Sony doesn't sound so keen on cross-network play with Xbox One
Shuhei Yoshida finally comments on PS4 and Xbox One cross-network play.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it doesn't sound promising.
In an interview with eurogamer, Shuhei Yoshida was asked about cross-network play, following Microsoft's announcement earlier this week.
His initial response echoed the rather vague comments Sony made, referencing the company's past support of cross-platform play between PlayStation and PC.
"We've been doing that with PS3 and PC, PS4 and PC most recently with Street Fighter 5 and Rocket League and other games. That's noting new for us, in terms of working with developers and publishers to allow cross-platform play between PC and PS4."
Well that's marvellous, but what about PS4 and Xbox One cross-network play?
When asked outright about whether this could be achieved between the consoles, Yoshida said, "Because PC is an open platform it's much more straightforward. Connecting two different closed networks is much more complicated so we have to work with developers and publishers to understand what it is they are trying to accomplish.
"We also have to look at the technical aspect - and the technical aspect could be the easiest. We also have to look at policy issues and business issues as well."
He also cited how hard it was to enable cross-network play for Final Fantasy 11, so it looks like it may come down to devs and publishers pushing for this with their titles.
All this talk of policy and business issues might indicate it's not something that Sony thinks will benefit them at this time.
Do you think Shohei Yoshida is giving a polite 'no' to cross-network play between the two platforms, or are you hoping this is something they'll still consider?