XDefiant Console-Only Crossplay Coming After Launch, Option to Disable Crossplay In-Game Prohibited by Microsoft
Ubisoft’s XDefiant has implemented crossplay and is something that will work come launch on May 21. However, for those who only want to play crossplay with other console players, that will be something available at some point after launch, as the devs have confirmed that XDefiant console-only crossplay is indeed in the works for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Is Console-Only Crossplay Coming to XDefiant?
This upcoming feature was confirmed by XDefiant Executive Producer Mark Rubin over on X:
Those were Xbox’s rules to us. We have to use their system. But our matchmaking does prefer platform so you may not have to wait long for a match if you turn off crossplay. Give it a try. Also, a future feature we are adding will be console-only crossplay. PS5 and Xbox together.
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) May 16, 2024
Rubin also revealed that the reason why there is no in-game toggle to disable crossplay in the game is due to Microsoft’s rules and not the developers themselves. It seems Microsoft wants players to use the their own system (available in the Xbox’s settings) when disabling crossplay.
On Xbox you have to go to the Xbox settings and turn off crossplay there. We can’t do it from the game due to Xbox’s rules. But if you do it will work and you will only play with other Xbox users.
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) May 16, 2024
While more and more games are incorporating crossplay to further widen the player pool and to let friends that are on different platforms party up, the feature does have its drawbacks as well. For one thing, cheaters are way more prevalent on PC given the platform’s open nature, and usually this reason alone is enough for players to turn off crossplay or seek console-only crossplay functionality.
As for Microsoft’s rule on crossplay, it seems this applies to all games and not just XDefiant. The bigger question is: why is this a rule, and should they change it to allow gamers to disable it in-game?
The wait for XDefiant is almost over, as the game officially launches on May 21.
For an in-depth look at Ubisoft’s monetization (read: microtransaction) plans for XDefiant, head on over here.
More XDefiant Reading on MP1st:
- XDefiant PC Requirements and Accessibility Features Outlined
- XDefiant Server Locations Revealed, Game Goes Gold
- XDefiant Preload Date & Time, Road to Launch Revealed; Matchmaking Explained
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