Rocket League's new Xbox One "cross-network" feature due this Spring

Rocket League Chaos Run

Microsoft has announced that the hit auto-soccer game Rocket League will be one of the first—and possibly the first—to support its new cross-network feature on Xbox Live. This means that, once functional, Windows 10 and Xbox One-equipped players will be able to square off against Leaguers on “other console and PC networks.”

Microsoft didn't name any names but that obviously means Steam and PSN. “Of course, it’s up to game developers to support this feature, and Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players,” ID@Xbox Director Chris Charla explained on the Xbox Wire. “We’re thrilled to confirm that Psyonix’s Rocket League will be one of the first games to take advantage of this new capability by enabling cross-network play between Xbox One and PC players, with an open invitation for other networks to participate as well.”

“Cross-network play has been the number-one most requested feature our community has asked for since Rocket League was first announced on Xbox One, and now that we are able to pursue complete online unity on all platforms, today’s announcement is a dream come true,” developer Psyonix said in its own announcement at rocketleaguegame.com.

Microsoft said Rocket League will be one of the first games to support cross-network play, while developer Psyonix said it will be, unequivocally, the first. Either way, it's expected to be functional on Xbox One and PC later this spring, and information about other platforms is “coming soon.”

Andy Chalk

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.