Gearbox Software is one of a number of developers to already take advantage of a new PC-PS3 cross-platform online play solution that's been integrated into Unreal Engine 3.
In a nutshell, Epic has licensed GameSpy online tech and squeezed it into its hugely popular UE3 technology, "enabling seamless PlayStation 3 and PC online functionality. Functionality available to Unreal Engine 3 licensees via GameSpy will include cross-platform gameplay, communication tools and competition applications."
Codemasters' alternate-reality WWII game Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is another title to make use of these new features of Unreal Engine 3, which in addition to cross-platform play between PC and PS3 include the likes of GameSpy's online matchmaking service, stat crunching solutions for leaderboards and tournaments and community features.
Does this mean Epic's Unreal Tournament III will feature cross-platform support for PC and PS3 online blasting? Well that's still up in the air. When we spoke with Mark Rein recently he said "It's a feature that technically works today, but whether we enable it or disable it... is still a question".
Oh dear. FPS are really the wrong game type to include cross platfrom multiplayer. Just like 360's Shadowrun (think thats what its called) console owners are at a real disadvantage. Even the most skilled console FPS player will have difficulties beeting a moderatley skilled PC player due to keyboard and mouse. I'd like to hear some other type of gaem getting cross platform like PES or any racing games or strategy shooters as these rely less on fast mouse movement
Well UT will have mouse and keyboard support for PS3 and will be cross compatible with PC as seen here http://forums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=575698
So no one will have a real disadvantage in this case.
I really don't agree with cross platform play, because unless they force the PS3 users to use keyboard and mouse (or PC to use a gamepad - yeah right!), there will have to be balancing done, and no amount of balancing will make it work. Either the PC controls will feel sluggish, or the PS3 controls will be too accomodating with a lock-on feature - it'll feel like cheating. So keyboard and mouse only servers (or gamepad only servers) is the only way to go really.
And what's that about Gamespy features? I don't want to install that piece of crap again!
I like the sound of that. lol which PC users don't use pads? I have a PS2 pad hooked up to my PC right now. I play a lot of sports and driving games on my PC.
It would be tricky to even things out but it can be done.
And what's that about Gamespy features? I don't want to install that piece of crap again!
You don't need to install Gamespy with most GS-enabled games these days. It's just integrated, so when you hit Online Play you're dropped in a GS lobby. The only thing you'd want to actually install it for would be chat rooms, launching games and generally eating resources.
My biggest problem is that Gamespy is notoriously unreliable. It can cause a lot of lag and sometimes just randomly kicks people for no reason. Dawn of War (PC) uses it and there's been no end of hassle with it.
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Still might be coming though 
