How Cross Platform Play Is Revolutionizing Modern Gaming

By Sophia MartinezLast Updated September 10, 2025

Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash

Introduction: The Rise of Cross Platform Play

Over the past decade, the gaming industry has undergone a dramatic transformation, with cross platform play emerging as one of the most significant innovations. This feature allows gamers to connect and compete with friends regardless of whether they play on PC, console, or mobile devices. The convenience and community-building power of crossplay have made it a defining element of modern multiplayer gaming [5] . In this article, we explore the benefits, technical realities, and practical steps to access cross platform experiences in today’s gaming ecosystem.

What Is Cross Platform Play?

Cross platform play-often called crossplay-refers to a feature that enables players using different gaming hardware (such as PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and even mobile) to play together in the same game environments. In the past, multiplayer games were restricted by platform, meaning friends had to own the same device to team up or compete. Today, major titles like
Fortnite
,
Call of Duty
, and others have shattered these barriers, uniting players around the world [1] .

The Benefits of Cross Platform Play

Modern cross platform play delivers a range of advantages that have reshaped the gaming landscape:

Community Unification: By merging players from different devices into a single matchmaking pool, crossplay boosts active user numbers, reduces wait times for matches, and supports stronger, longer-lived communities [5] .
Greater Accessibility: Players are free to choose the platform that best suits their lifestyle, budget, or preferences, knowing they won’t be isolated from friends on other systems [3] .
Longevity for Games: Developers benefit from larger, more engaged audiences, which can extend a game’s relevance and profitability for years [4] .
Seamless Progression: Many cross platform games now allow players to carry progress, unlocks, and purchases between devices, reducing frustration and encouraging play across different hardware [1] .

How to Access Cross Platform Play

If you want to enjoy cross platform gaming, follow these steps:

Check Game Support: Not every game offers crossplay, and compatibility can vary between platforms. Review the official game website, publisher documentation, or trusted game news outlets to confirm cross platform capabilities. For the latest titles, resources like TechRadar and GameSpot regularly update lists of compatible games [1] , [3] .
Set Up Accounts: Many cross platform games require players to create a universal account (such as an Epic Games, Activision, or Microsoft account) to sync progress and enable cross-device play. Visit the publisher’s official website or account management portal for setup instructions.
Enable Crossplay in Settings: Some games require users to opt in to cross platform matchmaking through in-game menus. Look for this option under “Settings” or “Online” tabs.
Add Friends Across Platforms: Use in-game friend search tools or account IDs to connect with players on other systems. For example, in
Fortnite
, you can add friends by their Epic ID regardless of device.
Join or Create Sessions: After linking accounts and adding friends, you can invite them to parties or lobbies as you would with same-platform contacts.

If you are unsure whether a specific game supports cross platform play, search for the game’s name plus “cross platform” or “crossplay” on its official website or major gaming media outlets for confirmation.

Popular Cross Platform Games in 2025

The list of cross platform games continues to grow as the industry embraces this trend. Some of the most notable titles supporting crossplay in 2025 include:

Fortnite: Continues to allow players on all major platforms to squad up seamlessly [1] .
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Series and Black Ops 7: Offers robust crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC [3] .
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Features eight-player crossplay across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and beyond [2] .
Rocket League: Enables car soccer matches across all major platforms.
Minecraft: Allows creative collaboration and survival gameplay between mobile, PC, and console users.

For a current and comprehensive list, reference TechRadar’s and GameSpot’s annual guides.

Technical and Business Challenges

Despite its popularity, cross platform play presents significant hurdles for developers and publishers:

Technical Compatibility: Games must maintain consistent versions, performance, and controls across diverse hardware. This increases testing workloads and demands robust networking infrastructure [5] .
Platform Policies: Console makers and storefronts often have unique policies, certification standards, and network requirements, making universal compatibility a negotiation challenge for publishers [4] .
Balance and Fairness: Differences in input methods (controller vs. mouse/keyboard) and hardware performance can create perceived fairness issues. Many games address this by offering input-based matchmaking or optional crossplay toggles.

Despite these obstacles, the industry trend is clear: cross platform play is becoming a basic expectation among gamers and a strategic priority for studios.

Emerging Trends: Cloud, Mobile, and Future Directions

Cross platform play is not limited to traditional PC and console platforms. The rise of cloud gaming services and mobile gaming has forced developers to further innovate. Cloud-based platforms allow users to play AAA games on low-powered hardware by streaming content, while mobile crossplay brings even larger audiences into the fold [4] . According to recent market research, mobile gaming revenue reached $92.6 billion globally in 2024, with cross-platform capabilities playing a major role in this growth.

Looking forward, expect to see even more seamless integration between devices, with features like unified progression, customizable controls, and new genres designed from the ground up for cross platform play. Technologies like AI-driven matchmaking and AR/VR crossplay are also on the horizon.

Practical Guidance: How to Get Started with Cross Platform Play

If you are ready to experience cross platform play:

Choose a game known for crossplay compatibility. Use search terms like “best cross platform games 2025” on reputable gaming news sites for the latest recommendations.
Visit the official website or support page for your chosen game to review platform requirements and setup instructions.
Create or log in to any required universal account (such as Epic Games or Activision).
Enable crossplay in game settings where available.
Use the in-game friend system to connect with friends on other platforms.
If you encounter issues, consult the official support section or community forums for troubleshooting advice.

If you need further assistance, searching for “cross platform play support” along with the game’s name and your platform (e.g., “Fortnite cross platform PS5 support”) can yield official guides and troubleshooting help.

Key Takeaways

Cross platform play is fundamentally changing how gamers connect, play, and build communities. It removes barriers, enhances accessibility, and ensures that the choice of device no longer limits your gaming experience. While technical and business challenges remain, the overwhelming trend is toward a more unified, player-first future.