Question about online multiplayer with multiplatform games

[Trader05]

With all these multiplayer games online now, do games that are multiplatform have the ability for people to play each other on the different systems? For example the game Call of Duty 4, can xbox360 players play ps3 players and vice versa? I've been out of the loop real long and was just wondering...

 

[mugs]

Noooooooooooooooooooo</vader>

 

[Trader05]

ok lol.....why not?

 

[Queasy]

Because that's the way the systems are designed. Different architecture for online play. Sure it would be nice from our end but none of the game console makers are going to invest the time, money, and effort to do so.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Technical:
- 3 different matchmaking systems
- 360 uses peer-to-peer (user boxes act as servers), PS3 and PC use dedicated servers
- client & server code is usually out of sync between the 3 platforms
- game balance (PC vs. console controls)

Commercial:
- MS as the console leader doesn't want Sony to piggyback off of their user base. Don't make MS angry or MS smash!

 

[Trader05]

ahh got it, thanks guys!

 

[Sadaiyappan]

I beleive UT3 is PC and Ps3. Am I wrong? Maybe you can just run Ps3 servers from the PC and have Ps3's join but I know there is some PC aspect to it somewhere.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Sadaiyappan
I beleive UT3 is PC and Ps3. Am I wrong? Maybe you can just run Ps3 servers from the PC and have Ps3's join but I know there is some PC aspect to it somewhere.

UT3 does not support cross-platform play. The PS3 can use mods just like the PC but can't play with each other.

The only game that supports cross-platform play currently is Shadowrun (360 & PC). I believe the upcoming Tom Clancy game End War is supposed to eventually as well.