Is your game cross-platform ready?
That was the question AccelByte VP of Tech Raymond Arifianto asked the gaming community at GDC 2020. Fast forward to today, and cross-platform play has gone from an ambitious concept to a must-have feature for many modern games.
We’ve come a long way since the old days, when developers found logistical challenges in cross-platform play difficult to overcome. Now, the industry sees it as a key way to unite communities, increase user acquisition and retention, and extend the lifecycle of games. But despite the strides in the industry, this is not without its challenges.
One pain point Arifianto highlighted in his talk still resonates: unified account systems. As he pointed out, even in blockbuster titles like Call of Duty, finding friends across platforms can be clunky. Players on Xbox can’t simply search for PlayStation usernames because of platform silos. Therefore, he advised creating a unified account system to connect players seamlessly across devices.
It’s solid advice. But before we dive into the “how,” let’s get clear on what cross-platform play is and why it’s so important.
What is cross-platform gaming?
Cross-platform play, or crossplay, allows players on different devices—whether PC, console, or mobile—to play the same game in the same online ecosystem. Whether you’re on a PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, you can connect with your friends, battle opponents, or team up for co-op missions without being tied to a single platform.
For multiplayer games, cross-platform play has literally been a game-changer. It doesn’t just make gaming more convenient for players—it builds unified communities, helps to acquire more users, strengthens player retention, and opens up new opportunities for engagement and monetization.
The big appeal of cross-platform play
The appeal of cross-platform play is simple: it breaks down barriers. Gamers are no longer siloed by the hardware they own, and developers get access to a wider, more connected player base. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Unified Communities: Bringing players from all platforms together creates larger, more vibrant communities. For live-service games, this is especially important, as maintaining a high active player count is critical to long-term success.
- Extended Game Lifespan: Crossplay helps games stay relevant for longer by broadening their audience. Titles like Fortnite and Minecraft have thrived for years thanks in part to their cross-platform ecosystems.
- Increased Engagement: Crossplay encourages players to invite friends to join, regardless of the hardware they own.
For developers, it’s a win-win. Cross-platform play not only makes their games more appealing but also opens doors for better monetization and broader market reach.
Challenges in cross-platform game development
Of course, cross-platform play isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It comes with its fair share of hurdles, including:
- Console-Specific Challenges
Each console—whether it’s Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch—has unique requirements for development kits, approval processes, and gameplay design. Adapting to these differences can be time-consuming and requires developers to tailor their game’s code, graphics, and mechanics to meet each platform’s guidelines. - Compatibility Snags
Supporting different screen sizes, hardware capabilities, and operating systems can lead to performance issues. Developers often need to write custom code to ensure smooth functionality across platforms, which can stretch development timelines and budgets. - Technical Restrictions
Whether it’s navigating the limitations of mobile operating systems, like iOS and Android, or managing software architecture for consoles and PCs, developers face technical roadblocks. These include balancing performance optimization and meeting the technical demands of each platform. - Consistency in User Experience
Ensuring a seamless, unified user experience across platforms is arguably the biggest challenge. Any inconsistencies in design or functionality can confuse players and hurt the overall experience.
Tips for Succeeding with Cross-Platform Play
Despite the challenges, cross-platform play is achievable with the right approach. Here are some best practices to get it right:
- Choose the Right Game Engine
Game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are well-equipped to handle cross-platform development. Select an engine that aligns with your team’s expertise, the game’s complexity, and the intended platforms to streamline development. Or, build a browser game on an engine like Moddio, which inherently allows players to run games on any device that can access the browser. - Leverage Reusable Components
Save time and resources by reusing code, libraries, and UI elements wherever possible. This not only speeds up development but also ensures consistency across platforms, making updates and maintenance easier. - Build Scalable Systems
Modular development allows teams to isolate individual components, making bug fixes and updates more efficient. Scalability also helps future-proof your game by enabling easier adaptation to new technologies or platforms. - Plan for Platform-Specific Tweaks
Each platform has unique requirements, from performance guidelines to design specifications. Anticipate these differences early in the development process and plan for platform-specific optimizations to ensure smooth performance everywhere. - Unify the Player Experience
Invest in systems like unified accounts or cross-platform matchmaking to ensure players can easily connect with friends, no matter what platform they’re on. This seamless player experience is important in order to build community and retain users overall.
