What is cross-play?
Cross-play is a feature of a video game that makes it possible to play with other players who are using different game consoles or other equipment such as computers. It is the support for multiplayer online gameplay between different hardware platforms. Cross-play describes the ability of players using different video game hardware to play with each other simultaneously.
Benefits of Cross-Play
Some of the benefits of cross-play are:
- It expands the player base and matchmaking pool, making it easier to find and join games with other players online.
- It enhances the social aspect of gaming, allowing players to play with their friends and family regardless of what device they own.
- It increases the longevity and popularity of games, as more players can access and enjoy them across platforms.
- It reduces the need to buy multiple devices or versions of games, saving money and resources.
Challenges of Cross-Play
Some of the challenges of cross-play are:
- It requires technical compatibility and cooperation between different platforms, developers, and publishers, which may not always be feasible or desirable.
- It may create balance issues or unfair advantages between players using different devices or input methods, such as keyboard and mouse versus controller.
- It may affect the performance or quality of games, as they have to run on various hardware specifications and network conditions.
- It may raise security or privacy concerns, as players have to share their data or accounts across platforms.
Examples of Cross-Play Games
Some examples of games that support cross-play are:
- Fortnite: A battle royale game where up to 100 players compete to be the last one standing. The game also features a creative mode where players can build their own maps and modes. Fortnite supports cross-play on Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Mac OS X.
- Minecraft: A sandbox game where players can explore, build, and survive in a pixelated world of infinite possibilities. The game also features various modes, such as survival, creative, adventure, and hardcore. Minecraft supports cross-play on Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and VR devices.
- Rocket League: A sports game where players control rocket-powered cars and try to score goals in a soccer-like arena. The game also features various modes, such as casual, competitive, tournaments, and custom games. Rocket League supports cross-play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Mac OS X.
How do I enable cross-play on my device?
The steps to enable cross-play on your device may vary depending on the game and the platform you are using. However, here are some general guidelines that may help you:
- First, make sure that the game you want to play supports cross-play. You can check the game’s details on the Microsoft Store, the game’s website, or online sources.
- Second, make sure that you are signed in to your account and that your device is connected to the internet. You may also need to update your game or your device’s software to the latest version.
- Third, go to the game’s settings menu and look for an option for cross-play or cross-network play. Depending on the game, you may be able to enable or disable cross-play for all modes or specific modes. You may also be able to choose which platforms you want to play with or against.
- Fourth, if you want to play with your friends on other platforms, you may need to add them as friends using their in-game ID or their platform ID. You may also need to join a party or a lobby with them before starting a match.
Here are some examples of how to enable cross-play for specific games on specific platforms:
- Fortnite: To enable cross-play on your console, go to Settings > Account And Privacy > Gameplay Privacy > Allow Cross Platform Play and toggle it on or off. To enable cross-play on your PC, go to Settings > Account > Allow Cross Platform Parties and toggle it on or off. Source
- Minecraft: To enable cross-play on your console, go to Settings > Profile > Privacy Settings > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details and Customize > Communication & Multiplayer > You Can Play With People Outside Xbox Live and select Allow. To enable cross-play on your PC, go to Settings > Privacy & Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details and Customize > Communication & Multiplayer > You Can Play With People Outside Xbox Live and select Allow. Source
- Rocket League: To enable cross-play on your console or PC, go to Options > Gameplay > Cross-Platform Play and toggle it on or off. Source
- Battlefield 2042: To enable cross-play on your console or PC, go to Accessibility & Options > General > Other > Cross-play and toggle it on or off. Source