Cross-platform gameplay between the PC and Xbox One could be an interesting approach, given that a lot of titles are found on both. According to Microsoft's Phil Spencer, it "makes a lot of sense".
The topic came up in a discussion with AusGamers. Spencer wouldn't confirm the feature is coming, even if he thinks it's a good idea. He went on to say it would fall under a "connected ecosystem across all the different devices", if it were to launch, something we've been hearing from Microsoft a lot of late. "I think what you're talking about makes a lot of sense."
Microsoft has tried cross-platform gaming in the past, with Shadow Run. PC players were able to play against Xbox 360 players. Spencer notes it wasn't a tremendous success, but the game studio learned a lot from it. Different methods of input between the two platforms is obviously an issue. Which system would gives users a leg up on gameplay?
Given Given Spencer's position as corporate vice-president at Microsoft Studios, he made it clear: "I'm not allowed to leak things." Still, it's interesting to hear speculation from one of the higher-ups at Microsoft.
"This connected ecosystem across all the different devices is definitely where I think the future of gaming is going; you don’t have to do it as a developer, but you have the capability and I think a system like Xbox Live across all those screens where you know who someone is and who their friends are, what their Achievements are and their progression is really critical to that," Spencer said.