In an interview with Windows Central, Game director Leroy Athanassof revealedfuture plans for Rainbow Six Siege. The game is set for a launch day release on next generation consoles, with cross-generation multiplayer. Discussions are also in the works to provide cross-platform multiplayer, to allow PlayStation 4 users to match with Xbox One users.
The fate of Ubisoft’s cross-platform plans for Rainbow Six Siege lies solely in the hands of Sony and Microsoft. Athanassof expressed the company’s desire to offer cross-play to avoid a fragmentation within the community as this console transition takes place. In recent years, the idea of cross-platform multiplayer felt far ahead, as Sony and Microsoft were heavy in competition and the dynamic delayed this process. We’ve seen it happen for games like Fortnite and Rocket League, and the positive effect it’s had on the online gaming experience. Athanassof is hopeful the deal will go through, saying “We would love to be fully cross-play — have Xbox players matchmaking against the PlayStation players. We are ready to support that.”
Cross play between console and PC is likely a pipe dream, as PC users would benefit from keyboard and mouse controls. As of now, this feature is not in the works for Rainbow Six Siege, though it’s not ruled out for the future. Athanassof touched on the topic and noted that the advantage offered to PC players is the reason we likely won’t see it. He had this to say: “The only way we could do that kind of stuff is by letting you do that if you want to. By default, you’re always with console. But if you want to match with these players, to have better matchmaking, or whatever, and get your ass kicked by a keyboard and mouse, up to you.”
Rainbow Six Siege has been going strong for the last 5 years and is preparing for its next major update, Operation Void Edge. Ubisoft plans to continue supporting the game, with goal of over 100 more operators throughout the next decade. Check back for more news on Rainbow Six Siege.