The Agency may still get cross-platform play support

Cross-platform play may yet be added as one of the features in Sony Online Entertainment’s The Agency (PlayStation 3, PC) after all. This was revealed in a recent interview by executive producer Matt Wilson. According to Wilson, it’s one of the features that SOE is considering. “We’re actually doing that at the office,” said Wilson. “Technology-wise, it’s really not that complicated.”

The Agency - Image 1

According to Wilson, it’s one of the features that SOE is considering. “We’re actually doing that at the office,” said Wilson. “Technology-wise, it’s really not that complicated.”

Still, Wilson noted that SOE has to overcome three key barriers before cross-platform play can be put into effect. First is game exploitability. While it would be easy to secure the game’s PS3 version, the PC version will be more difficult to protect from exploits and the like.

Another problem is balance. Wilson pointed out a few possible ways to equalize play between both versions such as an aim assist feature for the PS3, but he conceded that “there’s always a dynamic of ‘It’s not fair!’ for whatever reason.” Of course, they could always just add in keyboard and mouse support for the PS3.

The biggest hurdle Wilson mentioned however is the update process. Synchornization across both platforms poses a problem as even though the PC doesn’t require a certification process, the PS3 does:

We have to actually look at designing the game differently, asking what data can we update without requiring a certification run, and what data can we not update without requiring a certification run? That’s something we have to balance.

While actual cross-platform play is still facing these hurdles, SOE has managed to make game accounts global, letting gamers sign in to either the PS3 or PC versions of the game using only one account.

Via Gamasutra

Related Posts

Add a Comment