Fallout 76 - Looking Into Crossplay, but "Sony is not as helpful as everyone would like them to be"

Does PC, PS4 and Xbox One crossplay support? No! This is confirmed by the Game Director of Bethesda Game Studios, Todd Howard, in the GameStar interview. The designer legend has also identified a culprit: Sony ! The PlayStation group was "not as helpful as everyone would like it." Bethesda said she wanted the first multiplayer offshoot in the Fallout series with the number 76 crossplay, because cross-platform gaming is "a big trend in the games industry," as Todd Howard explains in an interview.

[slavish0]

This is really a anti-developer move. That why so many talk about this. It wont hurt big business like this but small studios don't want to split the community. Old games and small game communities benefit from this. I hope people can look at the game not the plastic box. 80million people don't by every game. Fanboys make it company vs company and scream nobody cares yet comment about it constantly.

[Jinger]

Agreed. Also nice to see a rational comment that isn't trolling or trying to throw someone under the bus.

Just a hypothetical of course, but a great game like Titanfall 2 would have benefited greatly from crossplay if EA/Respawn actually did it. And with how poorly it sold on all platforms a 100% crossplay feature would have benefited greatly.

[BiggerBoss]

I agree that crossplay with PS4 would be great, but at the same time, I was actually around in the 360-PS3 gen.

Microsoft denied crossplay with Sony for YEARS, and I honestly can't blame Sony for fighting back now that they're in the lead.

They're probably going to give in and allow crossplay, just for PR's sake, but it's hilarious how the tides have turned.

[Jinger]

@biggerboss

I was around also. 360 allowed cross play with PS2 for FFXI.

It wasn't until mid 360/PS3 gen the issue came up, Microsoft said this when questioned "we can't guarantee this level of quality, or control the player experience on other consoles or gaming networks, we currently do not open our network to games that allow this cross-over capability."

Sony never made a statement or tried for the crossplay or anything... then they got hacked and PSN was down for a while. So was MS really wrong in saying they can't guarantee quality connecting to a service for which that happened to?

This gen is different, all platforms now have more secure networks and MS and Nintendo AND devs are all asking and approaching Sony to accept it. Something that never happened last gen because not many games even supported it.

Things evolve and grow, networks get better, online is becoming more prevelant and it's great for developers to have crossplay because they get larger communities for longer. Sony will eventually cave and allow it, but until they do they will PSN will just keep looking inferior like the hack, not being able to change user names, denying subscription services and the like...

And before you even say it, yes I wish Xbox would remove the Gold requirement to play F2P games. That should really be the next campaign gamers go on to change these companies to offer consumer friendly services.

[The 10th Rider]

You know, I see the claim about the last-gen crossplay situation thrown around a lot. However I can't find a single source stating the Sony wanted to implement crossplay between consoles. We do know that, at the time, Microsoft said no, but I can't find a single source stating that Sony asked for it or was promoting it between consoles.

[Jinger]

@The10thRider

Because there never was anything from Sony. The only reason we have the statement I quoted above was because news outlets reached out to MS after hearing from a dev MS denied crossplay.

Kotaku reached out to Sony about the issue and they got no response.

https://www.google.com/amp/...

[NewMonday]

PS4 is still the biggest market and still makes Tod the most money.

[Skull521]

All games and gamers benefit from crossplay. Sony doesn't care about either apparently. If they don't turn this around it will hurt them next generation, where it will be a bullet point that PSN users are exiled from the gaming community to play amongst themselves.

Maybe not this generation but I bet Sony comes around, they're taking an anti-consumer stance much akin to Xbox Ones original always online functionality. It won't fly with consumers next gen.

[DiRtY]

I am so tired of this last gen argument.

1st: Sony never said that they wanted crossplay.

2nd: This is nine years ago! The market, cloud architecture and the whole ecosystem for games totally changed. The number of games that did cross play was sooo tiny and there were lots of reasons for it. The security aspect was legit after PSN was down for over a month and credit card details of millions of users were stolen.

Now we actually have a chance to unite all gamers, but one company is blocking it. That is not good for us gamers.

[Aceman18]

Where's the fake outrage over FF14 not being on xbox? I mean SE has no issues putting the game on PS4 and crossplaying it with people on PC 🤔

[badz149]

@uRaDecepticon

technical issues? what technical issues? it was their policy back then to have the 360 players play on their own server, not joined servers with the others.

" http://www.ign.com/articles...

[milohighclub]

@uRadecepticon the money issue can't be true, just cos people can play against their ps4 mates on an x1 doesn't mean everyones gonna abandon ps4 for a x1. The x1 still has the weakest line up. Crossplay won't change that.

[nveenio]

Sony doesn't do it because of Microsoft's requirements. Microsoft just wants a piece of the Sony pie this gen. When MS is in the lead, you can bet the story will be a different one.

[UnHoly_One]

Xbox denied doing crossplay last gen because PSN was garbage and they didn't want to try to link up with that hunk of crap.

Sorry if my choice of words offends your delicate sensibilities, but that is what happened in a nutshell.

And they were RIGHT to deny it. PSN was a horrible mess.

Now Sony has their act together and things are a bit more level in that regard.

I understand they want to lock their stuff down and try to force everyone to buy their console, but they need to realize that is going to piss off a lot of people.

The ball is in their court.

[No Way]

NewMonday - there is no guaranteed truth to that - not a concrete fact, I mean. Just because there are more gamers (more consoles sold) doesn't mean that's the game they will choose to buy.

inveni0 - "Microsoft just wants a piece of the Sony pie this gen." Please explain this to me. Please. I keep seeing everyone say that. Explain it. How exactly is this going to benefit Microsoft? I'll wait. Cause the truth is, it won't - unless Sony keeps denying it and the other 3 big platforms open it up. And then it will hurt Sony. If they all allow cross play, it won't hurt or benefit any of the console makers. It will only benefit gamers. So, please, explain your comment?

[Goldby]

@skull

"All games and gamers benefit from crossplay."
Maybe let MS know about that for Final Fantasy 14

[Skull521]

@No Way

For some reason Sony fanboys think that there is an anemic number of players in games on Xbox and we need cross play so we can find games or something. They don’t understand people just want to play together regardless of hardware choice. Cross play benefits both camps equally.

[starchild]

@BiggerBoss

I think that is a gross misrepresentation of things. I was around last generation too and things were not as you portray them. You make it sound like Sony had all these crossplay games and kept repeatedly begging Microsoft to do crossplay with them. But that's simply false. There's no evidence that Sony was generally pushing for crossplay or that they ever asked Microsoft to do a crossplay title with them.

Crossplay wasn't on a lot of gamers' minds last generation because almost no games offered it. Both Sony and Microsoft had a couple crossplay titles. Microsoft, for example, had Shadowrun which offered cross-platform play between PC and Xbox 360. But for the most part it wasn't something gamers really thought we could expect in most games. Whenever the subject came up though I always argued in favor of it.

Now things are much different. It seems that many more developers are interested in supporting cross-platform play in their games, network infrastructure also appears much better suited to it, and even the majority of platform holders seem to be on board this time.

[OG_TK_Cole]

Agreed!!

[Kribwalker]

@goldby

the final fantasy 14 director stated he wants ff14 on switch and xbox one, but it has to be crossplay across all platforms. And there’s one party that has been stopping it

https://www.gamespot.com/ar...

Keep spewing that crap tho, it’s like the 6th time i’ve seen you say something about in the last day, but it does nothing but add to the bad light sony has been in regarding crossplay

[mkis007]

Me being a single player guy, As much as I don't care about crossplay, at this point Sony has to be careful.

If they make it so a dev has to have a server dedicated to one platform while everyone else can mix, the cost-benefit ratio could hamper playstation 3rd party development and relations.

Honestly, I really don't care about multiplayer online (couch coop is still good in my book). But sony should be careful with its image on this topic. It can't afford to just pretend it's not there going into a new console reveal.

Im more tired of people using this as ammo than the actual lack of crossplay.

[nveenio]

@No Way

Okay, I'll explain it. People buy the consoles their friends have because of multiplayer. If multiplayer isn't an issue, then people open their buying options. If people open their buying options, then Microsoft benefits. They'll also benefit by getting more Live accounts (because they'll require PS4 owners to have one for crossplay), which means they'll have new leads that they didn't have before. They can directly reach out and compete in a way they can't right now.

It's really not that hard to understand.

[rainslacker]

If Sony is looking into it, that's about the best that developers can expect for the time being. Dunno if they really are, or if they're just paying lip service to the criticism, but if they are, then they'll either make it happen, or they'll decide that they don't want to let it happen. They'll likely never issue a statement about it if they don't want it to happen, and probably won't give any meaningful answer why.

I think given that developers can't keep their mouths shut about it, I wouldn't expect Sony to really confer with these developers about it. Todd Howard isn't a nobody in the business, but Sony will know what is required, and what they expect to happen to protect themselves, and provide for their customers.

Some time ago, I heard rumors in the dev community that they were looking for a solution, then didn't hear anything for a while. When I heard about the XBL requirement for Minecraft, I thought talks may have fallen apart, or not gone very far. This kind of thing requires the agreement of both parties involved, and one party saying they're for it doesn't mean it'll just happen. MS may even have demands that they want before they'll allow it, and Sony can't accept them, so MS may be just as culpable.

