Review of Cross-Platform Game Development Services

Cross-platform game development has undoubtedly become a critical tactic for video game companies aiming to expand their audience and influence as broadly as possible. We will explore the fundamentals of cross-platform game development, the most popular titles, and engines that make it possible

Cross-platform definition encompasses making games that can run on various devices like consoles, PCs, and mobiles, without requiring different codebases. This method enables developers to access a wider range of players and guarantees that games that are cross-platform can offer a consistent experience across various devices.

While cross-platform game development aims to deliver a consistent gaming experience across all devices, it frequently requires making various game versions tailored to specific hardware and software needs of each platform. This process involves utilizing cross-platform development tools and frameworks, which simplifies coding and decreases the time and effort needed to tailor a game for different platforms. Through cross-platform game development, companies can simplify the production process, reduce expenses, and uphold game quality on every platform.

If you were wondering, which game to enjoy now - we’ve got you covered with our curated list of cross-platform games favored by players.

One of the top cross-platform games of 2024 is Helldivers 2, an exhilarating cooperative shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios leveraging the Unity engine. This sequel, released mid-February, retained the established emphasis on tactical teamwork amongst squads. Players united to safeguard the cosmos from alien perils, carrying out intricate plans and harnessing devastating destruction devices.

Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/helldivers-2-monetization/

Helldivers 2 upped the stakes with novel environments, missions, and a refined multiplayer experience. The game has gained recognition for its immersive cross-platform online gameplay, allowing players on different platforms to team up seamlessly. With its engaging plot and intense action, it's no wonder Helldivers 2 ranks high among the best ones this year.

The Call of Duty franchise needs no introduction, and in 2024, Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone remain at the forefront of good cross-play games. Developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 debuted in November 2023, with ongoing Warzone updates through 2024.

Source: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii

Tapping into the capabilities of the advanced IW engine, the Modern Warfare reboot and Warzone delivered high-octane multiplayer mayhem through cinematic campaigns and fast-paced matches. These titles earned acclaim for their integration of cross-play, which united console and PC communities on equal digital battlefields. The regular addition of new maps, custom load-outs, and limited-time modes helped sustain their dominance in networked gunplay.

Diablo 4 from Blizzard Entertainment revolutionizes the action RPG category with its foreboding dark gothic setting and fiercely intense battles. Launched in June 2023, the highly anticipated game utilized Blizzard's exclusive Diablo engine and features flexible cross-platform capability.

Immerse yourself in expansive endgames: battle for supremacy on global Leaderboards in the Trial of Hell, defend against demonic onslaughts in Realm Invasions, perfect your craft in the Forge to forge your ultimate armaments and progress mighty heroes, with cross-platform compatibility on all available systems.

Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/i-didnt-expect-diablo-4-to-be-my-next-mmo/

Diablo 4 quickly became one of the most popular cross-platform games released that year thanks to its engaging plot filled with twists and turns, incredibly rich expansive world-building filled with lore, and complex character development. Players can team up with friends across platforms to tackle demonic forces and explore vast dungeons, making it a standout title in the best cross-plat games of 2024.

Ark 2, developed by Studio Wildcard and built on Unreal Engine 5, is a highly anticipated survival game scheduled for release in 2024. This sequel explores further into the ancient world of Ark: Survival Evolved, with a fresh storyline led by Vin Diesel, who also serves as an executive producer.

Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/ark-2-guide/

In Ark 2, players can look forward to a more profound and immersive struggle for survival than its forerunner. The follow-up introduces an expanded wide-open world loaded with new environments, prehistoric animals, and progressed production frameworks. An outstanding aspect is the enhanced AI for creatures and NPCs, giving the world a livelier and more dynamic feel. Gamers will also be able to use improved base-building features, which will enable them to create more detailed and customizable structures.

Bandai Namco’s Tekken 8 topped the fighting game scene with its release in January 2024. Leveraging the immense power of Unreal Engine 5, the latest iteration in the legendary Tekken franchise promises to deliver stunning visuals alongside new characters and fluid mechanics that elevate it among the most compelling cross-platform games of the year.

