One of the biggest challenges that the gaming industry is trying to overcome is to bring more cross-platform gaming experiences. Currently, the only sector where cross-platform is widely possible is iGaming. This cross-platform aspect is one of the main reasons why online iGaming is so accessible nowadays. It’s also more accessible in terms of spending, as players can bet a lot by only spending a few bucks. There are many free spins deals for a $5 deposit over at Wageringadvisors.ca that you can check, and all of the recommended sites are licensed to operate in Canada. It’s important to note that iGaming software companies want their games to be cross-platform too, and that’s not always the case with regular development studios.
Here we will talk about these challenges and discuss the future of cross-platform gaming. We will also compare popular games to iGaming content to see why iGaming companies have the edge in this department. If you are new to iGaming, definitely check which operators are the best according to Wagering Advisors reviews, as they evaluate iGaming sites based on a comprehensive list of criteria, including bonuses and promotions. Some of these operators are big innovators in the iGaming space. So, they can make the whole cross-platform aspect of iGaming more appealing in the future.
Hardware Challenges
One of the main issues for implementing cross-platform games is the hardware. Consoles and hand-held devices can be drastically different from PCs. This is why many games are developed and optimized for one device to provide a great experience for those players.
iGaming games don’t have demanding mechanics, and a lot of them are browser-based, which is why cross-platform play isn’t a big deal. In fact, even if VR becomes the next big thing in gaming, it will be compatible with iGaming content. That being said, it would be fun to see a virtual iGaming establishment solely developed for VR.
As far as modern gaming consoles go, like PlayStation and Xbox, they can easily overcome hardware requirements for PC titles. Nowadays, you can get a mouse and a keyboard that you can plug into your console. Additionally, it’s easy to connect a joystick to the PC and play with that device. So, even if titles are designed primarily for keyboard and mouse or for joysticks, both PC and console players would be able to fully enjoy the experience.
Publishing Challenges
Another big issue for implementing cross-platform play is publishing rights. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo all have their own consoles, and they want to have exclusive titles. These exclusives are a very powerful incentive that drives the sales of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. So it’s easy to see why they don’t like the idea of big franchisees and cross-play.
Other studios, like Blizzard, Ubisoft, EA, etc., all have their own stores and apps. They also have their own users, so it’s not always in their interest to have titles available on Microsoft, Sony, or other gaming stores. In other words, we are more likely to see cross-play if multiple companies get consolidated into bigger tech giants.
Nobody likes the idea of a monopoly on the gaming market, but the upside is the potential for cross-play. Microsoft is in the process of acquiring Blizzard Entertainment, and if that goes through, it’s possible that some of the PC exclusives will make their way to Xbox.
Esport and Cross-Play
Another hurdle for making more cross-platform titles is the popularity of Esport. Gaming tournaments are a big hit in the community, and many studios are striving to create competitive games. They want their product to have a big Esport potential, and that’s why they exclusively design games for PCs or consoles. Even iGaming businesses are trying to tap into the potential of Esport and attract younger audiences.
Currently, the most popular Esport competitions are for either PC or mobile games:
- League of Legends – PC
- Hearthstone – Cross-platform
- PUBG Mobile – Mobile
- DOTA 2 – PC
- Valortant – PC
- Counter Strike Global Offensive – PC
- FIFA – Console
Apart from Hearthstone, where PC players can compete against mobile players, all of the other titles have dedicated servers depending on the device. Let’s not forget that VR is completely new and very incompatible with all of the other devices.
Virtual Table Tops and cRPGs
The game genres that will dominate cross-platform play are virtual tabletops and cRPGs. Pen and paper RPG designers have successfully moved their product into the digital space, and much like with iGaming, the software is browser-based. It’s also a very social experience, so players are looking forward to new VTT apps. Baldur’s Gate 3 is an example of a AAA game that will be cross-platform, allowing PC and console players to team up seamlessly.
The reason why this genre works for cross-play is because it’s turn-based. So, there are no unfair advantages for those playing on mobile, PC, or console, much like with Hearthstone. Other TCGs like Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic Gathering are also cross-platform because they are turn-based. So, it is possible for big hits from the past, like Heroes of Might and Magic, to make a return as well if the demand for cross-platform play continues to rise.
