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Xbox One to support cross-network play

Brett Molina
USA TODAY

Pretty soon, video game players on an Xbox One could battle against owners of the PlayStation 4 without needing to switch consoles.

A scene from 'Rocket League.'

On Monday, Microsoft announce it will introduce cross-network support for Xbox One, which means game developers can offer the option to let players go online and compete against others with different devices, including PC and console.

Currently, Microsoft allows cross-platform play. As long as users have an Xbox Live account, compatible games will support players on Xbox or a Windows 10 PC. The cross-network feature could allow players on Sony's PlayStation Network, for example, battle friends on an Xbox One in the same game.

The first game to feature this is the hit multiplayer game Rocket League. In a separate statement, developers at Psyonix say cross-network play between Xbox One and PC will arrive this spring. Details on support for other platforms is "coming soon."

Chris Charla, the director of Microsoft's ID@Xbox program, says the company has extended an "open invitation" to other networks to participate.

Cross-network play represents a big step in online gaming. Previously, owners of a specific console could only play online with other owners of the same device. Recently, Microsoft introduced cross-platform play where Xbox Live players could go against either console or PC players.

Meanwhile, Sony already plays host to cross-platform play through fighting game Street Fighter V, which allows PS4 players to fight against PC players.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

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