Microsoft has coyly been courting Sony over the possibility of crossplay between Xbox and PS4 since 2016. Remember the time it announced a developer-end feature enabling game makers to support cross-network multiplayer? Microsoft’s at it again; probably in the hopes of attracting a bigger audience for its forthcoming Xbox One X console.
At Gamescon in Cologne (Germany), Xbox Marketing Manager Aaron Greenberg, told Gamereactor UK that it was in talks with Sony over the prospect of letting PS4 and Xbox users play together. This is good news for those who’re stuck with a Microsoft console. But Sony has little to gain from playing nice with the Xbox manufacturer.
Its console already enjoys far more sales than that of Microsoft. Sure, the latter and Sony have partnered over Minecraft. There’s still no incentive for PS4 to be made compatible with Xbox crossplay since its enjoying top status in the console market. Greenberg insists the intention is to focus on customers; but he would say that.
For Sony, choosing to work with Microsoft or not will be a purely commercial decision. And it does not look good for Xbox owners. Given that PS4 is the best selling gaming console, those who want to play with friends inadvertently choose to buy it rather than an Xbox. Is it too late for Microsoft to close the gap between the two?
Also see: Xbox One and PS4 players will be able to play together soon
The Xbox One X will be launched later this year – on November 11, to be precise. It’s up for pre-order already and costs a hefty $500. So it doesn’t even have the price going for it considering the 1TB PS4 Pro’s rate of $400. Let’s wait and watch.