Cross-platform play (or cross-play) is one of the most important technological advancements in online gaming in recent years. It allows players of the same game to interact with each other on different devices, such as PlayStation, XBOX, PC, etc. Cross-platform games have brought together larger, more diverse player bases and created a community that isn’t limited by hardware anymore.
The evolution of this technology opens doors to a more connected future in gaming. However, this journey has not been without its challenges. This article reviews the current state of cross-platform play, explores the technological and social trends shaping its future, and looks at some key challenges that still need to be addressed.
The Rise of Cross-Platform Games
Early Days: Separation and Disconnection
At first, online gamers could only play with those who had the same console or device as themselves. Some games were only for a specific device and gamers with different devices could not have any interactions with each other. For example, a PlayStation 3 player could not compete against someone with an Xbox 360, and the same applied to games like Call of Duty and Fortnite across consoles.
In the middle of the 2010s, things began to change and finally, developers and hardware companies saw the isolated communities they have formed can do more harm than good. Minecraft which was originally a PC game, was one of the first major titles to introduce cross-platform play, allowing users on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch to play together. Fortunately, their success inspired other developers to follow the same path and it led to the revolution we see today.
The Turning Point: The Push for Cross-Platform Gaming
Fortnite had a major role in the adoption of cross-platform play. First, in 2017, Epic Games (Fortnite’s game studio) enabled cross-play for Fortnite between PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, but Sony initially blocked it between PlayStation and other platforms. In 2019, after so many public complaints and increasing pressure from the gaming community, Sony changed its decision and allowed cross-play for Fortnite. This shift set a new standard for major titles and proved that players valued cross-platform play over console exclusivity.
The Current State of Cross-Platform Play
Today, cross-platform play is becoming a standard expectation from game studios. PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC now work smoothly together, and developers are creating new games with cross-play from the start.
Technical Challenges
Alongside the inclusive environment, cross-platform play brings major technical challenges to the table, as well. Developers must optimize games to run smoothly on different hardware with different processing power, memory, graphics capabilities, etc. They also need to make sure that performance is consistent across all platforms in order to avoid creating an unfair advantage for some specific players based on the device they are using.
Other than that, maintaining cross-platform matchmaking without upsetting game balance is tricky. For example, PC players usually have more control with a mouse and keyboard, while console players only rely on controllers. This can create an imbalance, which often leads to complaints about ‘unfair’ gameplay.
Network and Server Management
Another challenge is the need for a powerful server infrastructure. Cross-platform games need centralized servers that can handle matchmaking, synchronization, and real-time data across multiple platforms. Making sure that the players experience a smooth, lag-free game regardless of the device they use needs advanced server management techniques with frequent optimization.
Future Trends: What Lies Ahead?
1. The spread of Cloud Gaming
One of the most exciting developments in the future of cross-platform gaming would be the spread of cloud gaming. Services like Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow players to stream games directly to their devices without any need for high-powered hardware. Cloud gaming can make cross-platform play more accessible and popular by letting players enjoy high-quality games on almost any device, from the smartphone in their pocket to the smart TV in their living room.
Also since cloud games run on remote servers, their performance will not depend on the player’s hardware, but rather on the strength of their internet connection and their server infrastructure. This could facilitate more seamless cross-platform experiences, as players can join the same game without worrying about their hardware differences. For a more detailed view on this subject, you can read our previous article called “Cloud Gaming: Walking Through the Fog?“
2. Expanding Cross-Platform Play Across More Genres
As cross-platform play becomes more common, developers are expected to add it to more game genres. While first-person shooters and battle royales like Fortnite and Call of Duty have led the charge, genres like MMOs, strategy games, and racing games will likely see greater integration in the future. This will create a more unified and diverse ecosystem, in which players can easily find others to play with regardless of the platform they own.
3. Social and Cultural Impact
Cross-platform gaming also has the potential to reshape the social dynamics of gaming. As many of you might remember, players have traditionally been limited to their device communities, creating friction between different player bases. With the rise and spread of cross-platform games, these boundaries are being dissolved gradually as players from different platforms are coming together, forging friendships, and competing in ways that were previously impossible.
Besides, the rise of cross-platform gaming helps smaller games maintain a larger and more active player base. For example, Indie games can now reach wider audiences by allowing cross-platform play, even if the game doesn’t have the backing of large console developers.
Conclusion
The future of cross-platform play is bright, but there are still several obstacles to overcome. The shift toward a more connected gaming experience requires innovation, careful technical management, and cooperation between developers and platform holders. However, the rewards of this effort are clear: a more inclusive and unified gaming environment, where players can enjoy games together without worrying about which platform they are using.
As we stand on the shoulders of cross-platform gaming, the future looks great. With cloud gaming, greater genre integration, and a more connected global player base, the growth of cross-platform play will influence gaming’s future.
Q&A
What is cross-platform play?
It is an important technological advancement that allows gamers to use different platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices to play together seamlessly in the same game.
Why is cross-platform play important for gaming?
As it brings players together, helps grow communities, and creates a more connected gaming experience. Other than players, who can connect with their friends regardless of their devices, it also benefits developers with increased user engagement and longevity for their games.
What are the biggest challenges in implementing cross-platform play?
The key challenges are: optimizing game performance across different hardware, maintaining balance between players on different devices (e.g., PC vs. console), and managing strong server infrastructure to handle matchmaking and real-time data synchronization.
How does cloud gaming impact cross-platform play?
As cloud gaming eliminates the dependency on local hardware by running games on remote servers, it makes cross-platform play more seamless and allows players to join games on virtually any device with an internet connection.
Resources: NWN List, itcorpinc, gamesfandom, Accelbyte, Thegoodplay
