War Thunder skips Xbox One due to cross-play hitch, Microsoft responds
Combat simulator War Thunder is a pretty big departure from Bit.Trip series developer Gaijin Games' rhythm-driven past. Gaijin is adding cross-platform multiplayer to its list of first-time ventures, a mechanic that Gaijin CEO Anton Yudintsev told GameSpot is not allowed on the Xbox One. Gaijin says that absence is why War Thunder cannot be on the console.
"Microsoft is not allowing cross-play completely; which means [War Thunder] cannot be on Xbox One," Yudintsev told GameSpot. He explained that Microsoft requires a certification of game servers to guarantee a positive experience for players, a goal that Yudintsev says "isn't possible under the current circumstances."
He added that Microsoft has a lot of "unspoken limitations" for free-to-play games, including a system of approval that's more based on whether the project's account manager likes the game, rather than a general set of rules. In contrast, Yudintsev stated that Sony is more open to free-to-play games, adding that the PS4 version of War Thunder is expected to support cross-play as early as next month.
Microsoft responded to the story, stating that it works with developers interested in supporting cross-play between the Xbox One and PC to "ensure a great user experience." On the upside, Yudintsev complimented Microsoft's ID@Xbox initiative, adding that he hopes Microsoft's changing policies for indie games will allow Gaijin to eventually launch War Thunder on Xbox One. [Image: Gaijin Games]
"Microsoft is not allowing cross-play completely; which means [War Thunder] cannot be on Xbox One," Yudintsev told GameSpot. He explained that Microsoft requires a certification of game servers to guarantee a positive experience for players, a goal that Yudintsev says "isn't possible under the current circumstances."
He added that Microsoft has a lot of "unspoken limitations" for free-to-play games, including a system of approval that's more based on whether the project's account manager likes the game, rather than a general set of rules. In contrast, Yudintsev stated that Sony is more open to free-to-play games, adding that the PS4 version of War Thunder is expected to support cross-play as early as next month.
Microsoft responded to the story, stating that it works with developers interested in supporting cross-play between the Xbox One and PC to "ensure a great user experience." On the upside, Yudintsev complimented Microsoft's ID@Xbox initiative, adding that he hopes Microsoft's changing policies for indie games will allow Gaijin to eventually launch War Thunder on Xbox One. [Image: Gaijin Games]
