Console + PC Crossplay: An Easy Fix

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    As a PC player myself, I understand the current frustration for Xbox players. I see it every fight, they are limited by their in-game sensitivity, as well as other obvious technical limitations. PC players will ALWAYS have an advantage over Xbox players.

    I get accused of cheating, all the time. 1/3 skull forts I normally get a message from someone on the enemy team accusing me of using some type of cheat/mod just because im on PC. Luckily I record everything, so I always have proof. For those that think its easy to cheat on PC. I can tell you guys, its not as easy as you think. This game is owned and run by Microsoft, the same company that develops the operating system we are playing on. You can't just magically install mods and cheats on PC.

    The current skill gap will always cause panic against casual gamers. Games like Fortnite have cross-play, but they sort players properly. They ensure that PC players play against PC, and Console against Console. If you're on PC and want to join a friend on Console, then they would play against PC players. PC players will not be able to play with a console player, unless a Console player joins a PC server. Easy fix.

    Sea of thieves is a great game for this feature. The quantity of servers and the player count per server would make it possible for cross-play while also keeping players on their designated platform.

    There is no reason to keep both communities together. I understand you want to make sure everyone plays together, but the current setup is tearing this community apart. Don't let us down Rare.

    Help us play together! Properly.

    Edit:

    I'll be making a list of current Xbox limitations that i've become aware of as a PC player. If any console players have any others, let me know down below.

    Xbox Limitations:

    1. FPS Limitation - Current FPS cap for Xbox users is 60FPS. PC users have no framerate cap, and can play with a 240hz monitor if they please. The only limitation for a PC user is technological advancement itself.

    2. Turning Sensitivity - Rare's own limitations to Xbox's turning speed. There's a cap to the highest sensitivity, as well as the limit of accuracy that you have with a joystick. A mouse has more range when it comes to quicker/finer movement.

    3. Loading Times - Xbox players load incredibly slow compared to PC. The difference in read/write speeds between a HDD and an NVMe SSD hard drive are insane. I load in 10x faster than Xbox players, if not more. Video Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzbZSD_svrM Some people might say "Why does it matter???" Imagine if your boat was sinking, PC would be able to save it. Xbox wouldn't.

    4. Macros - Although these might be against the rules, they are possible and virtually undetectable. Even without the use of macros, PC players can still use 1-9 on their keyboard for different items. They would NEED to use the Item Radial if they were on Xbox.

    5. Chat Features - You can currently use Text chat on PC, as well as join an Xbox party and have full in-game communication. Xbox users have no ability to use text chat, and once in a party, they can no longer hear in-game proximity chat.

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  • CNT Thelrox
    Founder

    @eddythecaptain What!? Xbox players are disadvantaged against Pc players? That is unheard of!

    Forced cross-play is fine just like forcing featherweight boxers to compete against heavyweight boxers.

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    @cnt-thelrox Yea, Rare's obsession over keeping their community together is eventually gonna backfire. Once they realize the real basis of their community, after the hype dies. Then they will touch on these issues.

  • davejc64
    Founder

    @Deckhands Can all these threads about crossplay be made into a mega-thread, thanks.

  • Sefer Noctis

    I play on Xbox and never had an issue playing with or against PC player. Maybe I missed the boat but I don't understand the limitations except that PC players might have better graphics quality and for some reason there sound quality for voicechat is much better.
    Is there any examples of the difference between the two I can see like a video or something?

  • Natsu v2
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    @sefer-noctis I play on Xbox too and I also have never had an issue with PC players. I think my usual galleon crew has only been sunk like 5 times in our nearly 1,000 hours of playtime (including alphas). That doesn't mean that crossplay is acceptable. I got a console for a walled garden approach to gaming. I want everyone using the same peripheral, period. I don't care how big or small the disadvantage is, I believe in complete peripheral parity, which is why I prefer to play console even though I could be playing on PC if I wanted.

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    @sefer-noctis Unless you have a modified Xbox controller, there are certain limitations in movement, due to the lack of buttons, as well as the fact that you would need to take your fingers off the joystick to press button sometimes. These are only physical limitations.

    As for techincal limitations... I'm playing on a 144hz monitor. The difference between 60FPS and 144FPS is huge. Everything you see is smooth as butter, and unless you witness it yourself, you're probably gonna doubt it.

    Sea of Thieves themselves also have a sensitivity limitation on Xbox for some reason. It doesn't allow Xbox users to turn as fast as PC players. I run circles around Xbox players, they can't turn their character around fast enough to hit me.

