Cross-platform multiplayer has been among this year's top trends, with major platform holders breaking down barriers between consoles. Microsoft and Nintendo have been among those leading the efforts, and while initially averse, Sony is now embracing Fortnite cross-play. With three major consoles now ready, it's up to publishers to offer support via games.
Overwatch developer, Blizzard Entertainment, is the latest to share its thoughts on cross-play, via an interview with Eurogamer. Speaking at its annual BlizzCon convention, game director, Jeff Kaplan, reportedly talked plans for its hero-based shooter.
We're super-excited about what's going on with cross-play in all sorts of different games, from Rocket League to Fortnite, and we are constantly in discussions with the first-parties, Microsoft and Sony, to see where they're at and gauge where their temperature is at. It's something that would be very exciting for us to pursue.
Expanding, Kaplan touched on the current state of Overwatch cross-play.
We are definitely having conversations that we're interested in the thought of it.It's very complicated - from a technology standpoint, a game design standpoint, and from a business relationship standpoint. But we would be excited to tackle all of those challenges; we would love to try. We're gamers; "Why can't my buddies on this system or that system play together?" We sympathize with that, we want to be able to do that too.
It's still early days for cross-play, especially on PlayStation 4, with a beta underway for Fortnite. For Overwatch, the move will help bolster its multiplayer-focused gameplay, with a stronger population and player flexibility.
If you missed BlizzCon 2018, don't miss the latest Overwatch announcements, including new hero, "Ashe." In the meantime, Overwatch is now available for $48 on Amazon.
Matt Brown is a senior editor at Future for Windows Central. Following six years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Xbox and Windows PCs. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
