Microsoft announced recently that the company is starting to support cross-network play and "Rocket League" will be the first game to provide this feature.
"Rocket League" is a popular vehicular soccer game. According to Tech Times, "Rocket League" is will be the first game to support cross-network play. This feature will surely make the game even more popular.
"Rocket League" is a historic first step toward PlayStation vs. Xbox games: https://t.co/73D1jbfayY pic.twitter.com/LZtymFIzXd
— Mashable (@mashable) March 15, 2016
Microsoft announced that players on Xbox Live through their Xbox One consoles or PCs will be able soon to play games online with players on other networks such as the PlayStation Network and Steam. The first game to support such feature will be "Rocket League."
In a letter posted online by ID@Xbox Director Chris Charla, the executive stated that Microsoft is allowing game developers to support cross-network play. Psyonix, the developer of "Rocket League," is the first one to implement cross-platform gaming. The possibility of connecting with the PlayStation Network is definitely the most exciting feature for "Rocket League."
The game developer Psyonix wrote on "Rocket League" game's website that their team is "both honored and excited" to have the first cross-network game. The company added that this feature is "the most requested one in the 'Rocket League' community".
3...2...1...GO! Yes, Xbox One Cross-Network Play is Really Happening! https://t.co/NYouPo9J28 pic.twitter.com/QpDflQC9h9 — Rocket League (@RocketLeague) March 14, 2016
According to Ars Technica, Microsoft took this decision to support cross-network play due to technical advancements in the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. The move is also business-related for Microsoft since the high-tech giant has seen the dominance of the Xbox overtaken by Sony's PlayStation.
Compared to the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4 is in almost twice as many homes. The Xbox One could become more inviting for gamers now after Microsoft's move. The support for cross-platform will allow those who own the PlayStation 4 to play while, at the same time, gain access to Xbox exclusives such as "Halo."
Sony may follow Microsoft's example in the future by opening up to cross-network gaming. In this case, friends would be able to play online no matter which platform they are on.
