Cross-platform play is a contentious issue for Sony. For years, Sony was the sole console manufacturer denying PS4 users the opportunity to play with Nintendo and Xbox gamers, but after Fortnite players voiced their displeasure, Sony relented and created the Cross-Play Beta in 2018.
Rocket League developer Psyonix has now joined Sony’s Cross-Play Beta as well. Per a blogpost written on January 14, 2019: “With special thanks to all our friends and colleagues at PlayStation, we are thrilled to announce that starting right now, Rocket League has entered the PlayStation Cross-Play Beta Program! Players on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam can now randomly matchmake with or against each other in all online match types.”
This is big news for avid Rocket League players. While Rocket League has had cross-platform play between the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch since 2017, Sony restricted this feature and the result was an inferior experience on PS4.
Psyonix further acknowledged how Sony inhibited the Rocket League experience. Per their statement: “Today’s announcement is an important one for us here at Psyonix, because we know much our community has wanted full cross-platform support for quite some time … Thank you for your passion and persistence as we continue to do our best to make Rocket League the best experience we can.”
Sony is a big winner here as well. While it’s still unclear how developers can become a part of the PlayStation Cross Play Beta, Sony’s burgeoning openness to this vital feature is a net-positive for all gamers.
