Xbox One multiplayer improvements detailed – party time!
Microsoft have announced details of what multiplayer improvements are being rolled out to the Xbox One with the March system update – which has, crucially, be timed to arrive before the release of the hotly anticipated Titanfall.
The changes aren’t huge – but they’re going to make things a little more convenient for gamers – they restore a couple of features seen on the Xbox 360’s multiplayer settings, and simplify others. It’ll be good news as Titanfall is expected to the first must-have triple-A game of the newer console generation, and it’s a Microsoft exclusive – so the company will be especially keen to make the game as playable as possible.
Here’s how Redmond’s Marc Whitten described the updates:
- Get to your friends list faster. The friends list will be front and center on the homepage of the Friends app. Click the Social tile on Home, or say “Xbox, go to Friends” to see who’s online and what they’re up to. From there you can quickly send messages and get into a party.
- Party chat will be turned on by default. When you party up, chat audio will be turned on by default.
- Chat with friends playing different games. Party chat will be separated from people playing your game, so you can chat with your friends who are online or you can chat with everyone playing the game.
- We’re adding an “Invite friends to game” option to your multiplayer titles moving forward. Similar to Xbox 360 titles, this will appear inside a games’ menu and offer a simple and quicker way to set up your multiplayer battles. Selecting “Invite friends” will let you invite friends to your game and party.
- We’re adding “Recent Players.” This is a simple list that shows you Xbox Live members you’ve recently played with, making it easier to stay in touch with people, or add new friends after your multiplayer battles.
The update is due to hit some time in March – Titanfall is out on the 13th March in Europe, so expect it before then.