    Some evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuo-WD3uN90

    Here I sneak up on a galley team, as you can see they are clearly Xbox players. I run around them with my sword and they aren't able to turn fast enough to block.

    I abuse the hell out of this. Unless Rare does something to fix this, I always will. Smart and easy.

  • Aenima123
    Founder

    @natsu-v2 a dit dans Console + PC Crossplay: An Easy Fix :

    That doesn't mean that crossplay is acceptable.

    Why do you think it isn't ?

  • Natsu v2
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    @aenima123 Because the whole point of a console for many people is complete parity. Just like needing to have a certain amount of air in a basketball or soccerball, or needing the goal to be a certain distance wide. A console's big selling point is about sports-level equality in gaming. Same peripherals, same FPS, same draw distance, same everything. The PC environment feels dirty with how many sneaky edges you can muster up.

  • Sefer Noctis

    @natsu-v2 I understand that but in a game like SoT that is less competitive than say an FPS game are these small advantages and disadvantages a big deal? (I know there is a big chunk of the community that would say yes) but in a realistic sense does it detract from the game-play in any major noticeable way?

    (Not trying to disagree with people just trying to understand the argument)

  • Natsu v2
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    @sefer-noctis SoT isn't less competitive though. It's hands down one of the most hardcore, cutthroat games I've played. Just because you aren't playing it very seriously doesn't mean other people aren't either.

    It's not even about advantages and disadvantages, it's about everyone playing the exact same game. That is such an overwhelmingly important ideal for me in gaming.

  • KnifeLife
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    @eddythecaptain Careful my friend there is a conglomerate of PC players who would see you hang for such dissent! :P

    They like there advantages and dont want to play on an even playing field....i mean they don't want the playerbase cut in half haha

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    @natsu-v2 said in Console + PC Crossplay: An Easy Fix:

    It's not even about advantages and disadvantages, it's about everyone playing the exact same game.

    Everyone can play the same game, as long as they are on their respective platforms. Just look at Fortnite. Rare just needs to take notes.

    As much as people hate bringing up Fortnite, they are doing everything right. They have crossplay too, yet no one is complaining. Crossplay done properly is the key.

  • Natsu v2
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    @eddythecaptain They have optional crossplay don't they?

    And you're not playing the same game if there are different peripherals. Just today I was testing the new Eye of Reach sensitivity with a PC friend. From the front of the ship to the middle of the ship, he was able to track my strafes and lateral jumps smoothly with the eye of reach. On controller from this same range, and at max sensitivity, I could not even move close to fast enough to track his strafe.

    Beyond that, the mouse just has more precision and speed. The controller might arguably be better for parkour and cannon shots. I don't care where the advantages and disadvantages are coming from, I want complete and utter equality. The only way to know if one player is truly better than another is if your game makes sure everyone is playing the exact same game. Being able to 180 degree turn 0.20 seconds faster might be the difference between victory and defeat one time. That one time could be the most important battle of your life in SoT.

    I don't get what is so hard to understand about the value of parity. Sports have it down, you must use these boxing gloves, you must use these jerseys, you must use this ball. Everything is equalized so that the only difference is the human element, and that's how you determine who's better.

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    @natsu-v2 They don't have optional crossplay. Thats what this post is all about. Xbox players are forced to play against PC players at the moment.

  • Natsu v2
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    @eddythecaptain I meant fortnite having optional crossplay.

  • EddyTheCaptain
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    @natsu-v2 Ah, yes Fortnite does have optional crossplay. I don't think its optional even, it just pairs you with the same players on your platform, unless you queue with a PC player in your party. You will always play against PC if you have a PC player in your party/crew.

  • Captain Fob4141
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    Why not take the pc players and lower the maximum turn speed and eliminate macros?

    Aside from keyboard and mouse interface capabilities all advantages can be mitigated and would do so without splitting the community...

  • Sefer Noctis

    @natsu-v2 No your right that wasn't a correct way to say it, I do take the game seriously, really enjoying winning fights, stealing loot and slaying fellow pirates! But I meant as there is no true ranking system like in an FPS.

    Thanks for explaining you point and if that is the main issue just so the game is more fair for all players it would be sad to divide the community but if it is causing big issues of fairness I would understand.

  • CNT Thelrox
    Founder

    @sefer-noctis I play games fairly competitive and serious, yes even SoT. You can laugh about that but the point I want to get across is called 'fairness'.