In the mean time though, so long as the policies don't exist to allow it with other consoles, it just won't happen. There could be any number of reasons why Sony can't or won't adopt new policies, but I know that if they plan on adopting them, they could take a while.

[The 10th Rider]

"MS may even have demands that they want before they'll allow it, and Sony can't accept them, so MS may be just as culpable. "

Lol, really? There's absolutely nothing indicating that. Plenty of developers that have mentioned crossplay have said that it's Sony that is holding it up. There's absolutely nothing out there indicating that Microsoft is a holdup at this point in time.

[Kribwalker]

you and ziggurcat have been trying to spin this around. Developers have said its sony. Sony has said it’s sony. It’s sony

[Jinger]

I don't think they ever mentioned anything about crossplay specifically in that statement. Pretty sure they were addressing the whole "locking a 3rd party account to PSN" issue.

[MuddyWaters]

rainslacker
"If Sony is looking into it, that's about the best that developers can expect for the time being. Dunno if they really are, or if they're just paying lip service to the criticism, but if they are, then they'll either make it happen, or they'll decide that they don't want to let it happen. They'll likely never issue a statement about it if they don't want it to happen, and probably won't give any meaningful answer why.
I think given that developers can't keep their mouths shut about it, I wouldn't expect Sony to really confer with these developers about it. Todd Howard isn't a nobody in the business, but Sony will know what is required, and what they expect to happen to protect themselves, and provide for their customers.
Some time ago, I heard rumors in the dev community that they were looking for a solution, then didn't hear anything for a while. When I heard about the XBL requirement for Minecraft, I thought talks may have fallen apart, or not gone very far. This kind of thing requires the agreement of both parties involved, and one party saying they're for it doesn't mean it'll just happen. MS may even have demands that they want before they'll allow it, and Sony can't accept them, so MS may be just as culpable.
In the mean time though, so long as the policies don't exist to allow it with other consoles, it just won't happen. There could be any number of reasons why Sony can't or won't adopt new policies, but I know that if they plan on adopting them, they could take a while."

This is a pure garbage post sorry. You don't come up with what ifs. Not when you have no proof at all. It's all conjecture in order to confuse the situation. Todd Howard knows exactly how to get it done so for him to name Sony means he's frustrated with them, just like everyone else whose tried to get crossplay done.

What purpose does it serve anyone to be apologetic on their behalf, because they make great games like God of War? It is getting ridiculous the mental gymnastics some of you want to go through because saying Sony is to blame somehow means you don't like Sony?

The mods should warn anyone for trying to spin this without proof, it's not substantial evidence and just guess work to deflect. It's like me saying Crackdown 3 is canceled with no proof.

Could be a number of reasons? Why of course there could be because you just made them up.

[rainslacker]

@10th and krib

just stop. The start of this comment section started with nice discourse. Stop derailing the topic.

@Jinger

The question posed to Sony

"But there seems to be an issue at the moment, that Sony isn't listening to its players - or doesn't seem to be - and that's CROSS-PLAY , Fortnite particularly. And I wondered if there were any plans to open it up? It seems to be Sony's not listening."

Sony's response

""We're hearing it. We're looking at a lot of the possibilities. You can imagine that the circumstances around that affect a lot more than just one game. I'm confident we'll get to a solution which will be understood and accepted by our gaming community, while at the same time supporting our business."

That seems like it's about cross play, and he does imply that they are working towards a solution. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen, but a lot of people seem to want to ignore that and continue to berate Sony over it.

@Muddy

And everyone else's comments on this isn't the same conjecture?

What purpose does it serve to treat them like a villain without knowing all the details? That's what everyone has done since day one when the Rocket League guy said something, and that was before MS said they were open to it or even had a single cross play game on their system.

Given that, it's it easy to understand why the defense arguments have become more than they would have otherwise? If no one wants to consider anything else, expect people to keep being apologetic.

[Jinger]

I stand corrected. Thank you

[ILostMyMind]

Sony should accept nothing from Microsoft.

[gamer7804]

I don't think they even said they are looking into it did they? I just heard that they are "hearing" it, which doesn't mean they are really listening or doing anything about it. Ms is pretty open about it now, in the past they were pretty restrictive which is why only a couple games got crossplay last gen like FFXI w/ ps3/ps2/360/pc.

[The 10th Rider]

@rainslacker,

Soo . . . you're the one that mentioned that in the first place and then you say I'm derailing the topic when I respond to it?

There's no indication whatsoever that Microsoft is responsible and multiple devs have said that Sony is responsible. If anything, it's derailing the topic to try and spin it and say Microsoft might be responsible.

[yomfweeee]

@Rider

The fact that you can get Xbox Achievements playing Minecraft on the Switch is evidence that Microsoft may be asking for things Sony won't approve.

[MuddyWaters]

"What purpose does it serve to treat them like a villain without knowing all the details? That's what everyone has done since day one when the Rocket League guy said something, and that was before MS said they were open to it or even had a single cross play game on their system."

What purpose does it serve giving them any benefit of the doubt? By now we accept Sony is not interested in crossplay. What Shawn is alluding to is trying to fix the account locking on Fortnite.

Here you are rambling about giving Sony time, because there has to be something. You just want validation from someone important to release the pressure. They've had years pal, so enough of the runaround. They are not a villain, they are a bully who are trying to use their huge lead as leverage and it is not about the gamers. It's always about business with them.

"Given that, it's it easy to understand why the defense arguments have become more than they would have otherwise? If no one wants to consider anything else, expect people to keep being apologetic."

We are done with the defense arguments. Now we are finally seeing well known people in the industry actually point fingers. That's good and the only way to get Sony to move on it is to keep adding pressure. What you don't do is continue to give them the benefit. Epic already proved how easy it is to do. Nintendo also came out said that they should allow developers to do the games they want.

It is you and so many others on this site who want to keep making Microsoft the villain. That they are the ones behind all of this, that Xbox Live has to be the issue. No evidence at all to support it, just there has to be something.

Read Shawn's lines. Our community will understand and accept while at the same time supporting our business. This implies they are not going to fully accept crossplay, that they will make an exception to account locking and the PlayStation community will understand because they can still play with pc and mobile which will keep supporting their business practices.

[rainslacker]

I provided the quote from Sony, and the question posed to them. They said they are looking at the possibilities. It wasn't about the ortnite thing in either the question or the response.

If people don't want to accept that that answer then that's on them, but if no benefit of the doubt is going to be given to them after several years of ms getting the benefit of the doubt they were doing something with their first party, then it just shows you have selective interests in this whole debate

So follow your own advice Xbox fan boys have given for years, and wait for e3

[GNCFLYER]

How can we not comment. People are writing stories everytime so there is going to be comments. People are commenting on the stories.

[RauLeCreuset]

"Fanboys make it company vs company and scream nobody cares yet comment about it constantly."

(Ironically ignores who posted the story.)

[segamaniaco]

If you dont like sony's policies, dont launch fallout 76 on ps4, hypocrite todd.
Nothing is holding you to do croosplay between pc and xbox, dont blame sony for that.
And the consumer who is frustrated, just buy a xbox instead and gtfo of here.
Sony is right and their community support their decisions. Dont let ms win $$$ while you lose $$$ because a feature that casual gamers even know that exists
Resist a little more and nobody will talk about it anymore, its just temporary.

[ZwVw]

@BiggerBoss
Lol. Sony never pushed for crossplay between PSN and XBL 7th Gen. They allowed for Steamworks to be implemented on PSN. MS didn't allow Steamworks on XBL because they had their own format with GFW at the time. Big difference.

[Aloren]

PSN was free back then, Live was not. so it made sense to refuse since that was actually a real reason why people would potentially switch platform. Now that they all offer the same service with similar prices, they all have their exclusive lineup (more or less...), I really see no reason why Sony would be against it, since it won't change anything to the market and will allow PS4 gamers to play with everyone else on multiplatform games. How is it hurting them in any way ?

Really, how can any gamer agree with Sony on that one ? Everyone else came to the conclusion that's it beneficial to everyone even without Sony, and yet some still believe it will do "nothing but hurt them". and even if for some reason sony as a business is against it, PS4 gamers, as gamers, should be all for it.

[Aceman18]

They'll do it when it benefits them, and not the other two companies end of story. Until then I ain't losing one bit of sleep over this feature I have plenty of games to play.

[DarXyde]

It's true that there are people who might be reeling at this news. Personally, I don't care. I get the concerns though. I suppose I don't see it the same way because all it means is nothing changes. I can't even truly justify being mad about being unable to change PSN names because we've never had that.

That said, I'm not at all surprised this is coming from Bethesda. They have always had a pretty obvious Microsoft slant, in case no one's noticed. That's not a problem, but I can't say this surprises me in the least either.

[Ceaser9857361]

...

[Ceaser9857361]

Those who are crying about Cross play are the once who spends less time online , may be gaming too nd will never do cross play . Since Sony didn't budge over this Crossplay fiasco . Let's all burn down Sony... I can understand where its hurting some section . Can't wait too see where it goes.. Hopefully Sony does something later..
oh! and Todd and Bethesda was never a Sony fan.. I remember how they messed up Skyrim on the PS3 so that People get it on the 360. So not surprising coming from them..

