Even though online gaming has more than been established as the wave of the future, with every major console, handheld and the PC offering it in some form, getting developers and publishers to enable cross-platform gaming hasn’t been quite as easy as many gamers would have hoped. However, with Microsoft’s implementation of Live for Games for Windows the trend is growing, and we may finally be taking our first steps towards a time when it is commonplace. Recently, the house that Sonic built, SEGA, became the first third-party publisher to announce support for Xbox 360-to-PC multiplayer with its RTS Universe at War: Earth Assault. For more information on the game and it cross-platform gaming, you can find the full press release below:

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (June 27th, 2007) –  SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® America, Inc. today announced that Universe at War: Earth Assault™ for the PC and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system will support Microsoft’s Games for Windows – Live system, making it the first third-party title announced to support Games for Windows – Live and enable PC vs. Xbox 360 cross-platform gaming. Universe at War: Earth Assault is scheduled to ship for PC in North America and Europe this Winter 2007 and for the Xbox 360 in Q1 2008.

Universe at War: Earth Assault for the Xbox 360 will employ a control scheme built from the ground up to ensure smooth gameplay and ease of command for console gamers. To fully support fair and equal gameplay between PC and Xbox 360 gamers, developer Petroglyph is working to implement a balanced gaming environment and multiple modes for PC vs. Xbox 360 multiplayer games ensuring the best possible experience for gamers on both platforms.

"SEGA is delighted to be working with Microsoft and join them at the forefront of a new dawn for gaming" commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. "The power of the Xbox 360 console means that games once exclusively the preserve of high end PC gaming, are now finding a new home on console also. With Universe At War’s support for Games For Windows – Live we’ll be able to bring together PC and Console gamers through one of RTS gaming’s most anticipated new titles".

Incorporating innovative multiplayer modes inspired by popular massively multiplayer online games and competitive online titles, Universe at War: Earth Assault for the PC and Xbox 360 will give players achievement points, rewards, and medals to encourage players to progress in the game. Players from around the world will battle in the persistent-style "Conquer the World" mode across the PC and Xbox 360 for ultimate faction supremacy in a virtual representation of Earth.