Need for Speed: Heat's final update delivers full cross-play compatibility
Here's one last hurrah as Criterion wraps up and moves on to the next NFS title!
Image: Criterion Games, Electronic Arts
As gaming devices and consoles become more advanced with each generation, it's safe to say that cross-play compatibilities in games have also become more of an expectation rather than a unique feature or selling point. This is especially so for competitive sports simulators and their associated franchises, such as Need for Speed, for instance.
Which brings us to today's topic: Need for Speed: Heat developer Criterion Games is tossing us one last hurrah before they wrap up and start working on their next NFS title. As you might have guessed by now, Heat is finally getting full cross-play compatibility across PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in its next and final update. On the side, it's also worth noting that this is the first-ever EA title to offer such a feature, which is curious considering how common it is among other publishers these days.
Regardless, it's exciting to know that PC players will now be able to duke it out against PS4 and Xbox players in Palm City for that number one spot. It's easy to set up a game too - just make sure you opt into the cross-play feature after installing the update, hit the Find Players button, and you're good to go. Of course, if you want to play against your pals, they'll need to go through the exact same process.
Image: Criterion Games, Electronic Arts
As for what Criterion's next NFS title will offer, their recent blog post penned by General Manager Matt Webster, which you can read here provides a tiny bit of insight into the development scaffolding. He notes that the team has been actively listening to what players adore about Heat and that they already "have a terrific foundation to create the most expressive, most socially connected, action-packed game yet for Need for Speed fans and beyond".
The blog post also reminds readers about the recent release of Heat on Steam, in addition to 2016's Need for Speed and Need for Speed: Rivals. As a final tip, it recommends that players keep an eye out for the EA Play Live event on June 18, suggesting that Criterion will be sharing some interesting tidbits there. In the meantime, here's to the glorious possibilities of cross-play - ready, get set, go!
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