[sprinterboy]

Small studios would benefit greatly, i remember buying my beloved "super sprint" on ps3 but never found anyone never mind 4 players online to race with :(

[Aceman18]

Hey toddy boy since your such a big man in the industry how bout you not releasing the game on PS4 if you got that type of pull potential giving away 5-10 million in sales.

Let's see if your company has the stones to show Sony who has the real power 😏

Would you sacrifice that amount of sales for some simple little feature?

[salmonade]

I don't want Sony to have anything to do with Xbox... ever. They are going down a path that I don't want to see gaming evolve into. I hope Sony stays away from them, even with cross-platform play... Nintendo is fine though

[slavish0]

Howard said, "but right now that's not possible." Howard pauses for a second, then begins "Sony isn't being as helpful as we want them to be."

[TheCommentator]

Hmm, it doesn't sound like he's suggesting anything nor is it a rumor. He flat-out says it's Sony's fault (not that anyone is surprised at this point)!

[BiggerBoss]

Nobody at this point is denying that it's Sony's fault.

The argument is that Sony is VASTLY in the lead in sales, and it does nothing but hurt them to allow crossplay with Microsoft.

I don't necessarily agree with this practice, but I 100% understand why they're doing it.

[rainslacker]

We always knew Sony didn't have policies that allow it, so nothing new there.

All he's saying is that Sony isn't giving him the time to have them try and make a solution.

I can understand why Sony may not give him the time, because something like this, I'd imagine that they'd want to implement on a system wide level like they do with PC. Just allowing every developer to make their own solution would be burdensome on them, and really cause problems when they have to give individual approval to all these devs, and then Sony could be faced with criticism when they don't allow it for a certain dev for some reason.

Given the hugely negative press that they've gotten over the issue for the past two years, I can also understand why Sony wouldn't really give time or reasons to these devs beyond citing their own policies on the matter, because there have been too many devs who are too quick to cast blame on Sony. This happens regardless of whatever Sony may be doing to examine possibly implementing it as they say they're doing.

Really, at this point, it's just a matter of wait and see if they're examining it in earnest, or just paying lip service to the criticism. And also waiting to see if they actually implement something, or decide not to.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

As much as a dick move as it's considered, I don't expect Sony to give when they have a stranglehold market share-wise, as long as they keep doing what they've been doing and maintain dominance they probably can't be strong-armed into doing it.

[No Way]

BiggerBoss - Please explain that to me. How in the world does it hurt Sony? Where do you come up with this nonsense? If it doesn't affect their ecosystem, allowing cross play, how does it hurt Sony? I'll wait....

[TheCommentator]

@ Bigger Boss

That's YOUR argument. Everyone in the industry wants it except Sony. MS, Nintendo, and 3rd party devs all want it.

@ Rain

"All he's saying is that Sony isn't giving him the time to have them try and make a solution."

Really? Todd Howard said, "Sony is not as helpful as everyone would like them to be."

I don't see time mentioned anywhere in that quote, but let's go by your lame assumptions/excuses for a minute. How much time does Sony need to figure out a solution? This has been a topic for more than a year, yet Sony is still standing around scratching their beards like Barry investigating blood stains in RE1. Also, what's whis this BS?

"Just allowing every developer to make their own solution would be burdensome on them, and really cause problems when they have to give individual approval to all these devs..."

Funny, but it doesn't seem to be a burden for anyone else in the industry. Quit being an ignorant stealth troll and just admit Sony is screwing this up.

[S2Killinit]

I think Microsoft should pay Sony if they want to benefit from Sony's base. Its only fair.

[rainslacker]

I'm sorry if my paraphrasing confused you.

And Sony has an implementation for pc that they worked out. Letting every dev do it their own way is burdensome on Sony, and If ms and Nintendo don't have a solution like Sony, it'll become burdensome on them too, because there is no.way to.qc that kind of implementation

[Silly gameAr]

They have a marketing thing going on with MS at this time, don't they?

It's ok xbox fans. Maybe Sony will cave in, maybe they won't. You guys shouldn't lose aleep over it.

[aconnellan]

Are you suggesting that he’s lying or making it up?

Does Epic have a marketing deal with MS? Does Psyonix? Why is that even part of the discussion?

[MuddyWaters]

"Are you suggesting that he’s lying or making it up?
Does Epic have a marketing deal with MS? Does Psyonix? Why is that even part of the discussion?"

You know how it is. They don't like Sony getting bad press so let's talk about our closest competitor. Boys and toys.

[Team_Litt]

If there's one person that'll defend Sony no matter what, it's you pal. I don't think I've ever seen you disagree with anything Sony.
I think it's possible to be a fan of a company but also criticize them for anti consumer practices/decisions. It won't make you any less of a fan. If anything I think a true fan wants a brand to improve more than they want to defend their every move just to save face.
Maybe that's just me.

[Prince_TFK]

Your name suit you right. So anyone who want crossplay must have marketing deal with the devil MS.

[generic-user-name]

Howard has been in bed with MS since morrowind, just look at how the 76 beta will go live on x1 first for no good reason and the disgrace that was skyrim on PS3. So to see him criticise Sony means little.

Let's see him criticise MS for promising high fidelity VR and then backing out of it. Bethesda are big proponents of VR after all.

[CocoaBrother]

"We would love to do that," Howard said, "but right now that's not possible. Sony isn't being as helpful as we want them to be."

Howard straight up says why instead of typical business PR. I like how upfront he has been lately. Breath of fresh air

[porkChop]

He was upfront about the mods situation too. Sony was entirely against mods at first, which pissed Bethesda off. Sony eventually allowed mods but it was extremely restrictive compared to PC and Xbox One.

[Eonjay]

How does Sony and their lack of console crossplay prevent Xbox PC gameplay? He said no crossplay with anyone.

[porkChop]

I don't have the answer to that. I'm sure they have a reason, but I don't know what it is. It would be nice though. My cousin plays on Xbox, so if they had cross play with PC I could still play with him. We'll see though, hopefully Bethesda at least supports it where they can.

[PhantomS42]

And they are really going to need it since the amount of people who are anticipating this online-only survival game with no NPCs is very small.

[aconnellan]

Yeah the Fallout brand is pretty underground, I don’t think many people have heard of it /s

[PhantomS42]

Wow, way to throw in your own deluded lack of intelligence there. I didn't say a lot of people didn't know about it I'm saying nobody cares about Fallout Online Only. Did you not see the hype for this game for from really high to negative after E3 when they said it was online only, no npcs or real RPG mechanics, survival game, forced PVP, and very encouraging to griefers?

[edeprez]

He didn't say no one knows it exists, just that it's not what many fans want from the Fallout franchise.

[starchild]

@PhantomS42

And just like with the tiny but vocal group of Cyberpunk 2077 detractors the complaining won't amount to much. The reality is that the online moaners are a tiny minority. Most of the millions of other gamers will remain open minded and judge things in a balanced and fair way, not based on knee-jerk superficiality. I'm sure both games will sell very well, despite the efforts of those deriding them.

[LordJamar]

Eso disagrees

[BeOpenMinded]

Wether we like it or not and all reviews could terrible we all know this thing will sell like hot cakes

[Vizigoth04]

The thing is if Cross-play was such a big deal than why would third party companies like Bethesda allow their game to be made on PlayStation? Because they know no matter what the demand for cross playing is, not having the 2 to 1 software sales over the Xbox with PS4's install base is a huge loss.

My thoughts are Sony at some point will cave in to crossplay on their own terms. Most likely around PS5s launch. If they launch PS5 with crossplay as a standard they will mostly likely announce it for the PS4 as well. Sony doesn't want their install base infringe upon and now that the demand for crossplay is rising the timing will be right for Sony when they reveal/announce PS5 in 2019.

[SuperSaiyanGod41]

Yup Sony shouldn't budge and just say we will bring crossplay next gen. It's already late into this generation and our focus is our fanbase. See u all next gen when ps5 launches. Thanks for coming.

[The_Blue]

I didnt care before but I would love cross play between Fallout 76. My friends who are still on Xbox and I can hang out since I'm on PSN now.

[The 10th Rider]

This is what people really overlook.

People can make up all the excuses they want as to why it Sony might be reluctant to do it due to business concerns, but at the end of the day it is a good thing for gamers and developers. From the developer side it can help online games last longer and have stronger servers (not really a huge issue for most games, but it would certainly help some). The big thing is that from a gamer side people that have friends with a different console will be able to play with them.

As much as people around here say that you should just buy the same console as your friends, it's a lot more complicated than that. Everyone has different friend groups, people might be looking at the other features in a console (maybe someone had a 360 that died and wanted to get a console that can play those games, etc . . .) and throwing those people under the bus due to some dumb console war is petty as can be. Sure, that's not the majority of gamers, but all it would take is 1 out of every 10 and it would be an enormous number of people.

I get why Sony is reluctant to do it. I think, contrary to what a lot of people say around here, it really wouldn't have an affect on which console people buy. At the end of the day it's a great feature to have, but it's not going to play much into people's purchasing decisions unless they already own multiple consoles.

