With the recent furore surrounding Fortnite, it’s only right that one of gaming’s other big multiplayer bonanzas gets the cross-platform treatment, isn’t it? Unfortunately, life isn’t fair. Overwatch cross-play isn’t a thing, and that situation isn’t likely to change anytime soon. We look at why that’s the case, and whether you’ll be able to get your inner Widowmaker on across platforms such as Xbox One, PC, and PS4 in the near-future.
Overwatch Cross-Play: Can You Play With PC Players on Xbox One & PS4?
The simple answer is no. Even putting aside Sony’s entrenched belief that cross-play just isn’t for them, Xbox One and PC players also can’t share in the Overwatch love. For comparison, the likes of Rocket League already has cross-play, with cross-platform parties coming imminently. So, why not Overwatch?
Overwatch Cross-Play: Potential Future Updates
Never say never, but any potential future updates will either revolve around new heroes, such as Wrecking Ball, the Public Test Region, or other nerfs and buffs. As you’ll be able to see below, Overwatch cross-play just isn’t going to happen, no matter how much we want it to happen. For now, it appears sticking to our own console (or owning it on multiple platforms) is our only choice.
Overwatch Cross-Play: Current Blizzard Stance
Since the game’s launch in 2016, Blizzard has repeatedly said that there is no cross-play, but plans may change. Take this tweet from around the time of release:
There is no cross platform play. We’ll keep an eye on cross-platform possibilities on the consoles.
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) June 4, 2016
In addition to that, a recent interview with GamesTM (H/T Power Up Gaming), Jeff Kaplan, director of Overwatch, gave us the biggest hint yet that cross-play may be on the horizon. Kaplan stated that he is “definitely hoping for more cross-platform opportunities.” Well, that’s not a no. It’s a start at least.
TL;DR? There is no Overwatch cross-play, there are no updates in the pipeline and, yet, there is a small glimmer of hope that we’ll be able to play cross-platform on at least Xbox One and PC in future.