    That matters the most to me.

    I know for a fact that higher fps + m/kb gives you a massive advantage and you don't want to see me running with such a setup.

    There's no point for me to improve my game further as long as I'm forced to play against pc players that have greater mobility + high precision compared to the fairly limited controller.

    I'll never know if I actually got bested by a higher skilled player or if I lost because my opponent had more fps + m/kb.

    There's no equal ground (fairness) on forced cross-play.

    I respect your point of view but I disagree with the argument that it would split the community apart.

    I (and many others) would still play while cross-play is enabled but I have no interest in doing so while playing solo or with a galleon full of xbox players.

    I dislike playing disadvantaged and it actually sucks to lose plenty of treasures just because you know your opponents had it easier.

    Btw: I can always tell when I play against pc players. I don't have to wait for them to type in the text chat.

  • Nebenkuh

    @natsu-v2
    "Because the whole point of a console for many people is complete parity. "
    Who buys a console because of that?
    People buy consoles because they think it's cheaper and more comfortable than a PC (both are wrong) and because they're too lazy to research a proper PC build. Others buy them because of exclusives, which is a terrible business model anyway and I can't wait for it to disappear soon, along with consoles.

  • Nebenkuh

    @rattlyfob
    Why is it always the PC players that should suffer because Xbox players made the bad decision to buy an Xbox?
    Why not implement mouse and keyboard support for Xbox and get rid of the turn speed cap on controllers?

  • Sefer Noctis

    @cnt-thelrox That's a fair point, I don't disagree with the idea but just want to understand the reasoning behind why people want to split PC and Xbox players.
    I love the idea of cross-play, a larger community and easy access for multiple platforms is the dream but like you point out if there is a noticeable difference in the quality of gameplay which favors one side over the other then there is an issue which needs to be resolved.
    I just hope that there is a way to do this without splitting up the community.
    But if its such a minor difference and it isn't effecting the majority of players experience then I personally wouldn't be to bothered.
    For me I don't mind but for other players who have suffered the issues mentioned I know its becoming a point of contention.

  • LogansDadToo
    Founder

    @nebenkuh
    People buy consoles to play console games.
    People buy consoles because they don't want a pc. (or already have one)
    People buy a console because it's more convenient. Plug in & play & the game.
    People buy consoles to be able to play together with family & friends. (not hunched over a desk in a darkened room!)
    Why assume people only buy one because it's cheaper than a pc?
    That's a ridiculous statement!! That's like saying people only buy motorbikes because they are cheaper than cars!

    How would PC players be suffering if some xbox players used the option to disable crossplay?
    What difference would it make to you or the 23 or so other people in your current game session?

  • Nebenkuh

    @logansdadtoo
    "Why assume people only buy one because it's cheaper than a pc?"
    I didnt.

    "How would PC players be suffering if some xbox players used the option to disable crossplay?"
    That other guy suggested limiting turn speed for PC. That's suffering. In the long run, a divided playerbase could lead to design decisions that are unfavourable for PC.

    "What difference would it make to you or the 23 or so other people in your current game session?"
    Who cares? I wasn't even talking about that.
    I was saying that nobody buys a console because of "complete parity" or "equality".

  • TW DIZZY

    I'm an Xbox player with a PC as well. The biggest advantages come from how the menu/items work on PC vs with a controller and the ability to set macros. M/kb will always be able to aim better than a controller, but the ability to build a macro of Shoot-switch weapon-Shoot in a single button push is just unfair. I have run into players that seem to have godlike reflexes and exceptional aim at extreme distances. I know some players will say "Git good" but there is an obvious difference and it should be addressed. I'm a pretty hardcore gamer that used to play competitively so I'm used to a struggle against talented opponents. Even I feel like I'm just helpless against some pc players. (I have also run into hackers, not frequently, but definitely seen friendly flagging). I've been playing games for two decades. I've been a serious and competitive player. I like a challenge and I like to get beat every now and then. It keeps things interesting. But there are millions of console players that are looking for a fair fight. They just don't get that against PC. There is a large group of people on console that feel like the game is unplayable when they are put against PC opponents. There is a large group of console players that don't want to use M/Kb. There is a large group of console players that don't understand why they are forced to play against players with such an obvious advantage on a game that takes large steps to prevent an advantage in all other areas. If my level or effort doesn't give me an advantage, then the system I play on certainly shouldn't.