As far as I'm concerned, keep the articles coming until Sony changes their stance or issues a genuine response. People could make the argument that lootboxes or the original Xbox One plans were all for "business" reasons, but at the end of the day gamers and the gaming media put pressure on both companies and they each changed their stance. We can only hope Sony does the same.

[RauLeCreuset]

"Everyone has different friend groups, people might be looking at the other features in a console (maybe someone had a 360 that died and wanted to get a console that can play those games, etc . . .) and throwing those people under the bus due to some dumb console war is petty as can be."

This is the part that you overlook. You accuse the other side of making this about a petty console war while ignoring the trolling comment history of the person who posted this news (as if Sony's stance is news at this point), including the trolling comment they posted in response to their own submission.

Look, you want something. You may even have a legitimate reason for wanting it. Cool. That doesn't mean the person you're demanding it from is without a legitimate reason for refusing you. Respecting that is part of being mature. At this point, you're deliberately downplaying their legitimate business concerns to force this narrative about a petty console war, as if Sony is some newbie in the gaming business who thinks being petty is a business strategy. Even MS, as petty as they're being, have a legitimate business interest driving their sudden championing of cross-play.

You all act like it's amateur hour around here. Like these companies pouring over data as minute as how many bullets players fired don't have a grasp on the impact cross-play with the competition, or lackthereof, has on their console sales. But according to your expert business analysis from your couch, crossplay has a negligible effect, so they should just ignore their data and do it.

[gangsta_red]

@raulecreuset

"You accuse the other side of making this about a petty console war while ignoring the trolling comment history of the person who posted this news.."

Says the guy with a self admitted alt account.

I submitted this story like I have submitted many others. What difference does it make who submitted it as it's still a story and a hot topic. Would it have made a difference if one of your trusted bros did?

This is what's so funny, you and others go out of your way to beg people to look the other way, from "nobody's heard of this game" to "look who submitted the article". What's great is the way you guys were on fire about DRM and even proclaimed a gamer victory at the 180, but now it's.. .."look it's a business decision, leave them alone".....Such a wonderful attitude to now take up. What happened?

"Even MS, as petty as they're being"

But this isn't MS, this is Bethesda, you guys are so blind that you direct every passive aggravated comment towards them instead of the seeing that many other 3rd party developers are asking for this.

And maybe it has nothing to do with actual console sales. Think about this because I know a lot of you can't get past sales....maybe crossplay between consoles would benefit thesd developers more and save them on server costs and maintenance. Maybe they could better manage their game community and updates if they didn't have to worry about different servers for each console.

But yea....saaaalez.

[RauLeCreuset]

"Says the guy with a self admitted alt account."

When did I say this is an alt account? You need to go reread my reply to that other Xbox fanatic engaged in disingenuous commentary that you are basing your false claim on. This isn't an alt account. It is my only account. Before you try to accuse me of splitting hairs, let's get right to the heart of your implication. I HAD an older account. Same avatar as this one. Same name, minus the "Rau." Never have they existed at the same time. Never have I had my account (Either one!) banned. I deleted the old account. I put that out there openly and challenge the mods to publicly set the record straight if I'm wrong. So, points for trying to deflect from your obvious anti-Sony agenda. Meanwhile that trolling comment you made as your first reply to this news you posted has already been collapsed. I personally wish it had stayed up to expose you to the few around here that don't know you.

[gangsta_red]

Lmao! Surrrre ;-)

Meanwhile....

"So, points for trying to deflect from your obvious anti-Sony agenda."

This of course comes after your OP deflection on what the actual article topic is about by trying to point the finger at who submitted it.

*Fallout 76 - No Crossplay*

"Look guys, look, look who submitted it!!!"

You already tried this in a comment you left further up but I guess you had to try again.

I didn't write the article, I didn't tell Pete here no. This is an article from an interview Pete did. It's news, big news that should be on N4G along with "Xbox needs more exclusives" and "Nintendo's stock is falling". So I don't know where this anti Sony propaganda being pushed is coming from.

There's a demand from developers who want to do this. It has nothing to do with console sales, it doesn't have anything to do with MS being sleazy and wanting to steal Sony's fanbase.

They want to have crossplay as the tech it seems is readily available to use.

[RauLeCreuset]

"Lmao! Surrrre"

Feel free to PM a mod about my account or put in a ticket if you want to call BS on me. You were wrong. You played yourself. Be big enough to own it and move on.

"This of course comes after your OP deflection on what the actual article topic is about by trying to point the finger at who submitted it."

Try rereading the comment I replied to. Maybe slower this time. Not only was the part about your trolling pertinent and obvious response to the accusation that it is the other side pushing a console war agenda, but I also addressed other points made in the comment I responded to. Meanwhile, your very first comment on the article you posted, in reply to no one, was collapsed for trolling. Fact.

[gangsta_red]

"...about your trolling pertinent and obvious response to the accusation that it is the other side pushing a console war agenda,"

So submitting stories is pushing an anti Sony/console war. Where is all this peace keeping when all those Xbox needs exclusives, Switch has no third party games articles constantly appear on N4G? Then it's discussions and comments, and no mentions of who submitted these stories.

And read...slowly...what 10th Rider's comment said, the one you actually quoted in your reply too.

He's actually talking about different people on different consoles wanting to play together as one reason for crossplay that goes beyond a console war. Now what does that have to do with me submitting this article?

You talk about deflection but all you're doing is trying to make this specifically about me submitting this article. That's the funny part about this. You guys constantly use terms that best describe your own behavior.

And this still doesn't answer why you and others continue to blame MS when it's other developers asking for this.

And it still doesn't explain your constant "sales" speeches when this has potential to be a benefit for these same developers.

And it still doesn't explain why you have an alt. But that actually needs no explanation, I'm sure you "closed" your account for good reasons only to come back with the same grudge as before.

And yeah, my mocking comment was collapsed and I expect a few more of my sarcastic remarks mocking the lunacy of *some* folks from this fanbase to be marked also.

[RauLeCreuset]

"So submitting stories is pushing an anti Sony/console war."

Let's not waste time playing stupid or pretending anyone else is. You submitted the story hoping to make Sony look bad and hoping to keep the cross-play negativity going. You jumped right into your own submission and immediately commenced trolling, for which your comment was collapsed. It's funny how you went from crapping on PSN and telling PS4 gamers they need redirect their focus from whatever issue you wanted to deflect from to pressuring Sony to make PSN better. Now you're reduced to being a beggar, shamelessly courting the PSN you so gleefully "mocked" before. So let me take a page from your book and ask, where is this same dedication to calling out your preferred console for locking F2P behind a paywall and actually having less cross-play titles than PS4 (among other things)? Where is that in your submission and comment history?

I don't need you to give a synopsis of 10th's comment filtered through your strained relationship with honesty. It's right there to see and (because this apparently needs to be done for you) quote:

"...and throwing those people under the bus due to some dumb console war is petty as can be. "

There. Didn't I already quote this? I took out the extra words this time, because that apparently confused you. You see that? That's what was said that I replied to about you. I even posted the relevant quote as an introduction to my comment about you.

"And this still doesn't answer why you and others continue to blame MS when it's other developers asking for this."

The developer isn't the one making this a PR campaign. Square asked for it with FFXIV. Sony accepted; MS declined. You didn't get this PR campaign from Sony to pressure MS; you didnt get all these articles on N4G. That you tried drawing a parallel between people's responses to this and MS' pre 180 intentions for this gen shows you're desperately dishonest attempt to drive your anti-PS narrative.

"And it still doesn't explain your constant 'sales' speeches when this has potential to be a benefit for these same developers."

Go get someone who possess adequate reading comprehension to explain those "speeches" to you. If that's something you struggle with, I hope you find the resources you need to improve, but I shouldn't have to keep correcting your lack of basic understanding of comments you read. My comments have dealt with analyzing why Sony is reluctant to do it in their position, even acknowledging that it makes sense for the other parties involved to want it.

"And yeah, my mocking comment was collapsed and I expect a few more of my sarcastic remarks mocking the lunacy of *some* folks from this fanbase to be marked also."

Your trolling comment was collapsed. The trolling comment you posted in reply to no one as the first comment on the anti-Sony piece you submitted. You were trolling.

[gangsta_red]

"You submitted the story hoping to make Sony look bad and hoping to keep the cross-play negativity going"

Make Sony look bad? I love it, you're more concerned on how Sony looks than the actual topic at hand. I'm not the only one who has submitted these articles but I bet you think those guys have an agenda too.

But way to not answer the question or even discuss developer wants and concerns. You continue to focus the conversation about me. But this is no suprise considering how your original account before this alt was also focused on just talking about members who you believe had an anti Sony agenda.

Yea, I actually decided to take a look through your alt and your original account and surprise, surprise, all you do is accuse others of having an anti Sony agenda. That's pretty much your whole schtick on n4g.

It wouldn't have mattered who submitted this story as you would have been here regardless accusing that person and anyone else of making "Sony Look Bad".

"The developer isn't the one making this a PR campaign."

