What is it Called When Xbox and PS4 Play Together?

The short answer is: it’s not called anything because, generally, Xbox and PlayStation 4 (PS4) players cannot directly play together in the same online multiplayer game sessions. This inability for direct cross-platform play between these two consoles stems from their separate and competing online ecosystems, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, respectively. While “crossplay” or “cross-platform play” is a popular term in gaming, it doesn’t apply to the Xbox One and PS4 generation of consoles playing directly with each other. Let’s delve deeper into why and explore the broader concept of crossplay in gaming.

Understanding Crossplay

What is Crossplay?

Crossplay, also known as cross-platform play or cross-network play, is a feature that allows players using different gaming hardware to play together simultaneously in the same online multiplayer game. This means someone playing on a PC can play with friends on a console (like Xbox or PlayStation), or someone on an Xbox can play with friends on a Nintendo Switch, and so on. It breaks down the barriers of separate gaming ecosystems and fosters a more unified and social gaming experience.

Why is Crossplay Important?

The rise of crossplay has been largely driven by player demand. Gamers want to play with their friends regardless of their chosen console. This helps strengthen online communities, extends the lifespan of games, and generally makes the entire gaming experience more enjoyable for everyone. Crossplay has become a major selling point for many newer titles.

The Exception: Not All Crossplay Is Created Equal

It’s vital to understand that crossplay isn’t universal. While most new multi-platform games support it, enabling players on PC, Xbox, and newer PlayStation consoles to interact, the PS4 and Xbox One generation is notably absent from this picture when it comes to direct interaction. This is because the PS4 and Xbox One were designed and released when crossplay was not a priority, and the infrastructure for their online services was developed independently by the two competing companies, Sony and Microsoft.

Why Can’t PS4 and Xbox One Directly Play Together?

The primary reason Xbox One and PS4 players can’t directly play together lies in the competitive nature of the console market. Both Sony and Microsoft, the companies behind the PlayStation and Xbox brands respectively, operate entirely separate online ecosystems.

• Independent Online Ecosystems: Microsoft uses Xbox Live for its online services, while Sony uses PlayStation Network. These are proprietary services with their own user bases, friend lists, and online infrastructures.
• Direct Competition: As direct competitors, neither company has been incentivized to work to provide seamless cross-play between these two specific consoles.
• Technical Limitations: Integrating two entirely separate systems is complex, especially for older console generations. It requires both platforms to communicate and manage game sessions.

The Evolution of Crossplay

It is worth noting that while the PS4 and Xbox One do not directly interact, their successors – the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X/S – do generally offer crossplay with each other and other platforms, marking a notable shift in gaming philosophy. This suggests that both companies have recognized the value and demand for more connected gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the nuances of crossplay, especially related to the Xbox and PlayStation:

1. Can PS4 and Xbox One players ever play together?

No, PS4 and Xbox One players cannot directly play together. This is due to the separate online ecosystems of PlayStation Network and Xbox Live.

2. What exactly is crossplay?

Crossplay allows players using different gaming platforms to play together online. It’s also called cross-platform play.

3. Does crossplay include all consoles and PCs?

While many games offer crossplay across PC, Xbox, and newer PlayStation consoles, some exceptions exist. The PS4 and Xbox One do not crossplay directly with each other.

4. Why can newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles play together but not older ones?

Newer consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) were designed with crossplay in mind, including infrastructure that was developed to allow for cross-play. Older console generations (PS4 and Xbox One) lack this infrastructure.

5. Can Xbox and PlayStation players chat?

Direct party chat between PS4 and Xbox One consoles is not possible. However, third-party services like Discord on PS5 do allow voice chat with Xbox and PC players.

6. Is GTA 5 crossplay?

Unfortunately, GTA 5 is not crossplay. Players can only play with others on the same platform.

7. Can PS4 players play with PS5 players?

Yes, PS4 and PS5 players can play together in cross-generation play, provided they are playing the same version of the game.

8. Can Xbox One players play with Xbox Series X/S players?

Yes, similar to PlayStation consoles, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players can engage in cross-generation play.

9. What’s the difference between cross-platform and cross-generation play?

Cross-platform play refers to playing across different platforms (e.g., PC, Xbox, PlayStation). Cross-generation play is limited to within the same console family (e.g., PS4 and PS5 or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S).

10. How do I enable crossplay on my console?

On Xbox, you can enable crossplay in your privacy settings in the Xbox Live section. The specific steps might vary depending on your game or console. PlayStation typically has crossplay settings in the game menu.

11. Is there a game that allows PS4 and Xbox One to play together?

There is no direct crossplay between the two consoles.

12. Can I use my Xbox One controller on a PS4 or vice-versa?

No, Xbox One controllers are not compatible with PS4, and PS4 controllers are not compatible with Xbox One.

13. What does it mean for a game to be “cross-platform”?

A “cross-platform” game is designed to be played on different systems or devices.

14. Can I transfer my game progress from PS4 to Xbox One (or vice-versa)?

Generally, you cannot directly transfer save game data between PS4 and Xbox One due to their separate online systems.

15. Why was crossplay not prioritized earlier in console gaming?

Earlier in console gaming, the primary focus was on platform-specific development and competition. Crossplay became a higher priority with the rise of online gaming communities and increased player demand for it.

Conclusion

While the prospect of Xbox One and PS4 direct crossplay is unfortunately absent, the gaming industry has learned from this generation of consoles. Crossplay continues to expand across more games and platforms, enhancing the interconnected gaming world. The emphasis now is on breaking down barriers, not creating them, as we continue to see the integration of crossplay, cross-platform, and cross-generation functionality in newer titles. The inability for the two older console generations to play together is a reminder of the competitive nature of the gaming industry, but the strides that are being made with newer consoles are a step in the right direction for players and their friends.