- Despite multiplayer gaming becoming the face of gaming, most games still don’t support crossplay, preventing players from playing together on different platforms.
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Games like Fortnite thrive with crossplay, while titles like Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and Elden Ring Nightreign frustrate players by lacking it.
- While some argue crossplay creates an imbalance, most games offer the option to disable it, highlighting the missed potential when developers prioritize microtransactions instead.
The face of video games has significantly changed over the past couple of decades, and multiplayer is the face of gaming. Even the biggest games currently are multiplayer games, which have become a way of socializing with people ever since the pandemic.
However, with video games’ increasing popularity, a huge issue still hasn’t been addressed. Most gamers are on different platforms, which makes it impossible for them to enjoy certain games together.
Crossplay has no downsides if implemented correctly. I’m surprised that most video games nowadays haven’t followed the example of big titles like Fortnite, which already have crossplay implemented, a huge factor contributing to the game’s longevity.
Why It Matters: Every gaming platform has its ups and downs, and while it may be subjective which one is better, there should be no reason for different players not to be able to play together since they’re playing the exact same game.
The FOMO Is Real
While I do own an Xbox and a PC, most of my friends are on a single platform only, and playing games together can get tough. Sparking Zero was one of the most awaited games for me this year, and no crossplay was actually going to be a dealbreaker for me.
Sadly, I can only see the rest of my friends play together on PlayStation while I sit on the PC playing solo. However, with the new update supporting all maps on couch co-op, I can still enjoy game nights, but not everyone lives so close.
It even took big titles like EA’s FC (formerly FIFA) and NBA 2k years before they really implemented crossplay, and before that, I even stopped bothering to buy those games.
As a diehard Souls fan, it was disappointing to learn that the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign also doesn’t support crossplay.
Crossplay Contributes To A Game’s Longevity
With so much diversity within the video game platforms, players are divided, and it’s no wonder why video games tend to die so early due to a lack of cross-play. Take this: Dragon Ball Sparking Zero lost 90% of its player base within a couple of months.
On the other hand, games like Fortnite and Call of Duty Warzone are still prevalent due to their crossplay features. I’m not even a huge Fortnite fan, but I still play the game because it’s one of the few titles that can be played alongside, no matter what the platform and I must admit that every time I play it, I have a good time with my friends.
I’m sure that millions of other players feel just like me. Finding games shorter with crossplay means I get to interact with people on different consoles; there just isn’t any downfall aside from the competitive aspect, which I will address.
Is There Really A Downside To Crossplay
I’m sure that not everyone is a fan of crossplay, and that’s completely understandable. It’s been a huge debate in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and the latest Marvel’s Rivals, all of which have a huge competitive aspect to them.
Controller players argue that Mouse and Keyboard players have the luxury of better aim, FPS, and visuals, while Mouse and Keyboard players argue that Controller players have aim assist.
This shouldn’t even be a problem since most games have the option to disable crossplay, so you’re just restricted to playing with players on your own platform if you want to. Moreover, this is only an issue with shooter games.
For fighting games like Tekken, nobody really has an upside to playing on any platform.
I’m sure that implementing cross-play isn’t as easy as it sounds; developers have to push simultaneous updates, depart from the conventional PSN and Xbox Live architecture, and deal with other problems.
Only if developers looked into these aspects instead of microtransactions and other useless additions to the game; maybe I expect too much because we don’t even get finished releases at launch. If anything, crossplay will only prove beneficial for publishers in the long run, considering the game is actually good.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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