Video game briefs: Microsoft says cross-network play is available and more

A look at the latest news in the video gaming world including the creator of Gears of War 4 promising the new game to be amazing.

Rocket League is the first game that allows for cross-platform gaming between PlayStation and Xbox player. Courtesy Psyonix
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Microsoft says cross-network play is available if Sony wants it

Rocket League could become the first game in which users of Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s ­PlayStation can play with each other online.

According to news website Eurogamer, a leading Xbox official said the technical work necessary to allow Xbox One-PlayStation 4 cross-platform gaming has already been completed.

“Absolutely – we’re ready. Rocket League is the first game – and it is a heavily network-orientated game,” said Agostino Simonetta, manager of ID@Xbox Europe, a Microsoft programme that allows independent game developers to self-publish titles for the Xbox and Windows.

“Any title that wants to update their game to include cross-network play, any title that wants to launch soon and take advantage of that, we are ready.

”While the facility now exists on Xbox Live, it remains to be seen whether the rival PlayStation Network, owned by Sony, will be interested in joining the party. “We can only say we’re ready,” ­Simonetta said.

“We’ve done our bit and we welcome anyone who wants to take part.” – The National

Gears of War 4 will be amazing, creator says

Details of the much-­anticipated Xbox One title Gears of War 4 are starting to emerge. After announcing an October 11 release date for what will actually be the fifth game in the 10-year-old series, game director Adam Fletcher announced on Twitter that more “amazing” news was on the way.

While few details about the gameplay or storyline have been revealed, we do know that the action will take place 25 years after the conclusion of the original trilogy and focus on JD Fenix, son of Marcus Fenix, the hero of first three games.

The shooter will include a split-screen multiplayer option, and a PC version is being considered. It will be the first Gears of Wars game since the release of Gears of War: Judgement in 2013. ­– The National