The Agency may still get cross-platform play support

Posted Sep 11, 2008 at 5:13PM EST by Karl B.

Listed in: PS3 Tags: SOE, Sony

Ó

0

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."

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.

---

Related articles:

• The Agency: chances of cross-platform play are slim
• SOE still thinking about cross-platform support for The Agency

Via Gamasutra

Tweet

This story sucks? This story rocks!

Vote Now!    (0) (0)

Become a Member of QJ.Net! If you want your comments to go live without waiting for moderation, you need to be logged in. Being logged in has its benefits: Logged in members do not wait for their comments to be approved. Logged in members can sign up for nightly updates. Logged in members can create Profiles to be seen by other users. So why wait? Create an account or login now! It's easy, quick, and free. To get started, use the LOGIN boxes, or the REGISTER link at the top right!

Add comment

Name (required)

Title

Refresh

Send

Cancel

JComments