Xbox One now supports cross-platform multiplayer with PS4 and other consoles

WE’RE not saying this is the biggest gaming news of the year, but it is pretty close. If you play multiplayer games on your Xbox One or PS4, prepare to be excited.

REMEMBER how excited you were to play your mate online after purchasing Call of Duty, only to realise you owned an Xbox One and he owned a PS4?

Well, the bitter resentment towards your friend’s console of choice will no longer be a source of anger in your life.

Microsoft has just announced it’s giving game developers the ability to create cross-platform multiplayer modes.

“Players on Xbox One and Windows 10 using Xbox Live will be able to play with players on different online multiplayer networks — including other console and PC networks,” Microsoft wrote in a blog.

This means the next Battlefield or FIFA games to hit the shelves could offer the ability to play your friend on his PS4, while you use your Xbox One.

Even though the capabilities are there, it is not a sure thing.

“Of course, it’s up to game developers to support this feature,” Microsoft wrote.

“Psyonix’s Rocket League will be one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability by enabling cross-network play between Xbox One and PC players, with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well.”

It’s hard to imagine why game developers wouldn’t want to make every game cross-platform compatible, but time will tell.

It will also ensure games with a weaker fan base can offer good multiplayer modes.

Oh and if you’re a Microsoft fanboy who can’t fathom the thought of sharing a multiplayer mode with other consoles, the company has some good news.

“Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players,” Microsoft wrote.

Continue the conversation on Twitter @mattydunn11

Originally published as Xbox One now supports cross-platform multiplayer with PS4 and other consoles