The gaming world is continuously evolving, with new changes emerging every day. Over the past decade, multiplayer games have become increasingly popular. People sought to play with their friends even when they were not in the same location or on the same console. Initially, multiplayer games only allowed players with similar consoles to play together, which limited their appeal.
But, this issue was soon solved. The introduction of crossplay enabled players on different consoles to play together. What exactly is cross play and what does it mean to Australian players? Join us as we delve into the world of cross platform play and its possibilities.
What Is Crossplay?
Cross-play or cross-platform gaming allows playing games with other users. No matter which gaming platform you have, you can enjoy playing games with your friends. Instead of being restricted to playing with others on the same platform, cross-play allows gamers to play with anyone, anywhere. So whether you own a PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, cross-play enables you to enjoy games with your friends and have a great time.
Speaking of great times, you don’t have to wait for so long in the lobby anymore, crossplay has made matching faster. With the increased pool of potential opponents using various platforms, it is easier to find another player and find a match.
This feature has also made gaming even more engaging and exciting for many people. It not only provides a source of entertainment but also an opportunity to connect with others and create lasting memories.
The best part is that cross-play is often available for free games. So just like online games offering free spins no deposit in Australia, crossplay is free, making it accessible to everyone. Some of the most popular free games that support cross-play include Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty Warzone. This means that you can join in on the fun no matter what platform you are playing on. It allows everyone to enjoy the thrill of playing together and take the fullest fro the gameplay.
The History of Cross Play
Cross play has a long history that dates back to the early 2000s. At the time, Id Software allowed players of Quake III Arena on PC to connect and play online with owners of the Sega Dreamcast console. This feature was a groundbreaking step forward in the gaming world, and players were excited to explore its possibilities.
In 2002, Final Fantasy XI became one of the first games to install cross-platform play on a large scale. The game allowed players on PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PC to play together in the same game world. This was a significant milestone in crossplay as it showed that players could connect with each other regardless of their platform.
Final Fantasy XI’s crossplay functionality was possible through the use of game servers, hosted by the game’s developer, Square Enix. This allowed players on different platforms to connect to the same game world and interact with each other in real-time.
In 2003, Need for Speed: Underground joined the ranks of games that implemented crossplay. It allowed players on PC and PlayStation 2 to play together online. Since then, crossplay has become more popular among gamers. Many modern games now support cross-platform play across a wide range of consoles and devices, including popular titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and Call of Duty: Warzone. In addition, you can check reputable resources like Niche Gamer to be aware of all new features of your favourite games.
Popular Games That Support Cross Platform Play
Game | Compatibility |
Need for speed Heat | PC, PlayStation4&5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Minecraft Bedrock Edition | PC, PlayStation4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
Forza Horizon 4&5 | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Apex Legends | PC, PlayStation4&5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
Among Us | PC, Android, iOS |
Call of Duty: Black Ops- Cold War | PC, playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbos Series X7S |
Fortnite | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android |
Destiny 2 | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Star Wars Squadrons | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbos Series X/S |
No Man’s Sky | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation4&5 |
Rocket League | Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation4&5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Street Fighter 5 | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC |
Astroneer | PC(Microsoft), Xbox One |
Cross Platform Gaming Restrictions
Although cross platform play has opened up new possibilities for gaming, it is not every game that offers full cross platform support. Each game still has its own requirements for players interested in cross play.
If you want to enjoy cross-play, there are two options available to you:
- In-game options;
- Third-party crossplay services.
Some games that support cross play with the PlayStation Network (PSN) have strict regulations to ensure fair play for all users. Examples of such games include Fortnite and Rocket League, but only between platforms that use the PSN, such as PlayStation, PC, and mobile devices. Unfortunately, Xbox and Nintendo Switch players are not able to join in the fun.
In addition to PSN restrictions, some games require players to connect to the same network before cross play is possible. Other games still require players to be on the same platform due to game-specific features and to create an equal gaming experience for all users.
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Advantages of Cross Platform Play
Cross-platform play has transformed the gaming experience for gamers in various ways. Here are some of the advantages you can expect:
- Enhanced gaming experience;
- Improved matchmaking;
- Cost savings.
However, while cross platform play is the next big thing for gamers, it’s not entirely a bed of roses. Here is one problem you may encounter with cross play – unequal gaming experience.
When it comes to comfortable play, keyboard and mouse can be a crucial benefit compared to using a controller. With a mouse, your reflexes are quicker. And a keyboard allows you to customise the mechanics of the game to suit your style of play. On the other hand, a controller is much more restrictive. It has sluggish analogue sticks and binding options which can limit a gamer.
Developers Attempts to Address Challenges of Cross Play
Game developers that enable cross platform play have attempted to balance out the gameplay by giving certain advantages to PC or console gamers, depending on the game in question.
For instance, in a first-person shooter game, console players may have an advantage in aiming and movement due to the use of a controller, while PC players may have an advantage in accuracy and speed due to the use of a mouse and keyboard. To address this, game developers may adjust various game mechanics to balance out these differences and ensure fair gameplay for all.
Also, developers now allow players to customize their control schemes to their liking, regardless of the platform they are playing on. This allows players to choose the control method that works best for them, whether it be a controller or a keyboard and mouse.
Another solution is the new matchmaking algorithms that take into account the platform and control method of each player. This ensures that players are matched with others who are playing on the same platform and using similar control methods, which helps to balance out the gameplay.
In addition to these solutions, game developers have also implemented different graphics and performance options on different platforms to ensure that all players have an enjoyable and fair experience. Certain games provide higher frame rates and better resolution on PC, enabling developers to guarantee better performance for PC players, while console players can enjoy a more stable and consistent experience. By tweaking these aspects of the game, developers can ensure that players on different platforms have an enjoyable and fair experience.
Conclusion
The future of cross play looks promising, as more and more game developers are recognizing the value of allowing players to connect across different platforms. As online play becomes more social and interconnected, cross play is likely to play a more important role in the gaming world in the years to come.
It has become as it allows players to connect with other players who may not have the same gaming system.