PS4 supports cross-platform play with PS3

Sony’s next-gen console the PS4 will support cross-platform play with the PS3, it has been confirmed.

In a new FAQ for the PS4, Sony stated the functionality was "technically possible", and some developers may use this in future titles.

Speaking on Twitter, SCE president of worldwide studios Shuhei Yoshida confirmed this was possible, and one of the first games to use the feature would be Arrowhead Game Studios’ top-down shooter Helldivers.

Developers will also be able to implement cross-play between the PS4 and PS Vita. Through this, players will be able to voice or text chat with each other during gameplay through the Party application.

The news comes as Nintendo recently confirmed to Develop that it would allow cross-play between Wii U and 3DS titles, as well as games on other non-Nintendo platforms.

"We can confirm that cross-platform functionality is possible in certain titles that play on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, as well as other video game systems not made by Nintendo," a spokesperson told Develop.

"We are committed to helping developers realise the full potential of their software on Nintendo systems."

It appears unlikely however that Sony and Microsoft will allow their titles on their consoles to feature cross-platform play with other systems, meaning the feature will be used with mobile games.

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer recently told AusGamers it would "make a lot of sense" to enable cross-platform play between the Xbox One and PC, but the company has yet to confirm whether this is possible.