Microsoft made an announcement today that is momentous: now all developers, from indie to working on AAA titles of any kind, Xbox Live players can connect with other networks, both on PC but also PSN, Nintendo, and so on.

The feature is called Cross-Network Play and could open up to a future in which we will be able to play with our friends even though they are on platforms different from ours. To make this happen, but need the commitment of several parts: first developers, who need to include this kind of support in their games. Then there are other manufacturers of console: now that Microsoft allow it officially, even Sony and Nintendo have to allow their players to be put in touch with those Xbox Live. Sony already does with the cross-play on PC, and therefore we hope that open also to this opportunity.

Microsoft also States that this feature will be optional for players: If you use a game that implements this interface, you can always decide to restrict the game to Xbox users without having to clash with those PC or other consoles.

Meanwhile, however, things start to move: Psyonix announced that Rocket League will be one of the games to take advantage of this feature and that the spring Xbox gamers can play along with the PC, after which will be added "other platforms" on which there are no news at the moment though.

Microsoft continues with its path of renewal and opening the Xbox and Xbox Live Platform: all this can only benefit the players, who will have gaming environments increasingly rich and populated.