Cross-Game Chat Confirmed For PS4!

Sony Computer Entertainment UK commander and chief ‘Fergal Gara’ has confirmed that the PS4 will feature cross-game chat.  This may seem a not so important detail to some, as the Xbox 360 has always had this function, but it has been something lacking from the PS3 and is a feature that PS3 gamers have been crying out for a long time.  Though cross-game chat is a function included in the PS Vita, so this is a more then natural progression over to the PS4.

Fergal Gera also spoke about the importance of PS4 gamers having to subscribe to PS Plus to access its online gaming, Gara went on to say:

 “the social features you’ve seen demonstrated or more of a world-class network” and that Sony are “investing in a higher performance network”. He also added “we’re charging for online multiplayer” which offers, “immense value for that subscription charge” (currently £39.99/$49.99 annually) adding that it, “it applies across three consoles, includes content across all three consoles (PS3, PS4 and PS Vita)”.

Sony has prided itself on the fact that accessing its online features was totally free on the PS3 and PS Vita (and it will remain so even when the PS4 arrives).  But it’s fair to say that even though we all like freebies, PS3’s online network somewhat lacked behind that of the Xbox 360.  So now that it is a requirement to subscribe to PS Plus, it should help bring the PSN to a similar standard to that of Xbox Live.  Also let’s not forget that we will be greeted with monthly games, discounts and freebies once subscribed to PS Plus.

Source: OPM