Cross-platform support still up in the air for The Agency

by Peter Vrabel { Jul 24th 2007 at 4:30PM }

While it hasn't been completely ruled out at this point, SOE hasn't made a decision on whether to make The Agency cross-platform compatible between the PS3 and it's distant cousin, the PC. Lead designer Hal Milton said, "we're evaluating cross-platform support" and then completely closed the topic with the declarative "we're not prepared to make a statement at this time." The Agency isn't the only game set to release on PS3 and PC without the confirmation of dual-platform support between the two. Seeing as how we're breaching a new frontier here, we are beginning to wonder if PS3 gamers can, or even want to live a happy co-existence with their PC brethren. Although critically flawed, Shadowrun seemed to offer a pleasurable cross-platform experience between the PC and the Xbox 360. What do you think? Can SOE pull it off with The Agency?

Gallery: The Agency

Tags: cross-platform, hal milton, HalMilton, soe, soe seattle, SoeSeattle, sony oline entertainment, SonyOlineEntertainment, the agency, TheAgency

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Xoonaka @ Jul 24th 2007 4:43PM

While I love having more players to play with, I'd prefer PS3 only so the team can focus on a great engine, and maybe even release patches later to improve performance. Once performance is solid, then no more work goes towards graphical upgrades, and it's all about putting in more and more content.

So, please, give me a static hardware development of this game!

GRT @ Jul 24th 2007 5:26PM

Agreed, I really don't care about cross-platform support. Trying to 'balance' the game between PC controls and PS3 controls sounds like more trouble than its worth. Separate but equal!

James @ Jul 24th 2007 6:21PM

I'm personally a fan of cross platform play - as long as there is some game balancing - but it doesn't have to be obsessive. I don't think that one versus the other really matters, especially if you can use a mouse and keyboard on the PS3. I say, the more the merrier.

Kxpuc @ Jul 24th 2007 7:17PM

release the game sans multi-platform play then work to their hearts content on a patch that gives it. SO the game doesn't get held up

Consolcwby @ Jul 24th 2007 7:21PM

There is no real reason why, in this modern day and age, not to have cross platform support. The benefits of having less servers and more players certainly outweighs the costs of adding protocols and interpreters. To make a long story short, internet online gaming is supposed to be cross platform - since that is exactly what the internet is, a series of unrelated systems recieving and delivering data across a world wide network. =S Boggles the mind why people get so provincial...

Kxpuc @ Jul 24th 2007 8:26PM

release the game sans multi-platform play then work to their hearts content on a patch that gives it. SO the game doesn't get held up

never$$hort @ Jul 24th 2007 8:53PM

It does sound like it is more trouble than it is actually worth..

Hoffer @ Jul 24th 2007 9:11PM

I have Shadowrun and don't think it is critically flawed at all. The only problem is that it costs $60 and nobody wants to pay that for a multiplayer only game. It's an awesome FPS. Probably one of the best online experiences I've had in a game in a long time. The races, tech and magic really add a lot to the game.

I'm hoping they hurry up and drop the price so more people pick it up.