Microsoft and Nintendo could deliver a major blow to the PS4, as Xbox Live comes to the Switch.
In what promises to be a huge new development in cross-platform compatibility, Microsoft has announced plans to showcase new technology at GDC.
The cross-platform technology will enable Microsoft to bring Xbox Live to iOS and Android devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch.
“Xbox Live is one of the largest, most engaged gaming communities on the planet with decades of experience providing managed game services to developers that save you time and unlock all of the social and engagement features that players love,” reads the GDC description (via Windows Central).
“Now Xbox Live is about to get MUCH bigger. Xbox Live is expanding from 400M gaming devices and a reach to over 68M active players to over 2B devices with the release of our new cross-platform XDK.”
This new cross-platform technology would potentially enable gamers to unlock Achievements on devices other than the Xbox One.
Gaming fans would also be able to see if friends are online, regardless of platform.
Needless to say, it would also give cross-platform multiplayer a boost.
Cross-platform play is already available in games like Fortnite, Rocket League and Minecraft, although not on all systems.
Microsoft believes that the new technology will break down barriers for game developers.
“Xbox Live players are highly engaged and active on Xbox and PC, but now they can take their gaming achievement history, their friends list, their clubs, and more with them to almost every screen,” the post continues.
“This will break down barriers for developers that want their communities to mingle more freely across platforms.
“Combined with PlayFab gaming services, this means less work for game developers and more time to focus on making games fun.”