It is hard to imagine gaming without cross-platform capabilities as they have become commonplace and expected by player bases across all platforms especially when it comes to live-service, multiplayer games. But are these cross-platform services paramount to the gaming landscape now? Why is there the need to make gaming accessible for everyone? To answer these questions, it is important to understand what cross-platforms services are and how they enhance gaming.
So, what does a game having cross- platform accessibility mean? Essentially, it means the game can be played on multiple console or devices at the same time with updates and patches being released simultaneously across these platforms. One of the biggest examples is Fortnite which is available across a plethora of devices including PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and mobile devices. A similar concept to cross-platform gaming is cross-progression (or cross-save) where players can carry over their save files from one platform to another which is also a feature that provides accessibility to players.
From these definitions, it can be deciphered why cross-platform services have become paramount to gaming. By enabling cross-platform accessibility in their games, developers maintain a more unified player base that spreads across all platforms allowing them deal with the game’s community as a whole rather than a fragmented community with issues on each platform. Developers can also create a single codebase for the game that is deployed for all platforms even if it is still needs to be individually optimized for each device due to performance. Cross-platform gaming is also hugely beneficial for players which is where the accessibility features thrive. Financial barriers are removed as someone with a mobile or a cheaper console in comparison can play with all platforms even up to high-end gaming PCs. Whether you have spent hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands you will all still be able to play with each other. Equally, global barriers are removed as certain consoles may be more widely available or popular in some countries compared to others enabling people to play internationally easily.
Why is accessibility needed for everyone though? Could we not just all buy the same device and have a universal gaming experience on one console? We could, but it would leave a lot to be desired. Players may be financially scrutinized, gaming may be less creatively inclined and most importantly there would be no competition. Accessibility does not only create inclusivity and community but nurtures talent and quality. When a game is available on all platforms it is then judged on its performance, portability, features and overall design of the game. The consoles themselves also have an opportunity to show off their hardware and capabilities of their technology as the same game can be compared across devices. Cross platform services are paramount to making gaming accessible for everyone due to the advantages it provides developers and gamers alike, improving the quality of life of the gaming landscape.