Microsoft Enables Xbox One Cross-Network Play

Unexpected good news, Xbox One gamers: Soon, you may be able to battle it out against your friends on PlayStation 4.

Microsoft will enable cross-network support for Xbox One, meaning those with an Xbox Live account will be able to play online with gamers on different devices, like rival consoles and PCs. Microsoft already allows cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10, but this new cross-network capability means those with Redmond's latest-gen console may soon be able to challenge rivals on Sony's PlayStation Network.

It's important to note that it's up to game developers to support this feature, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Microsoft said Psyonix's highly rated futuristic sports-action title Rocket League will be one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability. The game will offer cross-network play between Xbox One and PC "with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well," according to Chris Charla, director of Microsoft's ID@Xbox independent developer self-publishing platform for Xbox One.

If you're thinking you'd rather not have PS4 and PC gamers invading your battles, don't fret. You will, of course, have the option to play only with other Xbox Live players, if you wish.

:story: PC Magazine