Source: https://nordic.ign.com/tekken-next/76576/preview/tekken-8-the-final-preview

Tekken 8 features the ongoing intense feud between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama, culminating in a decisive showdown that will impact their family's destiny. The game can be played on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, appealing to a wide cross-platform audience.

One of the most unique titles in 2024, Palworld by Pocketpair offers a mix of survival and creature-collecting gameplay. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, Palworld was released in January 2024.

Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/palworld-review/

Players battle and capture these curious companions, Pals, to assist with construction efforts, transportation needs, and combats. However, beneath the cute façades lie undiscovered dangers, as new threats emerge amid the untamed wilds. While some found humorous the notion of equipping the cute monsters with weapons, “Pokémon with guns”, others saw it as diminishing their whimsical nature. Therefore, Palworld stands out as one of the best cross-platform online games due to its innovative gameplay and charming yet dangerous world.

Nexon's ambitious looter-shooter The First Descendant immersed players in a visually stunning post-apocalyptic world under assault from extraterrestrial invaders upon its June 2024 release. Built using the powerful Unreal Engine 5, the game makes Descendants—ancient technologically augmented survivors fighting to reclaim Earth—coordinate strategic teams to overcome swarms of aliens in missions combining frenetic gunplay with thoughtful cooperation.

Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2074920/The_First_Descendant/

These Descendants harness abilities granted by precursor technologies left behind after an alien devastated civilization. The game stands out for fans of cooperative shooters due to its focus on character progression, loot collection, and dynamic combat mechanics.

Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones finally set sail in August 2024 after years of anticipation. Built with the AnvilNext 2.0 engine, this game with a pirate theme enables players to lead their ships and participate in grand naval battles throughout the Indian Ocean.

Source: https://nl.ign.com/skull-and-bones/149530/review/skull-bones-review-vervelende-sleur

In the game Skull and Bones, players become pirate leaders, steering dangerous seas, constructing fleets, and creating partnerships or conflicts with fellow leaders. The game includes a detailed progression system in which players can enhance their ships with strong weapons and personalize their crew. The storyline focuses on advancing in the world of piracy, involving tasks like searching for treasure, battling other ships, and eluding the navy. The combination of these features, along with a dynamic world that responds to the decisions of players, creates an engaging experience for those who enjoy maritime exploration.

Apex Legends continues to dominate the battle royale scene in 2024. Developed by Respawn Entertainment and running on the Source engine, this free-to-play shooter remains a staple in the list of cross-platform video games due to its fast-paced gameplay and diverse roster of characters.

Source: https://insider-gaming.com/apex-legends-qa/

The game continuously adds new Legends, weapons, and events to keep the experience exciting and up-to-date. Apex Legends allows players from various platforms to easily join forces through smooth cross-platform matchmaking. Its variety of game modes, including ranked options, appeals to casual gamers and those who are more competitive, setting it apart in the battle royale category.

Acknowledgment of Fortnite is essential in any cross-platform games list, as it is a worldwide sensation created by Epic Games using Unreal Engine 5. Since it first came out in 2017, Fortnite has stayed popular by regularly updating, hosting seasonal events, and partnering with big franchises to keep the game new and engaging.

Source: https://gamer.nl/nieuws/playstation/ps5/meer-informatie-over-aankomend-fortnite-seizoen-fortnite-og-gelekt/

In Fortnite, the story unfolds through an ever-changing narrative driven by the mysterious forces of Zero Point, which ties together the game's different seasons and events. Each new chapter conveys groundbreaking story arcs, characters, and challenges that impact the game realm.

With so many incredible cross-platform games releasing in 2024, players will find themselves spoiled for choice, with intense battles, immersive worlds, and cooperative adventures awaiting across all platforms.

When it comes to modern gaming, the terms cross-platform vs cross-play often come up, but they refer to different aspects of gaming connectivity. Understanding the difference between cross-platform games and cross-play games is essential for getting the most out of multiplayer experiences.

Cross-platform games are titles that can be played on various cross-gaming platforms. This means that the game is accessible on different systems, but it doesn't necessarily mean that players on those systems can play together.
Cross-play games, on the other hand, allow players on different platforms to join the same game session. With cross-play multiplayer games, gamers on consoles, PCs, and other devices can compete or cooperate within the same game environment, creating a unified experience.