But the developer(s) are talking to the press about it. Nintendo is working with MS with Minecraft and they are both promoting this feature. Because it is a big deal, how many games worked with Nintendo and Xbox?

But with all that you and others continue to just point the finger at MS as if they're the lone orchestrater pulling the strings of the making "Sony Look Bad (tm)" campaign that you and others are trying to push.

The tech for this is more available in today's society and the push to be more connected is greater than ever before. This is why this is a hot topic more than last gen.

Expect a few more articles to beat this to the ground as you guys celebrate crossplay with PC but make up the most insane excuses as to why it can't or shouldn't be done with Xbox or Switch.

"...shows you're desperately dishonest attempt to drive your anti-PS narrative."

So wait! We didn't get a ton of articles about the DRM launch debacle or a ton more about the 180 MS did? How about MS has no exclusives or MS needs more first party studios? Not the same right?

The problem is you and others love those articles and get behind those 💯 but then when something about Sony comes in you all rush in to check who submitted it, then you attack the author, then you claim the media is biased, then you find some way to blame MS, if that doesn't work then you talk about sales, still not working...then all of a sudden no one has heard of the developer or the game or the website. A checklist of deflection and victim posing.

You have no clue what you're talking about here and a couple of lines of your stale analysis doesn't absolve your fanatical rant of checking someone's comment history and then accusing them of having an anti Sony agenda.

And if you're so concerned about where are the articles about F2P being locked behind a paywall, submit them. Anyone here can, but you would rather point the finger than actually contribute.

I mean developers are coming out in droves and talking to journalists about wanting their games out from the pay wall right? It shouldn't be hard to find those articles then you can start your own "Make MS Look Bad" campaign.

[salmonade]

The more separation from Xbox the better. No cross play with Xbox is what I prefer. I don't want Sony as a company to be close to Xbox at all. I don't like the way in which Microsoft is moving in regards to their game department. Gaas and only Multiplay etc. NO.

[Hardiman]

@Salmonade I agree with not liking how M$ is trying to move the industry and it's obvious from what they say and what they offer. I don't know why there's so much confusion and anger over the fact some people prefer SP games and one company's cornerstone is SP games that also has MP titles and one that focuses on GAAS and MP games. It's not that complicated!

[wodan]

Elder scroll online have no cross play between Xbox and PC and i never saw a single fake outrage.

Seems its only bad when Sony does it.

[ecchiless]

indeed, i dont see xplay in cod, battlefield, overwatch, etc...

[Jinger]

Do those games even offer crossplay at all?

[Team_Litt]

With more games exploring the idea, don't you think we'll start seeing developers of such games taking note?
It has to start somewhere right? How many developers do you think are toying with the idea but don't want to alienate Sony and their massive fanbase?.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I suspect Overwatch doesn't offer crossplay with consoles and PC for obvious reasons, I assumed Blizzard just wanted an even playing field since Overwatch is a very competitive Esport. I probably can't say the same for the others since they're generally not Esport games.

@Team_Litt,

It might not be a "fanbase" thing, if it's between console and PC I can see a reason for it, as for between consoles, the field is a little more even.

[Jinger]

That game doesn't even support cross play for any platform...

[Team_Litt]

To be fair there was quite a bit of hoopla last generation when Microsoft refused to do cross play.
More than anything this serves to highlight the hypocrisy of Sony and their megafans now that the shoe is on the other foot.
Most claim to not care but I think it would be truly swell to play a game like this across all platforms.
Brand loyalty is overlapping blind loyalty on this matter and that's sad because it's holding the industry back.

GT: Ndibu
PSN: Ndibu

[rainslacker]

You can't honestly say that the amount of negativity that Sony is getting over this is the same as the criticism that MS got over it. There are how many articles a week about it right now? Last gen, you maybe saw one article a month, if not had them separated by several months when some opinion piece would dredge it up again. When that happened, you'd have some talk, then it'd die down the same day, until the next article came out months later.

There was some hoopla when it affected FFXIV, but that was mostly just a bunch of PS Fan boys acting like the MS fan boys are now....but even then, it died down pretty quick, because in the end, not many people really care that much.

PC gamers really don't seem to care in the least. Nintendo gamers I rarely see talk about it even to praise it for what games are getting it now. PS4 players are actively saying they don't care anymore, and a lot of that has to do with the constant beratement that Sony is receiving over it. Xbox fan boys...those that are easily identifiable based on their comment history, seem to be the most vocal about it, and their cries are drowning out the PS4 fans that actually may want the feature enough to ask for it.

Anyhow, most of the hope for what cross play will bring seems to be from expectations that cross play doesn't actually offer...namely, connecting with friends, cross chat, etc. I'm curious if the people begging for cross play even use cross play where it may be available, because those games don't really offer up most of the features they want.

[The 10th Rider]

"PC gamers really don't seem to care in the least. Nintendo gamers I rarely see talk about it even to praise it for what games are getting it now. PS4 players are actively saying they don't care anymore, and a lot of that has to do with the constant beratement that Sony is receiving over it. Xbox fan boys...those that are easily identifiable based on their comment history, seem to be the most vocal about it, and their cries are drowning out the PS4 fans that actually may want the feature enough to ask for it."

Source for that? I have a gaming PC and crossplay is a great feature. I've been around multiple Switch communities around the internet and people really like crossplay. There's only a few Switch games that support it because Switch doesn't get all third party games, but people are really happy when a game does support it. On the largest PS4 community on the internet, the PS4 Subreddit, a post about crossplay during E3 week was more upvoted than any post about one of Sony's E3 games . . . before it was later deleted by mods. When I looked at polls it seemed the vast majority of gamers were indifferent, but there was still 10-25% of gamers that wanted it implemented. That's a significant number of people and Sony should definitely be paying attention.

[Razzer]

@10th
"Source for that? "

"The data shows that most gamers simply do not care about cross-play."
https://www.gamesindustry.b...

[The 10th Rider]

@Razzer,

That just confirms what I said?

I was taking issue with rainslacker implying that no one cares: ""PC gamers really don't seem to care in the least. Nintendo gamers I rarely see talk about it even to praise it for what games are getting it now. PS4 players are actively saying they don't care anymore."

I even said "When I looked at polls it seemed the vast majority of gamers were indifferent, but there was still 10-25% of gamers that wanted it implemented."

I was a little fuzzy, but your source was one I looked at and it says that "34% saw [crossplay] as Fairly or Very Positive thing overall." That's higher than the 10-25% figure that I had listed.

Even without PC gamers, there's like 130-150M PS4/Switch/Xbox One gamers out there. That would be 45-50M people, not counting PC player, that think crossplay would be good for gaming.

[OneLove]

Crossplay is just starting to blow up dip shit.

[Jeff257]

DC Universe Online also doesn't do crossplay between XBOX One and PC, but it does have crossplay between the PS3/PS4/and PC. The reason why is because Microsoft requires a Gold account to play it while it is Free to Play on PC and PS. There are other free to play MMOs on PC, PS, and XBOX that don't do crossplay and some do it for the same reason. Others don't do it because it would screw up the PC marketplace in those games.

[Vrabstin]

It's bad publicity for Sony, and it's healthy for sales (encouraging majority of market to stick to primary selling console that most players have in consoles). Until people start not buying Playstation games for the reason of lack of cross play or the bad publicity truly threatens the growing player base, Playstation will not see reason in allowing it. I personally would really like cross play.

[Gwiz]

I don't need " console wars " while playing games,this cross-play noise is only a fragment of the annoyance that is about to unleash on these systems.

[SuperSaiyanGod41]

To be honest this is getting annoying. Sony should just put a poll up saying. Do u rather have crossplay or new exclusive IP's? If u choose crossplay then we will focus more on that than amazing triple a games that got us to the top. Choose wisely because we do not have a problem dishing out subpar games if u rather choose crossplay over exciting new IP's.

[Urzusix]

I really don't get this. Where was this need back on ps3, 360 era? All of a sudden it's an anti developer move? But it wasn't 5 years ago huh? Only company befitting from this would be xbox. You basically asking sony to give up their market share they have built up over the last 4 years. This seems like manufacted issue to create buzz around PlayStation as anti consumer trying to emulate the start of the gen with Microsoft.

[The 10th Rider]

Or, you know, gamers benefit from it. A large number of people know at least one person they would like to play with that doesn't own the same console that they do.

[Urzusix]

Then support the platform and get that console like for the last 15 years of gaming. Gamers would also benefit from all games being free but that wont support the industry. This is the issue you asking open up systems of that one friend on Xbox can play with PS4 friends instead of that people going out and buying a ps4 ect

[The 10th Rider]

@Urzusix,

Allowing crossplay =/= giving away free games.

^Two entirely different things that barely even relate to each other.

Also, there has yet to be a developer who has come out against crossplay . . . many have come out in favor of it. That seems to indicate that allowing crossplay would support the industry. So it would support both developers and gamers, the only one who might lose out a little bit would be Sony, but I think people are vastly overstating how much it would hurt them.

[MrBeatdown]

If the majority of developers aren't talking about this, maybe the majority of developers don't care.

Sony would listen to a bunch of big development studios.

They aren't going to listen to a couple big developer, an indie studio, and their competitor who wants Xbox Live logins on the PS4 version of Minecraft.