  • LogansDadToo
    Founder

    @nebenkuh said in Console + PC Crossplay: An Easy Fix:

    People buy consoles because they think it's cheaper and more comfortable than a PC

    Err, yes you did!

  • Nebenkuh

    @logansdadtoo
    No, I didn't.
    You said "Why assume people only buy one because it's cheaper than a pc?"
    I never said that was the only reason. Just one of them. I even stated a few others. Hell, that very sentence contains another reason other than consoles being cheaper.

  • Spunkus Skunkus
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    @nebenkuh Yeah yeah we get it... "PC M*********e" and everything... if you have nothing to contribute to this thread other than to mock Xbox players for having an Xbox then go to another thread; people are trying to have a civilised argument and raise genuine concerns and you're comment is simply belittling to everyone that owns a console. I bought an Xbox because it is so much more user friendly; I know that PC's are better than Xbox's at quite a lot of things and I'm not ignorant enough to deny that, however I play Xbox because it is 100% fair - no hacks, no advantages and complete parity.
    And get out of here with the "Why is it always PC players that should suffer because Xbox players made the bad decision to buy an xbox?" how exactly are you suffering? I imagine it must be so hard for you to be able to play almost every single game that comes out at a higher resolution and FPS; I'm sure you have it tough being able to do almost anything with your PC.

    Edit another reason why people buy consoles is because they know that every game they buy on that device will run at an acceptable standard and they don't have to buy additional upgrades just to run a game.

  • Nebenkuh

    @spunkus-skunkus
    There are different Xboxes and controllers too, so it's not like it's completely fair. Someone with the One X and an elite controller will have an easier time than someone with the regular X and controller.

    "how exactly are you suffering?"
    How am I not suffering when my turning speed is reduced because of complaints from Xbox players, like that one guy suggested?

    "they don't have to buy additional upgrades just to run a game"
    If you buy a decent PC now, you also know that every game will run at an acceptable standard. By the time you need to upgrade a PC, you would also need to buy the next generation of consoles.
    Besides, I'm not really mocking Xboxes. All of my arguments are accurate, are they not?

    If people decide they want to buy an inferior system (as in weaker hardware and controls), that is fine by me, but they should know the limitations going in, and not try to get games made worse for people who chose to buy the stronger system. Unfortunately, many suggestions (like limit turn speed on PC) do just that, so I'm fighting against it.

  • Spunkus Skunkus
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    @nebenkuh Having an Xbox one X and the original Xbox doesn't influence the way players conduct PvP; the Xbox one X system simply just has 4K resolution whilst its predesessor has 1080p resolution. In terms of the Xbox elite controller verse the original controller, the only difference is that the buttons are in a different spot (Paddles on the back of the controller); it's not hard to match the skill of someone using an elite controller because they don't gain any significant advantages and their essentially using the same controller with a little less limitations. In regards to PC verse Console however there is a distinct advantage because the the keyboard has more buttons which can be utilised AND has more precise aiming. I'd also like to suggest that you not complain about something which doesn't currently effect you; as it stands now your turning speed is much higher than Xbox players (with evidence given in a previous comment) so I really see no reason to believe that you're suffering in any way, shape or form.

    Again, this is not part of the original thread but since you bought it up: if you buy a decent PC then yeah, you'll usually be able to play new release games for about two years comfortably (depending how much you chose to spend on this PC of course) but after that time period you're going to have to replace those parts to keep up with the demands of better games. I've had my Xbox for 4 years now and I haven't had to replace anything; apart from the Xbox live gold I can comfortably play any game that I buy with complete reassurance that it'll run well. Not only is the longevity of the console desirable but the price was also a cool 400AUD when bought new. So although a good PC is great at running games for the meantime, I'd much rather buy an Xbox which I know will last me for at least a few more years. Edit Of course this is something that boils down to personal preference so I see no reason to continue discussion regarding this matter.

  • LoboFH
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    Look, another xbox player in disguise posting a scapegoats thread.

  • Cpt Toothpick
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    Ill remember when some console players said they are as good as any pro PC player and that controller is superior in everyway. Even tho I objected against this and told em why, they did just dismiss it, Wish I could off showed em all the posts like this one how console players crying PC owning them so hard that they don't even wana play sometimes :P

    Personaly I think it's fine the way it is, Choose your hardware, don't like it you got the game on a PC aswell so go get a PC and join the glorious master ra....

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