Xbox Calls Out Sony For Blocking PS4 Crossplay

Xbox head Phil Spencer is calling out Sony over its attitude toward crossplay. High on the wish lists of both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 users is crossplay across the two consoles. However, Sony is infamous for blocking any attempts at cross-platform multiplayer on its consoles. We know that technology is not necessarily a roadblock – sometimes, enabling crossplay is as simple as flicking a switch – so Sony’s issue must be ideological. But, given Sony’s silence on the matter, we don’t know for sure. Spencer, though, wants to know and, during a GameSpot interview, invited Sony to publicly discuss the matter.

Spencer: We Want Xbox/PS4 Crossplay

It’s no secret that Spencer wants Xbox/PS4 crossplay enabled. He cheered when Epic accidentally enabled the feature in Fortnite, even though it didn’t last long. Spencer says talks with Sony on crossplay are ongoing, but the that Japanese company refuses to budge. He told GameSpot:

“I have a real struggle making comments about their motivation or timelines. I know there is a certain view that says if my friends have this console, they can’t play with people who buy another console. That’s a reason they go buy my console. That reason is not going to go away. So we’re putting Minecraft out there as one of the biggest games on any platform and allowing people to play together regardless of what device they bought. I don’t think everybody is taking that same approach to the ecosystem. So I’m never going to call anything a lost cause but I think some of the fundamental reasons and certain scenarios, they’re not really going away. So I don’t know what would change.”

Spencer – Nintendo is “Strong” on Crossplay

Spencer later talked crossplay specifically in reference to Minecraft. Minecraft on PS4 is a hit, Spencer says, but remains locked to the console for multiplayer. Spencer, though, has kind words to say about Nintendo. According to Spencer, Nintendo – in contrast to Sony – is a great collaborative partner. Spencer then challenged Sony to tell people why it blocks cross-platform multiplayer. He explained:

“We talk to Sony all the time. With Minecraft on PlayStation, we have to be one of the biggest games on their platform in terms of sales and gameplay. Same with Nintendo. The relationship with Nintendo on this front has been strong. They’ve been great supporters and we continue to collaborate with them. But I think Sony’s view is different. They should talk about what their view is…”