Xbox and PC gamers can finally battle as Microsoft rolls out cross-network play

By Danny Cowan March 14, 2016

microsoft enables cross network multiplayer for xbox live 70 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft is breaking down the barriers that have long divided online gameplay in multiplatform video games, as the company announced today that licensed Xbox developers can now enable support for cross-network multiplayer with non-Xbox consoles and PCs.

The first game to offer cross-network multiplayer is Psyonix’s Rocket League, which is now open to “Xbox One and PC players, with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well.”

The feature is optional both for developers and for players, as Microsoft notes that “Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players.” Microsoft’s newly relaxed standards also apply to games released for Windows 10, as developers can now enable multiplayer PC gameplay across independently operated networks and online services in addition to Xbox Live.

Xbox Live will also grow its presence on PC platforms with the launch of Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program on Windows 10. The addition will allow developers to use Xbox Live for online gameplay and matchmaking in Universal Windows Platform games, at their option. Multiple PC games with Xbox Live support via ID@Xbox are already in the works, as Microsoft announced that “hundreds of developers have committed to shipping on Windows 10 with Xbox Live.”

Microsoft’s policy change dramatically expands its Xbox Live online gaming service, which until this week has been the exclusive domain of Xbox 360 and Xbox One games, in addition to select Windows PC titles. Xbox Live launched in 2002, and has since grown into a multiplatform service that requires players to maintain an active paid subscription in order to access the multiplayer modes in supported Xbox 360 and Xbox One games.

Microsoft also revealed that it will continue its Xbox Game Preview program after a strong launch last year, and notes that support for MonoGame’s open-source programming framework is coming to the Xbox One “soon.”

Editors' Recommendations

You can’t play Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, but you can play these 6 Game Pass RPGs

Topics

Contributor

Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…

Gaming

Spider-Man 2 preload guide: release time, file size, and preorder

Peter and Miles leaping in the air in the city.

Peter and Miles are all suited up and ready to take on Kraven, Venom, and any other villains that threaten the new and improved New York when Spider-Man 2 arrives on October 20. This PS5 exclusive is shaping up to be one of the fall's biggest titles, which is saying something considering the competition. Still, everyone is waiting to finally feel that sensation of swinging through the buildings once again, and the wait is finally almost over. Even though the game will let you fast travel and switch between characters instantly, downloading the game itself is another story. We'll help you swing right into the game by sharing all the preload information you need on Spider-Man 2.
Spider-Man 2 release time

There's no concrete time for when Spider-Man 2 will unlock as of yet, but it could possibly be 12 a.m. PT or ET on October 20. Once Insomniac or Sony clarifies the specific launch time for the game, we will update this article.
Spider-Man 2 file size
Spider-Man 2 will take up a good chunk of your storage space at 98BG in size. If you need to make some room, do so now.
Spider-Man 2 preload options

Gaming

Is Lords of the Fallen cross-platform?

A knight with a large sword prepares to stab a dragon in Lords of the Fallen.

If there's one thing you can count on in nearly any Soulslike game, it's that you're going to face some hefty challenges along your journey. That rings as true as ever in Lords of the Fallen, which tasks you with exploring treacherous locales and facing off against horrifying and deadly creatures around every corner. As such, you may find yourself wanting to bring a friend along for some cooperative play, and you can do exactly that by simply inviting them to your world, where they can stay for as long as they'd like. However, if you're wondering what options you have available if your friend is playing on another platform, we'll tell you whether Lords of the Fallen has crossplay below.
Is Lords of the Fallen cross-platform?

The quick and easy answer to whether Lords of the Fallen has crossplay is yes, it features crossplay. However, this only works between PC and each console individually, meaning that PS5 and Xbox players can't connect with one another. For those on either platform looking to connect with PC players, though, you can freely invite someone for co-op (or invade them for PVP) with no issues whatsoever.

Gaming

All upcoming Nintendo Switch games: 2023, 2024, and beyond

Princess Peach in Super Mario RPG.

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular consoles Nintendo has ever produced, with a wide variety of games to choose from and plenty of unique features. We’ve already gotten to play new entries across the Zelda, Super Mario, and Pokémon series on Nintendo Switch, but there are still plenty of great games on the way for the hybrid console. These include exclusive games developed internally by Nintendo, as well as third-party titles and ports of games that are also available on other platforms.

There are also lots of games to look forward to on the platform. These are the best upcoming Nintendo Switch games for 2023 and beyond. Of course, some titles without release windows could skip the Switch entirely and wind up on Nintendo's next-gen console.
Upcoming Switch games 2023
The games listed below either have 100% confirmed release dates or solid release windows that we expect them to hit this year. Anything that's up in the air due to more vague launch predictions or previous delays will be listed below confirmed launches.