[RauLeCreuset]

@10th

The comparison was appropriate for your argument, which was nothing more than "gamers benefit from it." I would argue that Sony gamers ultimately benefit from Sony's current business model when the revenue generated by it is put back into supporting the brand they've invested in, but I digress. Your argument lacked nuance, so don't get upset that the obvious response to it did as well.

[starchild]

@Urzusix

That reminds me of the whole "you want backwards compatibility go buy the original console". Or "just keep your old console hooked up to your TV". As if buying yet another console or trying to make room for all your old consoles in your entertainment center is somehow better than the convenience, elegance and ease of having one device do it.

You fanboys are truly insufferable. You are stupidly opposed to things that any level headed gamer can see are good for gamers. You'd rather shout and wave your pompoms in defense of a corporation instead of standing up for what's right.

[Gh05t]

I thought Exclusives sold consoles. What market share would Sony be giving up?

These type of comments just prove Sony is holding a share of the market hostage. If people had a choice of any console and to play with their friends they wouldn't choose PlayStation.

[Vasto]

Sony keep doing what you are doing. I want to see this keep getting bigger and bigger.

Remember they are #1 so they can do what ever they want to do!

[Urzusix]

So your saying they should just hand a massive advange to Microsoft? After spending years building up their own platform? Here an example why it's hard to ok this, what if a xbox player theathens a player on ps4. We as hard core gamers would be fine but If it's a young child whose mother complains PlayStation would be powerless to do anything. This is the kinda situations they have to look at

[The 10th Rider]

But they allow crossplay with PC and mobile for some games and the situation you described could already happen . . .

[Minus2trill]

Exactly what i been saying i been gaming since the atari era never been issue to either own your system of choice or own multiple systems buying hardware used to strengthen the industry but now adays you have to buy the same damn system 3-4 times in the same damn generation. And now this whole crossplay thing that will kill the industry by opening all three boxes making it unnecessary to own more than one.

[Jinger]

How that be any different than a PC/Mobile/Mac or even another PS4 user threatening someone? Either way that mom is going to get mad at Sony...

[ludicrous]

Maybe u are right, Sony is looking after the children after all. But then again, all of their games are targeted at the mature adult audiences so I'm not sure.

[rainslacker]

Sony requires that cross play games give moderation privileges to them so they can indeed deal with players on the other platform. For instance, with FFXIV, Sony can ban a Square Enix account from it's platform, and even restrict that account so the person can't use it on PC. Square can then review the account and make it active again, but the account will continue to be restricted from PS access, effectively rendering cross play moot to that player. This can be a pain for the player if they have friends that play on console.

Somehow, I doubt the other console makers would want that kind of permissions available on their own platforms. To my understanding, this requirement doesn't exist between Switch and Xbox...although I haven't read any of the updated compliance standards on the matter to know for sure, and since this is all still pretty new, I'd imagine that these things are either already accounted for in the policies, or they'll be adjusted as issues come up....and they inevitably will come up.

I imagine something like this could be worked around and it would be possible to just restrict the account from cross play access on PS4 if something should come up. However, in the case of someone who wants actual recourse for any wrong doing, it's not likely to be enough, and moderation privileges on a 3rd party platform are certainly a consideration for any social network like these.

[Sirk7x]

If a parent lets their small children communicate with strangers in online games, that's their own fault, and personally I think is a very uneducated thing to do. When my nephews come over, I have a separate account on my consoles I use for them with parental restrictions.

[RauLeCreuset]

@Vasto

It will keep getting bigger and bigger... as a meaningless pastime longtime haters throw all their energy into while others debate you, because it's something to do in gaming comment sections other than all sitting around dully repeating our agreement on how great such and such PS exclusive is or will be. It may be true, but it doesn't make for interesting conversation. Controversy entertains. Just look how hot those TLOU2 comment sections get when people are discussing Ellie's sexuality or some envious dev sticks his foot in his mouth. You may want to avoid sales articles for the foreseeable future if you're expecting something bigger than that to come of this.

[timotim]

I look forward to playing the game on my X with fellow gamers on other platforms. It allows us to all truly "play together".

[XabiDaChosenOne]

They are not even sure if its happening between PC and Consoles. Surely that should have been confirmed to be happening already since the only thing stopping them from doing it between consoles is Sony.

[hamzilla]

Might be time for a major 3rd party publisher to not make a multiplat game on PS4 unless Sony allows cross-play. I own all 3 systems and love the ps4 the most but might be time for someone to make a real statement. Like Battlefield 5 or CoD... That would be a statement

[Jinger]

Lol that would never happen though. A dev isn't going to potentially lose out on a 80+million user base.

[rivaldoo777]

@hamzilla lmao. Go learn some business kid.

[yellowgerbil]

Damn that EVIL SONY. Bethesda you should get back at them by making the PS4 version an offline single player game. That will show them!

[nicsaysdie]

Isn't Bethesda well known for being bedfellows with Microsoft? Isn't it also possible that Microsoft's requirements for crossplay may be detrimental to Sony in some way? Who knows, no one's asking what Microsoft wants from Sony. Maybe I'm wrong though. In the end it just feels like Bethesda is trying to tattle on Sony to the teacher.

[MrBeatdown]

You must have not gotten the memo. Phil Spencer went to Sony and said Microsoft is totally open to everything a developer would ever want when it comes to crossplay.

Sony just stroked their cat, laughed maniacally, and opened the trap door Phil Spencer was standing on.

Because Sony's arrogant and evil or something, and there can't possibly be anything more to it than that.

[Spenok]

Is it confirmed MS would be willing to use a 3rd party, or even Sony's network when it came to cross play? I get that EVERYONE is blaming Sony, but as Nicsaysdie said, nobody is asking what MS wants from Sony. I've certainly not seen what they require (if anything at all). I have seen they're open to it and would allow it, but do we KNOW FOR CERTAIN that they don't have any stipulations in play? I.E. for you to play games with Xbox players on Switch you need to use XBL, might that not be what MS is asking of Sony?

I honestly don't know, but I'm curious if it's a possibility. I've not heard anything on it either way.

[MrBeatdown]

Exactly. I doubt Microsoft is opening Xbox Live up without conditions.

[zerocarnage]

Now when it's happening on the big games like fallout, then there really is a cause for concern that sony is not only restricting it's users but disallowing them options and freedom to choose to play with others if that's what they want.

I get it there is a Sony crowd on N4g that is sticking by Sony's decision, but seriously you are not thinking clearly especially when all across the board there are PlayStation fans on sites getting a bit fed up with the fact they can not game with friends or family who own other consoles.

What gets me is how the Sony fanboys are behaving like a bunch of idiots and I say this because you are trying to justify being locked out of playing with other gamers across other platforms and across the world. Just because you have no one to game with (AS IN FRIENDS REAL LIFE OR FAMILY) or are happy being isolated on your own network while other Sony owners want this because of there friends and family who are on different platforms. Well it's sad really to think you are just trying to come out with something as in sales for other platforms and trying too make something that is made for bringing gamers together when In reality there could be potential sales on all platforms and thats the truth. In fact there is more likely a chance for someone to go from the xbox and buy a game on a PlayStation, why?? because people if buying anything would be mainly looking for games that are not on the other consoles, game which they have not played before ...

So let's not keep trying too take away from what cross play is, which is about opening those barriers that have existed since i was a kid and allow gamers the freedom if they choose to be able to game with whom they like. Point blank thus is all what cross play should be about, GAMING with people and seeing the benefits to it and any reasonable mind could see the pros but only a fanboy here would see the cons.

[BeOpenMinded]

Wise statement. Too bad it's the wrong site for that. I hear you loud and clear sir

[ThatGuyDart]

This is really getting old. Sony said no. End of story.

[MrBeatdown]

They didn't say no though. They said they're looking at options.

The kiddies on the internet are just all up in arms because they didn't get their cross play and chocolate milk right when they wanted it.

[King_Lothric]

Let's review what Microsoft officially said about cross play with Sony when they where on top of sales in the USA and let us remember how anyone made a drama show about it and Todd Howard NEVER said something against Microsoft but he is very willing to criticize Sony for the same thing that Microsoft did....

Microsoft response last gen...
"Xbox Live delivers the best entertainment experience unmatched by anyone else, with 35 million actively engaged members. We have a high level of expectation for our game developers to ensure that all Live experiences remain top notch. Because we can't guarantee this level of quality, or control the player experience on other consoles or gaming networks, we currently do not open our network to games that allow this cross-over capability."

They didn't attacked Microsoft for this but now they are attacking Sony. This is more about attacking Sony than anything else.

[Hardiman]

It's funny how that works isn't it? What gets me is there was no backlash or outrage when M$ was denying crossplay with PS3! Also it's funny how for the longest time on here there were tons of anti Sony articles about the PS4 not being backwards compatibility and now there are tons of anti Sony articles popping up about crossplay! All the time Sony has over 40 titles with crossplay and that's more than Switch and M$!

[MrBeatdown]

I always found Microsoft's response to be bull. Obviously any game utilizing crossplay would be run on a third party service utilizing accounts and servers to make cross play happen. XBL wouldn't touch PSN. It was a third party they would interact with.

