Cross-Platform Multiplayer

[arrr_matey]

As someone with an average understanding of networking technology, can someone explain what the process is involved with making games compatible for cross-platform multiplayer? Why is it so rare? What are the technological hurdles involved?

 

[meatloaf231]

Because different companies (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) don't play nice together.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Well, for PSN and PC it's not hard but to cross with XBL (A CLOSED network) it's a bit tougher.

 

[Syndicate Savage]

I personally think ShadowRun did a good job of mixing Pc and 360 gaming, but not many people liked it. I played it on the 360 with no problem, but I hear the PC has lag?

 

[IndieRocker]

This would be great on games on all the platforms like COD4. You could have PS3 vs Xbox360 vs PC

 

[arrr_matey]

Because different companies (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) don't play nice together.

So it's the console manufacturers who make their hardware incompatible?

What about a Microsoft-published game? Shouldn't they make it compatible with at least the PC version of the game?

I was really hoping to play Mercenaries 2 with my brother. He's got a 360 and I have a PC.

So is the reason we can't just because the corporations won't let us, or is there actually a technical reason that makes it hard to get a PC and a 360 to communicate?

Couldn't a company with clout like EA just say the hell with them and make their games cross-console compatible?