Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are debuting a joint set of safety guidelines for moderation across their platforms. There are the three major players in console gaming. According to the companies, the new guidelines will ensure users protection and privacy: “Protecting players online requires a multidisciplinary approach,” reads a states, posted simultaneously by the three companies. “One that combines the benefits of advanced technology, a supportive community, and skilled human oversight.” This is an important step considering the number of games that now work across all platforms. CrossPlay is now expanding on Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation. Titles like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Microsoft’s own Minecraft can be played by users across those consoles. If each platform uses different rules, that could cause issue in the future. With new guidelines and a unified approach, gamers are getting the same approach.
Microsoft and Sony
Certainly, this is a step forward for the relationship between Sony and Microsoft. More specifically, Sony was initially against the idea of CrossPlay. The companies argument rested on not trusting Microsoft’s security measures when adapting Minecraft to work across platforms. In other words, Sony did not want to rely on measures outside its control. This sentiment was pushed by PlayStation sales and marketing chief Jim Ryan in 2017: “We’ve got to be mindful of our responsibility to our install base. Minecraft – the demographic playing that, you know as well as I do, it’s all ages but it’s also very young. We have a contract with the people who go online with us, that we look after them and they are within the PlayStation curated universe. Exposing what in many cases are children to external influences we have no ability to manage or look after, it’s something we have to think about very carefully.” Sony later eased its stance to allow Fortnite onto the platform. Later, the company also embraced Minecraft and even linked with Microsoft to use the company’s Azure platform. The latest move pushes closer to a unified gaming environment where online games are not necessarily walled off on each console. Tip of the day: Having problems with pop-ups and unwanted programs in Windows 10? Try the hidden adware blocker of Windows Defender. We show you how to turn it on in just a few steps.
