Don't expect to encounter opponents from another platform

Valve has pulled cross-platform compatibility from its downloadable Counter Strike reboot, Counter Strike: Global Offensive.

The developer originally intended to allow players to compete across PC, Mac and PlayStation 3, but the company has since decided to strip away the feature in favour of more frequent updates on the PC and Mac.

Chet Faliszek explained:

The beta has proved we want to update not just the beta, but the game itself post-launch frequently on the PC. To do that we need to separate the platforms so one doesn't hamstring the other. So for that, we have removed the idea of cross-platform play — essentially make all platforms stronger by not mixing them.

We think Faliszek’s looking for a positive that doesn’t exist in that statement, but we can at least understand the rationale. Still, cross-platform play was one of the most ambitious features of Counter Strike: Global Offensive – it’s a shame to see it go.

[source joystiq.com]