Yet people like to defend Microsoft because Sony got hacked, as if Microsoft was avoiding Sony because of that. I didn't hear a single complaint from third parties about anything on their end ever being compromised because of PSN's issues.

[Gh05t]

For one it says "currently" and two the entire regime from the head of the Xbox division to the CEO has changed at MS since that statement.

Also Sony chose not respond to the request about allowing Crossplay at the time.

[RauLeCreuset]

For one, Sony said "we're looking at a lot of the possibilities" and Shawn Layden is "confident we'll get to a solution." And two, Phil was an MS exec back then too. They didn't hire him off the street this gen. But hey. You're right. Xbox does do a lot of flip-flopping, so I expect PS to continue crushing them until such time as they demonstrate they can be CONSISTENT in delivering quality product.

Also, Sony actually went through with cross-play with FFXIV while MS passed.

[trooper_]

Again, why should Sony entertain Microsoft when they turned it down before? Why are we vilifying Sony when clearly Microsoft didn't want to do crossplay in the first place?

[Gh05t]

@RauleCreuset

You skipped timelines, the comment was based off of MS statement last gen, Sony said that this gen after throwing out two other terrible excuses.

Being an executive and being in charge are two totally different things. He wasn't in charge.

@trooper

When did Sony approach MS about Crossplay? I'll wait...

[RauLeCreuset]

@Ghost

I skipped nothing. Are we not talking about MS' reluctance to do cross-play last gen and Sony's reluctance to do it (with competing consoles) this gen? At least of those terrible excuses you refer to is much like the terrible excuse MS offered last gen.

You act like Phil went from mopping floors to the man in charge. Not to mention Phil himself has demonstrated inconsistent positions this gen. And there's nothing to say MS or Phil won't conveniently have another change if heart when the moment suits them. You can't ignore that this change of heart occurred while they are getting trounced by PS4.

You posed the question to Trooper, but does it matter if Sony approached MS? Cros-splay was on the table. They had the opportunity to do it with FFXIV. Sony approved. MS declined.

[Hardiman]

@GH0ST wait no longer! https://www.google.com/amp/...

[Gh05t]

You literally just posted the same comment that we are already talking about from TRION WORLDS... Just so we are clear that is not Sony. Sony also did not provide a comment when asked about crossplay with Defiance.

"When did Sony approach MS about Crossplay? I'll wait..." ...Still waiting.

[AK91]

One could say that of all your products Mr Howard

[Instantnoodles88]

Shame on Sony.

[morganfell]

"Sony is not as helpful as everyone would like it to be"

Honest translation: Sony won't bend over so other companies that shafted their own player base can profit off of Sony's hard work.

[NotanotherReboot]

I advise everyone to stop supporting Sony starting now. Get an Xbox 1 X, a switch or even a gaming PC

[MrBeatdown]

Why?

[Aceman18]

I don't like playing on PC, and xbox doesn't offer any games of interest. So NO I will not stop supporting Sony because they do make games that I like.

Also i have a Switch and don't care about crossplay.

[Razzer]

What would Xbox fanboys here be talking about if Sony allowed crossplay? Probably not much.

[trooper_]

Sorry, I'm not a crybaby. I understand how businesses work. Sony provides GAMES, which is why anyone buys a console for.

Not for crossplay.

Go boycott yourself. Sony won't miss your money.

[majiebeast]

PC is a good option i guess. But Switch? i wanna play more then 1 game a month that isn't indie stuff, Xbox lol i want good exclusives not bargain bin lvl trash they have to give away like SOT or SOD2. So nah im sticking with my PS4 which every year has strong games and Goty contenders and all the other third party games.

I don't care what Todd i cant make a mostly bug free game Howard wants.

[King_Lothric]

I rather quit gaming than moving to Xbox.

Sorry. Sony is the king in the console market and they have give us the best experiences and exclusives games. Not gonna quit Sony just because xbxo fan boys are begging for cross play.

[morganfell]

I advise everyone to stop trying to leech off another console's player base because the hardware company you support had crappy consumer policies and no games and ran their player base out of town.

I advise everyone to stop supporting Microsoft because you are in this player base shortage because of their actions. If they actually produced something besides Forza you might have some players.

[RuleNumber5]

Shots fired

[IRetrouk]

Ok so sony said no, but what stops them doing it from ps4- pc, which sony allows and xbox-pc? I dont get why they cant set it up between the xbox and pc just because sony said no, makes no sense, if sony is the roadblock then just dont have the feature on the ps4 version, that shouldnt effect other console/pc versions.

[Father__Merrin]

Lmao this is stupid. The amount of playstation exclusives this year is staggering it really is a good year.

It's really funny one side saying they have the best games and the other saying we can play Minecraft Fortnite with switch owners lmao

[DiRtY]

This is just a &£%@! Move by Sony.
Stop defending them!

[dekke]

well..what abt last gen? such as FFXIV ..sony wanted crossplay and MS said nuhnuh =)

but now all of suddenly need crossplay with sony..just cause of fortnite and minecraft and some upcoming indies =)
i bet u xbox/switch players are mad cuz sonys userbase is twice larger than xbox/switch combined =D

[Croghs]

Well count again, because its not just xbox/switch combined, its also combined with pc. So now who has the ludicrous userbase?

[Xavi4K]

For the players...

[King_Lothric]

For Playstation players. Not for Xbox players. Deal with it.

[Xavi4K]

That what I meant 😂

[lollord]

Lol the people trying to make no cosplay a positive is amazing. Apparently sony can do no wrong ever.

[BeOpenMinded]

You should read the ludicrous comment sections about xbox opening up modding tools on other sites. It's embarrassing to the gaming community as a whole

[lnfiniteLoop]

Devs: heres the deal Sony (and it appears some of its players) dont want cross-play with competing consoles, simple solution strip cross-play (including Android/iOS/PC etc.) from any game you release on the Sony platform... for all other systems include cross-play as standard on every game you release... job done...

[Azure142]

Bethesda has been hard supported by Xbox for years so it isn't a surprise that they would call out Sony being shitty at a moments notice, especially given the leeway they have with Xbox on things.

[bluefox755]

"Sony won't share their massive player base!" "Sony won't share their exclusives!" "Waaah! Why won't they help their competitiors?!?"

[King_Lothric]

Competitors should work hard to get a big player base. Begging others to help them is very humiliating.

[blacktiger]

The game and online multi-player still going to happen in playstation, that's all matter

[ILostMyMind]

So you can not do CP with XB + PC because Sony ... Interesting. 🤔

[gamer7804]

IMO the fortnite issue is the best thing that could have happened for gaming overall, it brought a massive spotlight to the overall crossplay issue which has been bubbling up this whole generation.

As technology advances and gaming becomes more popular, crossplay will be extremely important to help gaming grow.

Hopefully this becomes the straw that breaks Sony's back and changes their mind and they become open to crossplay. Time will tell.

[Psychosious]

DOnt really give a crap. Playing online with others is like playing with children. Either that or I get some elitists community that dictates your gear/build, and what not.

[MAULxx]

Bethesda & Sony have a history of bumping heads & we know it's not all Sony. Bethesda & MS have a long history of getting along so these comments aren't surprising.
I think Sony will probably decide to do cross play with select games but I don't ever see this becoming something widespread or permanent for any of the big 3 even though there is a group of gamers calling for a multiplayer Utopia.

[ocelot07]

So why not just do crossplay with Xbox and pc instead of moaning about Sony? If crossplay is as big as everyone is making it out to be and is this big trend at the moment. Then leave them out of crossplay and surely since crossplay is this massive trend right now everyone will go and buy the pc version or the Xbox version right? Show Sony that they are wrong in not wanting crossplay because it's only going to hurt there sales right? Due to crossplay being this massive thing at the moment right?

[Mr_Luke]

Time to add another tab to this site: PS4 - PS4 has no CrossPlay - Xbox One - PC - Switch....
but like the other 9999 articles brought up by Xbone fanboys, my opinion doesn't change: my life continues an i won't lose my sleep :D
People are really trying hard to undermine Sony with this cross play story. It started months ago, it continues now and probably we will be flooded of these articles every day. And who's crying more? Xbone fanboys. The question is: "why?" (i'm joking, i know why)

[derek]

There seems to be an strong refusal to accept that for a lot of gamers cross play is not an issue. A lot of people like me dont even like online gaming that much and when they do who is playing with them has no importance at all. There is too much media out there these days promulgating and hyping up controversy in order to generate clicks or a watch.
If you genuinely want cross play and feel it would improve your gaming experience cool more power to you. But let's not pretend that this desire is even near universal or important in the grand scheme of things.

[DerekTweed]

While you are right in a sense, I think you have to realise there are a lot more people who do care about the issue than you think.

I do like online gaming and I also don't care much about cross-play for various reasons, some of which you stated, it doesn't matter who you play with, you probably won't know the difference, the games that offer it right now don't interest me etc.

[CrimsonWing69]

Thanks Sony!

[Neonridr]

the games keep adding up... more and more devs will keep pointing the finger at Sony. If they just want to keep quiet and pretend like nobody is paying attention to crossplay then so be it.

