Since the advent of the internet, players worldwide have longed to play different games together. Unfortunately, most titles are released on particular platforms. So, if you use a mobile phone, desktop, or Macbook, all platforms have different games. Some games were exclusively provided to a specific platform and accelerated to perform on that given hardware.
Cross-platform gaming allows players to enjoy the same game on different hardware and software, such as PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Steam OS, and PlayStation. The games are run natively on the hardware of the specific devices or enabled through cloud gaming, where the games are played from a remote server using services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Game streaming allows players with very low hardware specs to enjoy resource-intensive games using remote hardware.
Cross-platform gaming, or multi-platform gaming, provides developers with a larger community of players. For example, Fortnite has over 80 million monthly active users due to its cross-platform nature. However, the benefits extend beyond the developers and have been deeply felt by the gaming community.
Breaking Platform Barriers
Before the advent of cross-platform gaming, players had to rely on a network of players using similar devices to play, which threw a spanner in the works for multiplayer games that needed a partner to play. However, with the increased number of players from other platforms, it is easy to play games with anyone on any hardware and have quality gaming time.
This means you can easily play with your friends without worrying about what devices they use. Removing the barrier means players can have one account to play the game on any device without losing progress. This makes it easier for players to upgrade or switch devices smoothly and keep playing the same game with friends.
For example, you can play Apex Legends on your desktop and continue the same game on your smartphone or PlayStation later. Having the games available on various devices enhances the gaming experience without having to purchase different versions for each of them.
Broader Player Base and Global Communities
Gaming is a collaborative endeavor that brings people together. Getting more cross-platform games means a larger player base. The extensive community base has made match-making easier, creating more robust fandoms and user communities. Games that had a handful of gamers now have a wide community with blogs and forums to share their experiences.
Cross-platform gaming has attracted players from different demographics. For example, online cashback casinos have implemented mobile and desktop version features. Also, they work on Android, iOS, PC, and even consoles. For people trying out different gambling types, it has become easier as they can access the games from multiple devices.
Additionally, cross-platform gaming allows cultural exchange and the elimination of international boundaries. The new international gaming community helps promote more inclusivity and tolerance.
Unlocking the Future of Midcore Gaming
Due to the success of cross-platform games, more gaming studios are making more mid-core games. This has attracted a new audience of gamers looking for a profound gaming experience and want to be challenged by games.
There was a 16% increase in the number of cross-platform games in 2022 from 2021, and the numbers are projected to increase in the current decade. Therefore, we expect a rise in indie game developers—improving the entire gaming landscape and adopting more mid-core games.
Better Bug Fixes and Seamless Updates
Players often search for the most entertaining and best-performing games on their hardware. The large pool of hardware and software in cross-platform gaming creates the best test environment, as the games are tested on various hardware, making it easy to catch and correct bugs.
Additionally, many players can submit bugs, making it easy to fix errors and get updates faster. The gaming community also shares the different ways they solve the varied bugs in their games and the working solution as they wait for errors to be fixed.
Conclusion
Cross-platform gaming is here to stay. It has given players more choices regarding games and the hardware they can use. It has also made it easy for players to communicate, play, and enjoy their favorite games globally.