To further clarify the difference there’s a comparison table of both approaches.

To summarize, cross-platform games confirm that a game is available on multiple systems. Meanwhile, cross-play video games concentrate on permitting multiplayer interactions across system divides, crafting smooth gaming adventures.

Cross-platform games offer numerous benefits that make them a significant trend in the gaming industry. A key advantage is cross-platform compatibility, letting participants appreciate an equivalent game across various devices like game consoles.

Meanwhile, another bonus of multi-platform video games is the potential for creators to achieve a broader audience. By preparing their games available on many platforms, developers can multiply their player bases and consequently produce more income. This additionally aids players as bigger societies regularly guide to more frequent refreshes, better matching of opponents, and extended lifespans for games.

While assessing the pros and cons of gaming, cross-platform video games undoubtedly excel regarding availability and fostering fellowship. That being said, harmonizing performance and gameplay across platforms can pose challenges, occasionally resulting in minor variations in the gaming experience.

Choosing the best cross-platform game development engine is crucial for creating games that work across multiple devices. Even coming back to our list of Best Cross-Platform Games 2024 one engine was mentioned multiple times - Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine is renowned for its visually dazzling graphics rendered in real-time and its robust toolkit. It supports cross-platform game app development, allowing developers to create high-quality games for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Its full-featured solutions for crafting interactive environments and dynamic encounters have made Unreal Engine integral to AAA and indie developers. While most engines impose stringent limitations, Unreal prioritizes extensibility, letting innovators fully realize their boldest ideas.

Unity is famous for its simple interface and its wide range of platform support. It is a flexible engine that enables developers to make games for consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and VR. Unity’s robust framework game development environment provides the necessary tools for building diverse gaming experiences. Furthermore, its asset store and large community provide valuable resources, making it a popular option for newcomers and experienced developers. Its capacity to easily export games to various platforms with few modifications contributes to its adaptability and effectiveness during cross-platform development.

Finally, Godot is one of the best gaming engines. Godot has become renowned in the game development community for its minimalist yet versatile design. This free, open-source engine helps solo programmers and tight-knit teams craft compelling gameplay. While lightweight in its footprint, Godot yields a fully-featured suite for crafting 2D and 3D virtual worlds. With node-based scenes, visual scripting via GDscript, rich asset pipelines, and cross-platform publishing, it equips indie creators and budget-minded studios alike to maximize creative potential.

The future of cross-platform games is evolving rapidly, with more studios adopting cross-platform development as a standard. We can expect smoother experiences across cross-gaming platforms, allowing players to enjoy seamless transitions between devices. Upcoming cross-platform titles will probably feature enhanced online interactivity, allowing real-time teamwork and competitiveness across devices with minimal lag or performance issues.

Looking further ahead, cloud gaming is positioned to play a pivotal role in the expansion of cross-platform games. This emerging model will enable gamers to enjoy high-fidelity experiences on virtually any device without being tied to powerful hardware. Moreover, creators will put a growing emphasis on consistently delivering updates and cross-play features to ensure all gamers, irrespective of platform, can similarly immerse in rich, engaging gameplay.

At Argentics we push boundaries in gaming every day. Our team of experts always creates experiences that delight players wherever they are. If you dream of crafting the games that will capture players’ hearts contact us today—together we'll build the next hit today!

Cross-platform games are those that can be played across multiple platforms, such as consoles, PCs, and sometimes mobile devices. Some popular cross-platform games include Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, Rocket League, and Apex Legends. These games allow players on different systems to join the same game session, making multiplayer experiences more inclusive and expansive.

The first notable cross-platform game is generally considered to be Final Fantasy XI, released in 2002. It allowed players on PlayStation 2, Windows PC, and later Xbox 360 to play together in the same online world, making it a pioneering title in cross-platform gaming.

No, not all games are cross-platform. While cross-platform development is becoming more common, many games are still limited to specific platforms. Some games may only be available on a single console or PC, and others may not support cross-play between different systems. The decision to make a game cross-platform often depends on the game's design, technical limitations, and the developers' and publishers' strategies.