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The term cross-platform is used for software that is compatible with multiple operating systems. If you are a member of a gaming community, you must have heard the words “cross-platform” or “cross-play”. It refers to all apps and games compatible with multiple operating systems. This functionality helps users to differentiate between all systems, including – gaming consoles, computers, mobile devices and others. Here, we will discuss what Cross-platform gaming How useful it is for gamers.
What is cross-platform functionality in games and apps?
As we have discussed, this functionality bridges the gap between multiple operating systems running on different devices. For example, the popular VLC media player is compatible with three major desktop operating systems – Windows, MacOS and Linux. Mobile device apps also come with this functionality as there are several apps available in both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How do developers incorporate this functionality into their apps?
An app with cross-platform functionality depends entirely on the developer and how a particular software is coded. Developers may need to re-code and re-package the entire software to include functionality (if they do not already support it). Some apps that were previously created may incorporate the functionality of their framework. These frameworks allow developers to smoothly enable cross-platform support in their software.
The importance of cross-platform software for users
There are several reasons to ensure that users are using software that comes with cross-platform functionality. The most important consideration when using software is file compatibility. If a file format is only available on one operating system, you may want to convert it to a format compatible with multiple systems.
How cross-platform gaming evolved Year after year?
Previously, cross-platform compatibility was a huge problem. Major game makers like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo create and finance titles that are often developed by their internal studios or other game studios that were their strategic partners. This is why many games were “exclusive” which was only available on one device
Customers had to consider the games available for a particular console before deciding on a particular device. For example, Hello was previously only available on Xbox, Uncharted on PlayStation and Mario Nintendo consoles.
However, the situation has now changed as these game makers have started offering cross-platform gaming functionality for their major titles. Microsoft and Sony have begun to support more cross-platforms, where Nintendo is still stuck with exclusive offers.
Multiple major exclusive titles from these manufacturers are now making their way onto PCs and other consoles as PC gaming has become more popular over the past decade. Developers have also started designing their games with PC gamers in mind due to the high performance ceiling on the desktop. The graphics and performance of the same game is reduced when it goes to the console.
What is cross play And how is it useful for gamers?
The biggest advantage of cross-platform gaming is Cross-platform game, Also known as cross-play. This is a major advantage of the functionality that gives users the ability to play multiple titles, including a single title on a single device or multiple devices.
This feature allows gamers and their friends, who own different devices, to play the same game together in multiplayer mode. For example, if you’re playing a specific game on the PlayStation 5, you’ll be able to play the same game with or against players using a Windows PC. This means that a group of friends, who own different platforms, can still play the same game with each other with this feature.
The pressure to cross-play has grown over the last few years as big headlines have become less exclusive. Most developers and game developers have begun to implement the cross-play feature in their games, but there are still some holdouts like Nintendo.
The cross-play feature also enhances the available user base of a particular game, which is also good for developers. Having a large gaming community of a particular game that is regularly active can reduce waiting time, increase the level of skills available to play, and encourage new players to start playing.
Some of the famous titles that have cross-play support are – Call of Duty, Among Us, Apex Legends, Fortnite and Minecraft.
Considering how the feature has been made available for games over the last few years, more games can be expected, including cross-platform support. Nowadays, game studios are also becoming aware of how cross-play helps a player stay engaged. You can also expect most multiplayer games to be released in the future with cross-play support.
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