Rockstar Games delayed the Red Dead Redemption 2 release date as it’s pushing for Sony to include cross-play functionality in the upcoming action-adventure sequel.
That’s at least according to fresh rumors posted on Blasting News, who claim that cross-play is a major part in Rockstar’s plans for the highly anticipated Wild West title, which hits PS4 and Xbox One in spring 2018. Red Dead Redemption 2 was originally due to ship in fall this year, although Take-Two reckons the delay won’t matter all the same. There’s no source for Blasting News’ report, so take it with a grain of salt for the time being.
There’s been a lot of chatter on Sony’s stance on cross-play recently, with the format holder refusing to budge on the matter despite Microsoft opening the gates for Rocket League and Minecraft for cross-play between Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch users. Sony, however, isn’t ready to embrace the idea just yet, primarily due to concerns of user safety among young gamers.
Microsoft has responded to Sony’s comments on the matter, suggesting it’s unhealthy for the industry as a whole to eschew cross-play between PS4 and Xbox One users.
"I would love for players on all platforms to stay connected," said Xbox boss, Phil Spencer. "The fact that somebody would make an assertion that somehow we’re not keeping Minecraft players safe … I found, not only from a Microsoft perspective but an industry perspective, I don’t know why that has to become the dialogue. That doesn’t seem healthy for anyone.
Red Dead Redemption 2 will feature a large-scale online component similar to Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5, although much of the game’s multiplayer features are being kept under wraps. The game is likely to include multiple playable characters during its single-player campaign, and Rockstar is promising the narrative will pack an emotional punch.
Right now, it’s unknown if the game will be a prequel or a follow-up to the original 2010 cowboy opus, which is now available to stream via PlayStation Now.