[ocelot07]

As I said in my above comment. If this crossplay thing is as massive as people say it is. Then surely at some point Sony will crack. If it was such a massive feature some people want you to believe. Then surely game sales will start hurting Sony as people will be buying there 3rd party titles on Xbox or PC or even the Switch. Or even trading there PS4's in to get a Xbox or a Switch or put towards building a PC.

[Neonridr]

PS4 owners don't have a choice as to where they buy their games. The Sony drones on this site will support their decision no matter what and spin it into a positive. So the console with the massive lead isn't going to suffer in that regard. However, more and more devs are going to keep bringing this up and keep the spotlight squarely on Sony.

Most people don't care around here because they blindly support Sony and wouldn't dare say anything bad about them. I love Nintendo but I will be the first to admit when they do something stupid, I'm not naive after all.

At the end of the day, maybe it isn't an issue for some. But I am guessing the people that it isn't an issue for only own a PS4, thus their views are somewhat limited. Being someone who supports Nintendo, Sony and the PC community, being able to play my games wherever is a huge bonus.

[derek]

Neonridr, why is any of this so important to you or anyone? I mean I just cant be worked up about this issue.

[Neonridr]

tell me why it's ok that Sony can lock a 3rd party account, that doesn't belong to them, to their hardware? Thus preventing me from using that same account on my Switch. I fail to see in what world this is acceptable or ok. And who's to say this won't continue in the future?

If it doesn't bother you then fine, but as an owner of multiple hardware, not having separate accounts to play games on different consoles is very important, especially when the accounts don't belong to Nintendo, Sony or MS.

[moomoo319]

So every dev looks at fortnite now and gets salty they cant implement crossplay, so they take it out on sony. Bethesda's profits and MS' low install base are none of sonys concern lol

[The_Jackel]

bags out sony... but yet not bringing the game to the switch.
over looking a whole fanbase that may have only been able to afford a switch is worse then not allowing crossplay

[CoDsuperstar]

game is gunna suck anyway. and i bet todd howard wouldn't do crossplay even if sony had it. they are not that gracious. i thought all you console peasants wanted to stay seperate from the pc players so you wouldn't get rolled?

[CaptainOmega]

Seems like devs are being intentionally bullish against Sony. Who will it be benefiting the most??

[ghostrider32]

Why even bother? Console gamers don't even have unity. PS fans would love nothing more, than to see Xbox fans drop dead and vice versa. Toxicity by System of a Down was about console gamers.

[AAWELLS09]

I get why people bring up how MS previously denied cross play during the 360 generation but people need to understand that there was different people in charge then. The Don Matrick crew wasn't as open as this crew is or as concerned about the the gamers as they are now. It needs to happen and I think it will eventually.

[rivaldoo777]

How about stepping up your games Todd, your games are absolute garbage. Go learn from CDPR.

[Tigerblud]

I'm a house PlayStation fan. But if I was Bethesda it's easy we will do it without you and see how the sales are for PS4.

I would have no problem buying it for PS4 and switch for when on the go.

[DJ_Professor_K]

Want to play with Sony player buy the system This is business

[starchild]

What about people like me that own a PS4 and want to play with friends and family that own Switches and Xboxes? Just buy every console and multiple copies of games and online gaming fees? Yeah, that's sounds super realistic.

It reminds me of the whole "you want backwards compatibility go buy the original console". Or "just keep your old console hooked up to your TV". As if buying yet another console or trying to make room for all your old consoles in your entertainment center is somehow better than the convenience, elegance and ease of having one device do it.

You fanboys are truly insufferable. You are stupidly opposed to things that any level headed gamer can see are good for gamers. You'd rather shout and wave your pompoms in defense of a corporation instead of standing up for what's right.

[DJ_Professor_K]

This generation I hope Sony never gives in to the b.s net generation open playing field when ms Han the upper hand they said no good for them

[DJ_Professor_K]

Came out all kinda wrong but you get the point Sony needs to stick to their guns

[S2Killinit]

Sony would not be stupid enough to let Microsoft cash in on their base. So stop begging.

[Mylove1516]

Everyone is so fast to jump to conclusions when no one knows what rules both parties need to do crossplay. These companies have most likely already talked about cross play behind closed doors. Maybe Sony needs certain things in the agreement and MS and Nintendo wont agree to it and vice versa. We don't know all the facts.

Sony and the PlayStation brand have given millions upon millions of gamers so many great memorable moments and experiences through the years and I refuse to throw them under the bus for reasons I dont know.

Wouldn't mind crossplay at all, It could actually help games and be fun for friendly competition and bragging rights between gamers. However Im not boycotting or going to any extremes like selling a console over it, that is ridiculous.

[stinkytofus]

Why microsoft didnt allow it
If u dont have their system sorry u cant play
Why sony didnt allow it
What benefits does it have for them?

None

[stinkytofus]

Who

Cares

Its fine the way it is

Whats point of owning other consoles if there is crossplay

[Wallow]

Maybe a company as big as bethesada will finally get Sony to stop being difficult about this, all these sony fanboys with their heads up their own butts talking for the rest of us that want crossplay.

[joab777]

Love Sony and all they have done this gen but F76 could end up a double whammies if Sony doesn’t figure this out. First, ya don’t wanna be the only dev that ignores cross play. Cross progression for this game is not as big of a deal like Fortnite, but it IS going to be as we move forward! It is!

But second will be the mods again. In a game with no NPCs and limited story, if MS allows mods from the very beginning, it is gonna be an issue. Luckily for Sony, Bethesda is the only company pushing kids for consoles. If mods become a staple, Sony will have to get on board!!!!! They are just too big of a thing!

To add, I haven’t played F4 in awhile so I’m not sure how Bethesda failed attempt at introducing their own mods affected the other mods.

[CP_Company]

wow, can i ask? who is in bed with m$? oh, yeah, Bethesda, so please, stop this nonsense. m$ trying so hard through all the channels to push their agenda. it's obvious by now.

Sony wanted crossplay many time, they were denied all the time, anyone from Sony pushed this agenda? no. because they are from japan, they know what is RESPECT. m$ does not. they have no respect for their customers, nor for others, they respect just green paper with presidents heads.

[tagzskie]

sony should crossplay other platform, if they want revenge to xbox then crossplay all except xbox simple as that. This crossplay thingy doesn't effect me but i feel sorry to those who do. Though last gen this is not a big deal, why all of a sudden becomes big deal specially for xboys.

[gigoran]

Jesus Christ the world really is full of idiots. Let’s put this in the perspective of fast food. People complaining because they wanna eat fast food together. So McDonald’s agrees and offers to sell their burgers at kfc, but kfc refuse. You’re god damn right they have every right to refuse.

[xtheblackparade]

I don't really mind, but I do think that Sony can not stay behind if every other platform does cross platform play. It just wouldn't be smart to deny your customers a feature that every other console has.

That's just from the perspective of the company btw, so I don't even know why I care. Just pointing it out.

[Profchaos]

Cross play would be a huge plus for all gamers.

The challenge Sony has is trying to get its dlc practices right they don't want people playing the game on ps4 to go and buy content from the pc marketplace like skins stored on the game servers making it function on ps4 without paying.

If developers could find a way to keep dlc platform locked then I think we may actually get cross play.

Also it always seems like it's bethesda and sony going back and forth with things like this it happened with mods

[zerocarnage]

final fantasy online was cross play between pc,Xbox and PlayStation at the time.

The thing is with Cross play back then there were hardly any games that used it and add to the fact developers were not behind it as much as they are now as well as it was tougher to implement.

Cross play is so much easier to put into games now because of all the new tools developers now have.

This argument that a select bunch keep coming out with about Microsoft declined it back then and Sony are rite to do the same now is a really sill point to try and make considering there is a big difference in what Cross play was back then and what it is now. There is a ton more support out there for features like this and the industry has evolved much more since a decade ago.

those who are doing it can keep on trying to say there's no need for it on PlayStation or keep on trying to put a wrench in on it all but really there are lots of others on PlayStation who do want crossplay and all it does is open up those boundaries and tears down the walls to allow a better gaming environment for us all.

Those who also keep saying it's going to make sales for Nintendo and Xbox, you are completely wrong when you don't throw Sony's name in that hat too. I mean anyone could hop over to there other console and go buy something from the market, guess what it's been happening already, for along time in fact, ever since people atarted buying more than one console. What tickles me is it's took something like a conversation about Cross play to get you to see that sales from people owning other consoles has been happening, you ain't half a blind bunch.

If anything what kind of games would people go and buy after switching over to another console and after they have finished playing with friends and have signed out of there accounts, moving into the market??? Any potential sales will be coming in the form of games they do not own ie exclusives, at most those people will buy copys of Cross play games they already have or the DLC for them, but again it's no different than what's already been happening and it really isn't an argument the Sony select on n4g can really come out with, it just doesn't make sense to argue about it.

Cross play will evolve into much more over the decade and it paves the way for so much more features being added into the service.

[ibrake4naps]

I don't think this is a big deal. I don't know why I'm seeing so many articles about it.

[Hardiman]

Because Sony is killing it in sales and releasing amazing games! Kinda like not so long ago it was PS4's lack of backwards compatibility and now it's crossplay.