Former Xbox VP Advocates for Unified Friends Lists Across Consoles
With cross-platform gaming becoming more prevalent, former Microsoft VP Mike Ybarra has suggested that PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox should collaborate on a shared friends list system. This idea aligns with Xbox’s evolving strategy of making its games accessible across multiple platforms, signaling a potential shift away from exclusive console competition.
PS/Nintendo should work with Xbox on some type of friends transfer system etc. Eventually that should be done to help people stay connected with their friends.
A Future Without a Dedicated Xbox Console?
Ybarra’s proposal comes in response to Xbox’s recent direction, which emphasizes bringing its games to rival platforms rather than directly competing with PlayStation and Nintendo in the hardware space. As Xbox gradually transitions into a publisher-first model, many loyal fans may eventually find themselves playing on different consoles. However, one major hurdle remains: friends lists.
If Xbox hardware becomes less central to the brand’s future, players shifting to PlayStation or Nintendo could lose access to their long-established friend networks. Rebuilding those connections from scratch would be a challenge, and in some cases, it might not even be possible.
A Step Toward a Universal Gaming Social Network?
Ybarra acknowledges that a fully unified gaming social platform is unlikely, but he points to the evolution of cross-play as proof that industry barriers can be broken. Not too long ago, PlayStation resisted cross-platform gaming, yet today, titles like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals allow seamless multiplayer experiences across consoles.
A cross-platform friends list would be the next logical step in ensuring that players remain connected, regardless of where they play. With Xbox’s shift toward game availability across multiple platforms, it might only be a matter of time before a unified friends list becomes a necessity rather than just an idea.
