Cross-platform play has been a hot topic during E3 2018 since Sony has blocked cross-play for Epic Games’ Fortnite despite its other two competitors – Microsoft and Nintendo – supporting it. The players have understandably expressed anger at the lack of cross-play support for PS4, however, isn’t the first time this happened.
Minecraft (trailer below) and Rocket League are just some of the games that have put the issue under the spotlight. As Sony is still trying to find a solution towards the backlash, Nintendo has once again reaffirmed that they are willing to help publishers when they decide to have cross-play during an investors’ meeting.
Execs are betting on cross-play gaming
During the meeting, Senior Executive Officer Susumu Tanaka has stated, “Cross-play basically comes about from conversations between publishers and platform holders. We are inclined to do what we can to help publishers incorporate cross-play when that is what they want.” While this shows that Nintendo is open to the possibility of working with competition, is also somewhat opens up the discussion of the increase of indie games for the Switch.
Representative Director and President Tatsumi Kimishima said, “we are working to create an environment that makes development easier, and simplifying the process of publishing games on Nintendo Switch” which should also tie in with their support of cross-play. Furthermore, they mentioned that they were looking into releasing around 20-30 indie games a week.
Not everybody thinks like Nintendo
Of course, there was also mention of Fortnite and Minecraft concerning the recent issue of cross-play, but Kimishima has declined to comment directly on the games since they weren’t Nintendo titles. However, Tanaka does mention that it’s also up to “other parties” to decide on supporting cross-play.
They never mention who these “other parties” were, but I’m pretty sure which they’re referring to at this point. In any case, here’s to hoping that they follow suit with Nintendo and get on board with cross-play.
YouTube: Minecraft Cross-Play Trailer – Nintendo Switch
Photo credit: Nintendo
Source: Nintendo 78th General Meeting of Shareholders Q & A Summary / Nick Santangelo (IGN)
