It is difficult to deny that we are now on the cusp of the next generation of video game consoles. Two major companies are currently inching their ways towards the release of their latest and greatest, to the point where we’ve even begun to hear about said companies creating mutually beneficial partnerships, though these waters are still decidedly murky and will require further explanation from the heads of both Sony and Microsoft. One irrefutable fact is that one the Sony side of things, the PlayStation company seems to be putting a massive focus into backward compatibility for the PlayStation 5, with the company addressing a longtime weakness that the Xbox has been exploiting for years. Now, a new report has revealed that in addition to backward compatibility, the PlayStation 5 may also be capable of cross-gen multiplayer with the PS4.

The news comes by way of a recent investors meeting for Sony, wherein the subject of backward compatibility was brought up by the newly appointed Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and president Jim Ryan. According to GamesRadar, Ryan stated that “backwards compatibility, in a networked era, becomes something that is incredibly powerful.”

Because the gaming community is somewhat tribal in its nature, backwards compatibility gives us the opportunity to migrate that community from PlayStation 4 to next-gen using the ability to play the PS4 games they have on their next-generation console. We think it’s incredibly important.”

In regards to the potential for cross-gen multiplayer, SIE deputy president John Kodera said: “Cross-generation the community can enjoy the games together.” This is, of course, extremely vague, though the words are pointed enough that it sounds like we’re getting exactly what we think we’re getting: cross-gen multiplayer. How Sony plans to execute this is another issue in itself, though the PlayStation 5, for all we know, could be loaded with such surprised.

So, thoughts on the prospect of cross-gen multiplayer? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, stay tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers for all the latest gaming and entertainment news! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for our 24/7 news feed!