The possibility for "Tekken 7" cross-play between different platforms may happen after all, but not soon. The game producer has explained why it is not simply an easy thing to do.
At a recent Tekken 7 event in Sydney, Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada said he already discussed with Microsoft and Sony about the idea to try to "champion the cause." However, the fruits of his labor are not seen yet.
Harada agrees with the other developers' idea that it is not a technical issue that prevents the cross-play between platforms. Instead the security protocols and policies are the issues, keeping the multiplayer idea from happening.
"Since Tekken has three platforms, to do [cross-play] is much more difficult because fighting games are peer-to-peer, which means you connected directly to your opponent," Harada said via a translator. "That means all the security protocols regarding PSN or Xbox Live, the user IDs and such, is quite difficult to match that--not technologically."
Harada said that there are many players who do not know the problems involved in making the idea happen. Also, they assume that it is only a technical issue that can easily addressed.
If there were only one console platform for "Tekken 7" then there could have already been a cross-platform play between console and PC like that with "Street Fighter V", which is between PS4 and PC. But this is not the case with "Tekken 7", so the problem is still not resolved.
Harada went on to say that it is not going to be possible. Unless, there is some kind of progress between the first-parties adapting their security policies and just policy in general regarding online.
Harada has been speaking with Sony and Microsoft about this for quite some time. Early in March, Harada already explained the issue to a fan via his Twitter account.
If there is any hope that there will be some change in the first-parties' policies, Harada gives fans a little hope for a "Tekken 7" cross-play support. He said that it it will not be the case forever. But if they will not change their policies, he believes that there is nothing that they can do with it.