Sony may block PlayStation Steam games on new Xbox console, dashing hopes of a cross-platform system

[Redaktion]

A popular insider is arguing that Sony won't allow PC ports on future Xbox consoles. Many gamers disagree since any Windows-based system should support Steam. Microsoft may soon release an Xbox handheld that could act as a test case for booting PlayStation's cross-platform games.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-may-block-PlayStation-Steam-games-on-new-Xbox-console-dashing-hopes-of-a-cross-platform-system.986028.0.html

[TruthIsThere]

Sony blocking (its war on ANTI-CONSUMER practices on all Sony's products for decades) stuff... again... nah, unheard of! 😏

[Ginkoh]

If Sony wants to get hit with a huge anti-consumer fine from the EU, why not?

[TheSilentCheetah]

Sony can get around this issue quite easily by just launching their PC titles on a new PlayStation PC Launcher similar to the Xbox, EA, and Blizzard launchers that won't be available on the Xbox hardware.

They'd have to pull their current titles to prevent what's already on it from playing though, which is also a possibility.

This is Microsoft forcing Sony to play ball. They can either just sit and let this happen, or prevent it, but lose possible market share because an Xbox/Steam machine is undeniably enticing.

This move ultimately though may end up destroying the console market in the long run. Xbox consoles as we know it are already being phased out and will be looking more like a walled off pre-built PC marketed as a console solution. I'm sure TV compatibility will be part of the marketing even though custom PC's can already do that.

[Fragslayer]

Sony can get around this issue quite easily by just launching their PC titles on a new PlayStation PC Launcher similar to the Xbox, EA, and Blizzard launchers that won't be available on the Xbox hardware.

They'd have to pull their current titles to prevent what's already on it from playing though, which is also a possibility.

This is Microsoft forcing Sony to play ball. They can either just sit and let this happen, or prevent it, but lose possible market share because an Xbox/Steam machine is undeniably enticing.

This move ultimately though may end up destroying the console market in the long run. Xbox consoles as we know it are already being phased out and will be looking more like a walled off pre-built PC marketed as a console solution. I'm sure TV compatibility will be part of the marketing even though custom PC's can already do that.

Enticing? This is what any sane person wants. Most casuals won't care or notice the benefits immediately but they will eventually. The hardest part of the switch is invested players who have 100s of games on a console platform. Remove the barrier, have GP/Steam/gog/Epic store and full mod support on a nice clean easy to use console layout and you have a winner.

[GeorgeS]

Sony can get around this issue quite easily by just launching their PC titles on a new PlayStation PC Launcher similar to the Xbox, EA, and Blizzard launchers that won't be available on the Xbox hardware.

They'd have to pull their current titles to prevent what's already on it from playing though, which is also a possibility.

This is Microsoft forcing Sony to play ball. They can either just sit and let this happen, or prevent it, but lose possible market share because an Xbox/Steam machine is undeniably enticing.

This move ultimately though may end up destroying the console market in the long run. Xbox consoles as we know it are already being phased out and will be looking more like a walled off pre-built PC marketed as a console solution. I'm sure TV compatibility will be part of the marketing even though custom PC's can already do that.

Enticing? This is what any sane person wants. Most casuals won't care or notice the benefits immediately but they will eventually. The hardest part of the switch is invested players who have 100s of games on a console platform. Remove the barrier, have GP/Steam/gog/Epic store and full mod support on a nice clean easy to use console layout and you have a winner.

(no offense intended or implied to console users...)

One of the BIG selling points of consoles is the no-nonsense 'plug & play' simplicity of them. This may even overshadow the 'bang for the buck' as compared to other gaming platforms/solutions.

While I'd agree that whomever delivers a multi-store front solution might be more desirable then a more limited 'walled garden' solution as soon as the kiddies are able to 'tweak/mod/adjust' they will also be able to 'break' whatever 'plug & play' that was there. (causing undue headaches for adults/support)

[CutchuSlow]

Sony doesn't need to block it because it won't be on there. So xbox will only have xbox games. If it has steam connection, then it will only act as a license where you can unlock the steam games you own that are available on that xbox. It won't have every steam game because that's not possible. It works the same as it does on gog and other store fronts with connections.

[CutchuSlow]

I mean that's how I think it would work.

[Not an idiot]

People don't understand consumer products at all if you think so is being anti consumer for their platform lmfao. ALL CONSOLES sell at a loss how else are they supposed to make their money. This is a nice concept and all but another sign that xbox and it's gamepass solution must not be working as well as they'd hope. Them putting games on other platforms like Sony i understood it's a smart move but the constant need to have people play their games anywhere but an Xbox is a little strange. It's one of the few things they killed my xbox Fandom lol why waste money on an inferior console when I can buy a pc and play the same games ultimately for cheaper because I don't have to pay for live to play online. I almost feel xbox doesn't want to make consoles and is legit just trying to buy up studios and become the netflix of gaming but only way for that to happen is getting people to think subscription services are the best way to go which is unfortunately happening now. I still prefer to either own or license (digital ownership) a game rather than pay monthly.