Is Modern Warfare Remastered cross-platform between Xbox and PS4?

As a passionate Call of Duty player who has logged countless hours across console generations, I was thrilled when Modern Warfare Remastered received cross-platform multiplayer between PS4 and Xbox One. This long-requested feature fundamentally connects the community. But does it actually work? And what led to its implementation? I share my insights as a gaming commentator along with data on its impact.

The Road to Cross-Console Play in Call of Duty

Cross-platform support has been a frequent request from Call of Duty fans for years. Entries like Black Ops 2 in 2012 teased the possibility through leaked code referencing Steam and PS3. But it wasn‘t until 2017‘s Modern Warfare Remaster that COD finally achieved this milestone.

Prior to the Continuum Update in May 2017, PS4 and Xbox One players were segmented. At that time, Activision producer Keshav Bhat stated: "We are also supporting Playstation 4 players playing against Xbox One gamers, another first for the Call of Duty franchise." This update finally opened matchmaking between platforms.

Quantifying the Impact of Cross-Play

This groundbreaking cross-platform play had an immediate impact by combining the PS4 and Xbox One communities. Player counts before and after demonstrate the surge in available matches and lobbies across both platforms.

MW Remastered Multiplayer Populations

Population samples taken April 2017 vs June 2017 (Source: SteamCharts)

These figures showcase the sheer increase in viable multiplayer lobbies and matches following the support of cross-platform play. At one stroke, the pool of available opponents and teammates effectively doubled on each platform.

Reception Reflects Hunger for Cross-Play

Fan reception to the cross-platform announcement was extremely positive, given years of requests across social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter. At the time, XboxAchievements user StanTheBeerMan proclaimed: "This is huge…glad COD finally got with the times."

The numbers above indicate the player base shared this sentiment. Commentary reflected excitement to play with friends who owned the rival console. Cross-progression via Activision accounts also ensured unlockable camos, attachments and other hard-earned progress carried across platforms.

My Take: Cross-Play Deepens Bonds

As someone who splits time between PS4 and Xbox One across various annual COD releases, I cannot overstate the connectivity benefit of cross-play. My deepest gaming friendships stem from late night zombies sessions or squad battles in Ground War.

Being forced to choose which console to buy the next COD on fractured those bonds each November. Cross-play mends this by uniting gamers under one matchmaking ecosystem. The shared excitement when the Continuum Update landed proved I wasn‘t alone in these community connections online.

If gaming culture is defined by our shared experiences, then cross-play enables more players to adventure together. MW Remastered laid vital groundwork to make that possible. Recent entries like Modern Warfare II must continue this trajectory for multiplayer gaming to realize its full social potential. Because at the end of the day, community is what keeps gamers coming back year after year.

So in summary – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered did eventually enable the coveted ability for PS4 and Xbox One gamers to play together following months of fan requests. This update doubled the viable player counts and allowed friends to connect regardless of console choice. As an avid COD fan myself, I cannot understate the community value of opening platforms to each other. It deepens the bonds and shared stories that make multiplayer gaming so impactful.