Cross-Platform Play: Why Not Unlimited Cross-Platform Multiplayer
by Phoenix, HSM team writer
With the coming of the next-generation consoles and cloud gaming, as well as more online game titles available, the question arises: why would a gaming platform not have what I’d call true cross-platform multiplayer gaming? In this era of so much technological advancement in the gaming industry and portables that have the capability of becoming consoles, why not allow cross-platform multiplayer play for your customers?
There are more than a handful of titles that can be played on Android devices, PC and Mac. Some of these titles are also available on gaming consoles, like Xbox and our own PlayStation consoles, PS2, PSP, PS Vita, PS3 and soon, PS4. Titles like Dungeon Defenders, which can be played on eight platforms. And there’s more; Trine 2 is on six platforms, and DC Universe on four.
So while most developers create games for more then one console considered cross-platform play, the playing field for those platforms to have players from these different platforms play together is vastly untapped. Many console brands have cross-platform multi play among their various systems, Wii to WiiU, DS, and 3DS; PS3 and PSP To PS Vita; and Microsoft Live to Xbox. It seemed as long as the programming and servers were the same, it was possible.
Then came Dust 514 online MMO.
CCP tapped into this exciting idea of gameplay, where PC users can and do play with console gamers. This was an exciting concept brought to fruition. Although not new, it is one that is rarely achieved. CCP teamed up with Sony to bring this open world and all its possibilities to gamers. The world of Eden in PC, is now part of the world growing and utilizing players of PS3. These players live and evolve in the same universe online.
Following in that same world of possibility is Final Fantasy 14. This will be a cross-platform playable game like Dust 514. In August this year, Final Fantasy fans will get access to the FFXIV open beta, only this time, they will have to play it on PS3 (and soon PS4) or computer. If players were fans of the idea of FFXIV on Xbox however, they will be disappointed. With the revamping of the game, Square Enix will not bring the game to Xbox due to Microsoft’s restrictive policies disallowing cross-server play. This has left some Final Fantasy fans on Xbox out in the cold and a little disappointed – and understandably so. This is a fine example where company policy actually incongruent with the technical progress that is taking place in the industry.
The idea of PS3 console players and Xbox 360 players going head to head, or even sharing the same server space is to me one of interesting possibilities. Imagine if it were possible in a game like Dust 514, or an as yet unreleased title like Destiny. The rivalry would in some cases reach epic proportions, the trash talk could be heard by aliens in outer space it would rise so high. Imagine the most popular MMO titles that are already on both consoles, only this time, they share the same online play. There would be playoffs that would go down in history, having the best players from each side taking home a trophy were this to happen. It could even possibly lead to fundraisers and tournaments, not to mention the publicity would be good for both sides.
It boggles the mind the possibilities that could come of such a multiplayer realization. The teamwork of friends would bring them even closer in these games. In a situation like mine, where there is a PlayStation 3 (mine) and Xbox 360 (my son’s), we could actually game together and enjoy competition. We have had a spirited debate or two, as to which is the better system, all in fun. I consider myself the knowledgeable one, with the winning console, because as we all know, mother knows best. Can you imagine what would happen if I had definitive proof.
I think players on both sides would have been overjoyed at the prospect of FFXIV Reborn giving players a shot at true cross-platform multiplayer gaming. But it is again not to be, not yet anyway. A few of my son’s friends have added this to the list of reasons for getting the PS4 as their next gaming console. Perhaps the coming of this next generation will see a developer or two come up with a game title that will see play in a true cross-platform player format of console to console, to PC and Mac. For now, however, it looks like FFXIV will join CCP’s Dust 514 in being a limited cross-platform multiplayer game, exclusive to the PS3 console and PC.
August 10th, 2013 by Phoenix | 2 comments
Phoenix writes poetry and is a photography enthusiast, along with writing for HomeStation Magazine. She is currently studying for a BFA in Creative Writing and BA with concentration in Photography. psn ID phoenixstorm21
youtube.com/user/phoenixstorm21
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I was thinking about that this week! With the PS4 moving closer to a PC architechture I think the possibility is there. What I had in mind was closer to a Home apps then a FPS thou. The other thing was could it be possible one day for devellopers to create only one version of the game. Wich could be played on different platforms, lowering devellopement cost. Maybe not for the next generation but the following one.
My son is an Xbox fan as well. We have had a few discussions on the matter but with the new PS4 I think he would switch sides. He has already told me he wouldn’t mind having one because he likes a lot of the features as well.
It would be fun to finally see the two consoles go head to head. I have heard enough talk about which is better for a long time, we could put that to rest at least. I know that PS3 is better, but it is hard to convince people.
Nice read as always Phoenix.