Cross-platform multi-player

[James]

What is your opinion on platform agnosticism and cross-platform gaming?

i.e.
PC/Mac
Console/portable console
Xbox/Windows Live cross-platform (Shadowrun)
Steamplay (PC/Mac and soon PS3 cross-platform multiplayer when CS:GO hits)

[MrBlackDX]

The major con to cross platform games are development restrictions.

For example making a dumbed down version of the game for the likes of the Wii.

But I would like to see a game which can be played multiplayer over the major consoles AND PC/Mac, like an MMO (so a PS3 player can play with an Xbox player and a PC player).

Cross platform gaming should be encouraged, especially if it results in more sales and recognition for a game.

You can get a mouse and keyboard for consoles, likewise a controller for a PC. Ideas that PC gamers will have a better advantage than xbox players for an FPS is true, but the xbox player should then take the opportunity to buy peripherals to balance things out.

[James]

The PS3 allows those peripherals with some videogames, while Microsoft have/had a monopoly regarding certificated (chipped) gear. I'm still looking for a PS3 fightstick for my PC.

[MrBlackDX]

Developers need to stop with the restrictions on peripherals.

Why should I need a button-translator to convert my PS2 controller presses to Xbox controller presses when I boot up the likes of Borderlands (for splitscreen, not for actual PC play)

[James]

The videogame does not recognise or support your controller, it does not restrict it.

[MrBlackDX]

The videogame does not recognise or support your controller, it does not restrict it.

Lack of support is no excuse when standard controllers have existed for years now.

Borderlands (for example) doesn't support any controller except the Xbox controller. That is retarded (or a microsoft thing of course)

[James]

It is a straight up console port of the 360 version.

[MrBlackDX]

Borderlands is an example, everytime I want to use a controller for a game there is always the "lack of support" problem.

[Poor]

PS3/PSV multiplayer is an awesome idea. Both systems better be secure though. If cheating becomes rampant on the PS3 or PSV like it was on the PS2 and PSP then the multiplayer will suffer on both systems.