On Monday Microsoft publicly invited other platform holders to allow the same games to be played online across different console networks. Such an unprecedented move, if enacted, could bring an end to more than a decade of segregation between the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live.

Sony’s response, issued one day later to GameSpot, suggests the market-leading platform holder remains open-minded about cross-console play but stopped short of discussing a deal with Xbox Live.

"PlayStation has been supporting cross-platform play between PC on several software titles starting with Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC back in 2002,” reads the statement from the corporation.

“We would be happy to have the conversation with any publishers or developers who are interested in cross platform play."

Sony's response was to a direct question about whether it would be interested in working with Microsoft.

It is unclear how to read into Sony’s decision to avoid mentioning other console platform holders in its statement, whether that means it is still evaluating its options or is outright against such plans. GameSpot has contacted the corporation for further clarification.

On Monday Microsoft made the eye-catching announcement that it will support cross-platform play between Xbox One, Windows 10, and other "online multiplayer networks." The move effectively opens the Xbox Live platform so that it can accommodate players on other game networks.

The first Xbox One game announced to take advantage of this cross-platform connectivity will be Rocket League, which will soon allow Xbox One and PC customers to play against each other online.

Such a feature is already present in the PS4 version, which has always allowed PSN players to set up matches with players on Steam.

But Microsoft has indicated that it now wants to bridge the gap between its console and Sony’s, and went as far as saying the ground-work had been complete. On Monday its indie developer director Chris Charla said:

"In addition to natively supporting cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 games that use Xbox Live, we're enabling developers to support cross-network play as well.

"This means players on Xbox One and Windows 10 using Xbox Live will be able to play with players on different online multiplayer networks--including other consoles and PC networks."

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-responds-to-microsofts-invite-to-connect-xbox/1100-6435688/

Microsoft is the freaking reason Diablo 3's console player base was fractured. I'm 95% sure they are the sole reason that there isn't PC->PS4 cross play ... as not to spite MS.

I'm soOOOOOOoooOOOOO happy that they have finally changed their views on the subject.

I hope they work it out. It is going to increase longevity in multiplayer games and don't have to worry that much about install base.

Interesting, I love this idea, hope it goes through.

yeah it's a big deal. microsoft just said open to other consoles and sony have said the same. they don't want to be seen kissing at the feet of the other. fair enough.

but lets be clear. one of them has been very pro cross play, the other hasn't. having said that i wouldn't like cross play for certain types of games like shooters, or at least give the option to play against only console players.

Sony seemed a little dodgy to talk about Microsoft there, but this still shows that the future is bright for the concept.

Of course it's up to publishers and developers. The only MS game on Sony hardware is Minecraft. MS holds the key there.

"PlayStation has been supporting cross-platform play between PC on several software titles starting with Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC back in 2002,”

Now that's a real jab. Ofcourse XBox and 360 have done this too, until MS scrapped it. (cause poor console gamers) http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ms-killed-pc-xbox-cross-platform-play
Yet somehow it's a big deal all of a sudden. Same with backwards compatibility.

TAG

Basically, "Hey, glad to see you've joined the party. Anyone who wants to sit at our table, talk to us directly."

I still don't buy this sudden change of heart from Microsoft. Sony is right to be wary. I'm sure there is a PR play here. I very much doubt MS would be interested in opening up the Xbox live network after they have been so protective of it for so long. There is a secret motivation here behind the scenes.