Windows 8 and Windows Phone cross-platform multiplayer to become a reality

By Paul Acevedo
last updated

Microsoft’s BUILD Conference (opens in new tab) is currently underway in Anaheim, California. The event primarily centers on Windows 8, which we’ve already reported features the beloved Metro UI. Windows 8 also shows an increased gaming focus over previous versions of Windows, with strong Xbox Live (formerly known as Games for Windows Live on PCs) integration. Clearly Microsoft wants the Xbox Live experience to be seamless across Xbox 360, Windows 8, and Windows Phone 8.

Here’s where things get interesting for mobile gamers. During the second day of BUILD, Microsoft announced that there will be cross-platform gaming between Windows 8 and Windows Phone. They demonstrated this with Tanks (unclear if that’s the final name), a Broiled Earth-style competitive game. According to Techin5, there was no visible lag as players took turns blasting away at each other (note that it is a turn-based game). Tanks has a clean, cartoonish art style that should appeal to casual gamers on PC and Windows Phone alike, assuming it comes to market.

We’ll let you know if any more Windows Phone-related announcements escape from the conference.

source: Techin5 Thanks Jubbing for the information!

Paul Acevedo
Paul Acevedo

Paul Acevedo is the Games Editor at Windows Central. A lifelong gamer, he has written about videogames for over 15 years and reviewed over 350 games for our site. Follow him on Twitter @PaulRAcevedo. Don’t hate. Appreciate!

4 Comments
  • I need to play Risk Factions on my phone with someone on a 360, PC and Tablet/Laptop... THAT will put WP7 lightyears ahead of the competition in terms of awesomeness (as if it isnt already)
  • The character portrait in the screenshot above does look a lot like Risk Factions' art, doesn't it?
  • Hahaha, this is close to what they promised us last year for WP7 :/.At least they're refocusing on it though. I'm guessing they jumped the gun when similar features were talked about for the current generation of WP devices. Who can say why though. Data fees? Processing power? Lack of interest and developers?At least it's being talked about again. This is more of what I wanted to see in my current phone. Hopefully this means MS is looking at mobile gaming more seriously.
  • Frankly I'd just be happy to see Wp7 to Wp7 gaming (aka multiplayer on a large scale) come first. This is obviously a good 8 months to 1 year away. Still, good of Microsoft to think ahead. Because you can't play iPad or iPhone games with your Mac (well I'm sure there are some, but not really on a large scale)