communication is their social circle was reliably contained within that ecosystem... but the crossplatform option would likely become the standard, and would be what people would naturally ask you for if they didn't already know you well enough to determine which ecosystem you were embedded in. You'd still need to be on XBL or PSN to actually play, so I don't see how it would really count as a loss for any platform holder for the weight of communication and grouping to be placed on a different service provider.
So, er, the funny thing about this is this article is a slice of a quote from a larger interview, and here's how the exchange about cross-play came about from the interviewer side (my side!):
"Is this a position that's changed over the course of the Xbox One's life cycle? I ask this as I remember the Final Fantasy 14 producer Naoki Yoshida specifically telling me in an interview that game didn't come to Xbox because of differences there that couldn't be reconciled at the time, when that game was new."
To this Ybarra says he doesn't know about that specific situation, but it's from this he then launches into his explanation that Nintendo and Valve are close by and they're willing to talk to anyone. He also says something along the lines of - consumer demand has changed, and the MS stance changes with that. My editor over there has been putting up these one-shot articles of parts of the interview over the past few days, but the full transcript of me and Mike chatting should be going online as a long-form read either tomorrow or Friday.Though don't expect any more FF14 talk - that was it.
I look forward to reading the whole interview!
I bet the same users will post the same rationale in the future despite you pointing this out. I don't know why people feel the need to make apologies for Sony on this. We don't need to defend their obstinate stance: the sooner they, MS, and PC enable wider crossplay, the better it is for every single gamer. Any company that is not entertaining that in some form should be called to task, period, and not defended or excused for any reason.
Crossplay is definitely the dream. I will support it 100%. I never thought it would happen, but man we are closer than ever before. I really hope they take the ball and run with it, would be awesome to at least get PC-Xbox-Switch crossplay in more games.
They just need to get some of the bigger publishers on board. Lets hope Minecraft is the first step towards 100% crossplay.
They just need to get some of the bigger publishers on board. Lets hope Minecraft is the first step towards 100% crossplay.
First to do crossplay... with PC. Seems like they don't want to do it with other consoles. The Rocket League devs literally said they can't do crossplay between all systems because Sony isn't giving them the go. It's really not that hard to find out "what the big deal is".
I'm guessing they only own a PS4 and somehow want to validate that purchase by defending Sony at every turn.
Right now your seeing a lot of "because cross play needs Xbox Live Accounts" posts. Later you'll see "it makes business sense" posts. Yea, it was a business move to keep EA Access from the platform as well. It still sucks for us gamers.
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
So we are going to wait till Sony is back in second to advocate for crossplay?
#SecondPlaceSonyIsBestPlaceSony
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
It's kind of silly to imply that devs need some sort of intermediary to speak for them to Valve about crossplay.
Valve pretty much allows anyone to do whatever the hell they want in terms of crossplay with any other platform. They don't figure into this the same way other platform holders do, because they don't impose silly restrictions.
Valve pretty much allows anyone to do whatever the hell they want in terms of crossplay with any other platform. They don't figure into this the same way other platform holders do, because they don't impose silly restrictions.
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
I took it as more of a, "Hey, if any of you need help figuring any of this out we are here for you." kind of thing since MS is pushing for crossplay right now it would benefit them to help more devs no matter how big or small to implement it without any sort of obligation. Plus, it forms good relationships.
It is interesting how vocal MS is in general. Since E3 we've basically had a tweet or an interview every other day with a MS figure head resulting in a thread on Gaf. Nothing from Sony really and pretty quiet on exec front.
Whether MS considers it a strategic business decision to push for crossplay or not it's not wholly a bad thing right? Especially for games like Destiny where the community is close knit. I would prefer it to be fully implemented with full voice and chat support. If the sole purpose is to increase player population without any real interaction the...meh I could care less I don't play with randoms. But I guess we have to start somewhere.
After crossplay should it happen they (MS) better not start asking to share dem' exclusives. That's just going to far lol!
Yearsoflurking
Member
I think you're reading too much into it, way too much in a cynical way
SmoothRunningGun
Member
They said no to Epic when they forced them to remove crossplay from Fortnite.
Look, maybe Sony will never allow cross play with Xbox...
But I'm all for some babysteps on this, especially if it will force Sony's hand in the matter.
Like way way way more PC x Xbox cross play.
Especially for stuff like MvC:I which will have a diminished user base on PC and Xbox compared to PS4.
Too bad we can't count on Bungie to make Destiny 2 Xbox and PC cross play...
Because honestly, that makes the most sense... Especially with PS4 getting all the exclusive goodies the other two platforms don't.
But I'm all for some babysteps on this, especially if it will force Sony's hand in the matter.
Like way way way more PC x Xbox cross play.
Especially for stuff like MvC:I which will have a diminished user base on PC and Xbox compared to PS4.
