Cross-platform gaming is on the rise with many gamers teaming up with their friends in multiplayer games across different platforms. You no longer need the same console as your friends to join and play the same multiplayer game.
An increasing number of games today support cross-platform play and rightly so. It makes console gaming more inclusive by reducing the barrier to entry. Let’s find out some of the best cross-play games and how to set up cross-play on your device.
Understanding The Difference Between Cross-Platform And Cross-Play
You might hear these two terms used interchangeably. However, when talking about games, there is a difference between cross-platform and cross-play.
Cross-platform games are those available across various consoles. An example of a cross-platform game is Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. This game is available on different platforms like PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X, and PS5.
Cross-platform games can have restrictions on multiplayer mode and require you to connect only with consoles from the same family. A cross-play game, on the other hand, allows multi-player mode across various consoles. The best example of a cross-play game is Call of Duty: Warzone.
What are the Ideal Cross-Play Games?
Among Us
An instant hit when it came out in 2018, Among Us is a popular cross-play game that you can access from different consoles including PS4, Xbox One, Steam, and even iOS and Android.
Apex Legends
This battle royale game from Respawn Entertainment quickly shot to fame in 2019. With over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, the popularity of this game is on the rise since then.
You can enjoy this team-based gameplay with your friend across Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Borderlands 3
Third in the Borderlands franchise, this game is loved by the critics with a Top Critic Rating of 80 out of 100. There is not much innovation in this edition of the game but they’ve kept intact what made the previous games a big hit.
The different consoles supported in the multiplayer mode of this game include PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S & X and PC.
How to Set Up Cross-Platform Play?
Make sure the game supports cross-platform play in multiplayer mode.
The next steps vary depending on the game that you are playing. However, in general, here is what you need to do –
- Log in to your gaming account
- Go to the Settings tab
- Find the Crossplay option and enable it
At this point, you have successfully set up crossplay for your game. Now, you need to invite your friends to join the game.
- Navigate to the Social or similar section on your game
- Use the Activation Account number or User IDs to find your friends
- Send the invites
Once they accept your invites, you are all set to enjoy your favourite multiplayer game with friends across different platforms.
Why is Cross-Platform Play Growing Popular?
Cross-platform play has allowed for a more inclusive gaming experience. And this has fueled the exponential growth of online games in recent years.
Many online gaming platforms have tapped into social gaming to boost engagement. Other online games like poker, blackjack, and roulette have improved engagement with features like live chat, live dealers and cross-platform access.
Now, casual gamers also flock to online casinos with real money where they can compete to get on top of the leaderboards for their favourite games. Online casinos incentivize playing with friends with offers such as referral bonuses.
Game developers are embracing cross-platform play to reach more players, boost growth, and build customer loyalty.
