Cross-platform gaming means games played by multiple players from different devices. These games are optimized to work on various devices. No matter what you use, a mobile, a PC, or a gaming console, these games allow you to participate in the fun.
Cross-platform games have become trendy over the years. However, people new to the concept can find it interesting. Therefore, in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about cross-platform gaming.
Why Cross-Platform Gaming is so Popular
Sharing fun at weekends has always been a way to spend time. From watching movies together to playing cards the world progressed to playing online games together. Cross-platform gaming allows interaction with people and it is one of the reasons it is potentially growing with 87% of multiplayer gamers playing cross-platform.
Marmalade Game Studios uses cross-platform games to bring people together. Also, games that were previously played on specific platforms are now coming on mobile devices, such as Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, and Fortnite.
How To Start Cross-platform Gaimg
It may seem a very easy thing to do but many factors can affect cross-patform gaming. For example, every game is developed differently and every device has unique hardware and software.
If the games are not played on the right device they can affect the compatibility. Also, the online services you use can also compromise the performance.
Therefore, we are trying to make your gaming experience more straightforward with the following steps.
The first thing to consider is the type of game you want to play. Narrowing down your preferences is better because there are plenty of games in the market. So, be sure about your choices, such as if you want to play as a single player, co-op, or competitive. Or, do you want to play causal or hardcore?
Once you have selected your style, let’s talk about taste. Genre is another important factor to consider. For example, adventure, role-playing, or action.
The player base also impacts the overall experience of cross-platform gaming. Know the player base of the game meaning how many players can play the game and if it is easy to join a match with other players. A game with a large player base is more exciting as you also get to interact with a number of people.
Lastly, performance decided the ultimate experience of the game. So look into whether your chosen game is smooth and has great graphics. Moreover, have an idea of how the game works on different platforms and how many times it gets updated. A game that is consistently upgrading its features and is smooth is more fun to play.
Graphic quality must never be compromised while playing because it decides the flawless experience. PC with a high-end GPU has the ability to handle high positions and frame rates which prevents the game from lagging. This quality decreases with mobile devices and consoles.
Also, your game can be affected by the input methods of the device. PC uses a keyboard and mouse while the console uses gamepads. Mobile has also become an immensely popular device and used touchpads for cross-platform gaming. The input method decided the responsiveness of the game.
Cross-play compatibility is essential for a game to run. Not all games support different devices. For instance, some cross-play games are only playable on PC and consoles and some extend the compatibility to mobile. This limits your ability to play cross-platform games, so choose the game that is playable on your device.
Last but not least, system requirements are crucial to see if a game is playable on your device or not, or what are the minimum system requirements of the game. These requirements stand for the specifications of the hardware and software of the devices.
If the system requirements of the game you want to play do not meet the device, you will not have smooth gameplay. This means the game will lag and crash because the system is unable to hold the high-end graphics.
To make it easy, always go to the official website of the game you want to purchase or download or you can also visit the Steam page to find out the minimum need for the game to run effortlessly. Once you have the list compare it to your device’s specifications.
Best Cross-Platform Games
Now that you know how to shortlist the best cross-platform game, Let’s give you some options that we like the most.
1. Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 is one of the best multipliers cross-platform games that has improved its overall features over the years. It is available on PS5, PC, and PS4. The game has a Metacritic score of 86 and is also a critically acclaimed MMORPG. This game is now arriving on Xbox which expands its cross-platform feature.
2. Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is available on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox series X/S, and PC. With a Metacritic score of 73, this is also one of the excellent games in the market. This game has a very catchy design, soffit mechanics, and incredible technical quality. It is a cross-play but not cross-progression, which means players must stick to the platforms they use.
3. Forza Horizon
If you are into racing, this one is for you. Forza Horizon has a Metacritic score of 92. This game can be cross-play between Xbox One, Xbox X series, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC. It is only available in Mircorsoft’s game sections and does not reach Sony’s PlayStation.
4. Fortnite
Fortnite started as a competitor to PUBG but became a big name in past years. This game is one of the widely cross-platform games as it is available on all gaming consoles including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and also on PC and Mobile. It has a Metacritic score of 78 and its creative mode allows for racing, survival, and parkour games to be created and shared.
5. Deathloop
Want a shooter experience, here is the most immersive game. Deathloop allows players to assume the game character and engage in a hunt against one another. This multiplayer game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox series X/S and has a Metacritic score of 88.
6. Apex Legends
Apex Legends is one of the titles that made its debut with a cross-platform feature in 2019. It is a very fast-paced game and offers a shooting experience with players having special skills. The game is available on PS 4, PS 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.
7. Borderlands 3
BorderLand 3 is also a great game with fluid gameplay and an excellent approach to skills and weapons to wield. The game is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox. The game was released cross-platform but it does not offer cross-progressive.
8. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an amazing space shooter game that became cross-platform after its release. The game has amazing mechanics but some content problems. This game is available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PlayStation 4 and 5. The game is not only cross-play but also cross-save, meaning players can enjoy the game on any available device with their account connected.
9. Minecraft
It is another game that is very popular and available for cross-platform play. This is a sandbox game and players can create worlds made of blocks, explore them, and play on any device. This game is available on PC, PS 5, PS 4, Xbox Series X/S, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.
10. Rocket League
This innovative game combines racing and soccer. Players can control a car that is powered by a rocket to score a goal in a huge arena. This is also a cross-platform game and is available on PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.
Final Analysis
Now that you know how to operate in cross-platform gaming, you can just choose and play. Other than going through all of the above steps, you will also need to make an account of the platform you plan on playing. Again, exploring the official pages of the consoles and games will give you an idea of how to proceed with a particular game and platform.
FAQs
What is Cross-play?
Cross-play is a feature of a video game that allows you to play with friends even if they are using different devices such as computers and consoles.
Is PC Crossplay?
Yes, PC is included in crossplay platforms for many games, such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and more.
What are the disadvantages of cross-platform gaming?
Crossplay games tend to be a bit laggy and unbalanced because people are often playing with different devices and use different input methods, therefore, it often crash.
Is GTA Cross-platform?
GTA is not yet cross-platform as it is coming on a few platforms such as Xbox Series and PS5. Players will have to wait for more expandable platforms.
Is crossplay the future of gaming?
Yes, crossplay is the gaming future. However it has its disadvantages because of the different inputs but we can not ignore the fact that it brings healthy competition, interactions, and breaking platform barriers. With more advancements in technology, we hope to get an enhanced experience of crossplay in the coming years.
