Microsoft on Monday announced a significant change in the company's strategy for console gaming by announcing cross-network Xbox Live gameplay.

The feature has seemingly open support for all comers and it is expected that it could be incorporated to titles distributed through Apple's iOS, Mac and tvOS App Stores.

The announcement was made by ID@Xbox program director Chris Charla together with news of native support for cross-platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10. Cross-network support allows Xbox Live users to play online with gamers using a different system.

"Of course, it's up to game developers to support this feature, and Xbox Live players will always have the option of choosing to play only with other Xbox Live players," Charla said.

The Redmond-based firm also announced on Monday that developer Psyonix is building cross-network gameplay into Xbox One and PC versions (via Steam) of "Rocket League." it is going to be one of the first games to support the new capability. Charla said Microsoft is extending an "open invitation" to participate, but it will depend on providers to build out support for their own networks.

Analysts maintain that Microsoft's willingness to make Xbox Live a more open ecosystem may pave the way for titles that support multiplayer action between Xbox One and Apple's iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. It is possible for that developer might add cross-network multiplayer to a stripped-down shooter available on Xbox Arcade and the tvOS App Store.