Too bad we can't count on Bungie to make Destiny 2 Xbox and PC cross play...
Because honestly, that makes the most sense... Especially with PS4 getting all the exclusive goodies the other two platforms don't.
Uno Venova
Banned
Then Microsoft wouldnt want to do it and nothing would change lol
Maverick-ick
Member
Forget Sony and keep doing cross play between Xbox, Switch and PC. That's more than enough of players anyway.
Sony will crawl sooner or later anyway. #4theplayers
Sony will crawl sooner or later anyway. #4theplayers
ArtHands
Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
They are the one restricting true crossplay now
ArtHands
Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
Where's the rational explanation?
Crossplay is great for gamers.
Crossplay would help MS address a current negative of their ecosystem.
Crossplay would reduce a current positive for Sony's ecosystem.
So it's natural that MS would push for crossplay and for Sony to resist the idea.
This leads to MS pretty much falling into the position of "good guy" in this argument, and clearly enjoying the positive press and gamer reaction that is bringing them. But, oh well, that's just how it works out. No consumer should defend Sony in this area.
Crossplay would help MS address a current negative of their ecosystem.
Crossplay would reduce a current positive for Sony's ecosystem.
So it's natural that MS would push for crossplay and for Sony to resist the idea.
This leads to MS pretty much falling into the position of "good guy" in this argument, and clearly enjoying the positive press and gamer reaction that is bringing them. But, oh well, that's just how it works out. No consumer should defend Sony in this area.
Prototype Viktor
Member
Sony and MS right now...
tho Sony is the little girl, this tactic is what the little girl is doing...trying to strong arm Sony
take the switch and xbone together and it doesn't touch PS4 numbers so mutliplayer user base would benefit most from them than Sony
Just the flip-flopping of some posters' opinions
The Artisan
Member
Droopaloop
Banned
I mean I understand the business standpoint. Who gives a shit? I'm not a stock holder. I mean it's better for the consumer of both products. I don't comprehend how people who play video games argue against this...
Edit: crap I bumped it. Didn't mean to; had this thread open in another tab.
Sad to see so many people trying to turn this topic into another console war.
Guys it doesn't matter what tune Microsoft would be singing if they were #1 or how this is they are doing this for PR, cross-play is good for all of us and regardless of what the hell Microsoft's true intentions are, it's good that this is actually a topic now and there is a push for it because by the end of the day it could allow us to play games together regardless of platform.
I mean let's have this theoretical scenario where Microsoft gets cross-play to be a standard. Good for them since they get to potentially pride themselves on it, but even better for us all as platform no longer is an absolute factor affecting us being able to play together.
Now let's have this theoretical scenario where Sony suddenly agrees to all of it and gets to turn this around where they are the good guys now allowing this despite their market position. Microsoft might not gain much positive reputation for the efforts since Sony does turn out to be the bigger person about this after all, but the consumers still win in this scenario because we get cross-play.
What I am trying to say is that people here try to massively overcomplicate the subject with some console warz tinfoil shit instead of acknowledging the simple fact that there is now a push for unified multiplayer where first and foremost, we, the players, have a lot to gain from it. Moreso even than any of the big three since bragging about MAUs and what you innovated in the market only interests investors for so long as culture moves forward, but cross-play, should it become standard, might be a benefit that lasts us gamers for a lifetime.
Guys it doesn't matter what tune Microsoft would be singing if they were #1 or how this is they are doing this for PR, cross-play is good for all of us and regardless of what the hell Microsoft's true intentions are, it's good that this is actually a topic now and there is a push for it because by the end of the day it could allow us to play games together regardless of platform.
I mean let's have this theoretical scenario where Microsoft gets cross-play to be a standard. Good for them since they get to potentially pride themselves on it, but even better for us all as platform no longer is an absolute factor affecting us being able to play together.
Now let's have this theoretical scenario where Sony suddenly agrees to all of it and gets to turn this around where they are the good guys now allowing this despite their market position. Microsoft might not gain much positive reputation for the efforts since Sony does turn out to be the bigger person about this after all, but the consumers still win in this scenario because we get cross-play.
What I am trying to say is that people here try to massively overcomplicate the subject with some console warz tinfoil shit instead of acknowledging the simple fact that there is now a push for unified multiplayer where first and foremost, we, the players, have a lot to gain from it. Moreso even than any of the big three since bragging about MAUs and what you innovated in the market only interests investors for so long as culture moves forward, but cross-play, should it become standard, might be a benefit that lasts us gamers for a lifetime.
They've been talking to devs for over a year plus now about cross play. Where are the cross play games? Sony has nothing to do with MS implementing cross play with PC and Switch. And despite all this talk on message boards and from MS crossplay games with PC keep launching on Ps4. If you are just playing with randoms why the push against Sony for crossplay and not at developers and MS for not implementing it across X1 and PC?