Cross-platform play, commonly known as crossplay, has revolutionized the gaming world by tearing down barriers that once separated players based on their choice of console or PC platform. In recent years, we’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of games supporting this feature, making it a norm rather than an exception. However, the true pinnacle of this evolution has just been unveiled, and Epic Games stands at the helm.
Building on their commitment to fostering a seamless and inclusive gaming environment, Epic Games has declared the extension of their crossplay overlay to major consoles.
Initially launched for PCs, this tool is set to redefine cross-platform gaming by integrating the Epic Games Store, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch under one unified banner. The end goal? To streamline the connection of over 750 million Epic Games users, regardless of their choice of gaming platform.
This move is more than just a testament to Epic’s continued advocacy for crossplay; it signifies a shift towards a future where every game developer, irrespective of scale, can easily weave crossplay into their creations. The crossplay overlay, part of the free toolkit offered by Epic Online Services, aims to provide a ubiquitous solution for player authentication, consolidating friends’ lists across all platforms, and ensuring a streamlined game invitation and joinability process that aligns with native platform demands.
From the time of its debut last year, this technology focused on bridging the Epic Games Store and Valve’s Steam, two mammoth PC gaming stores. However, this recent expansion echoes the sentiments of a connected and global gaming community, where the platform ceases to be a boundary. Console gamers can now effortlessly interact with PC players, inviting them for intense gaming sessions, be it a Fortnite battle royale or any other title supporting crossplay.
While many might see this as a move primarily benefitting the players, the underlying layers suggest a big advantage for Epic Games. Developers employing these crossplay tools might leverage Epic’s renowned Unreal Engine. Not to mention, players signing up or linking their existing console accounts to Epic Games stand a chance of exploring and purchasing from the company’s expansive PC store, augmenting Epic’s market presence.
But what does this mean for game developers, especially those are crossplay-averse? Epic Games not only presents a solution but simplifies it. Developers can now consolidate friends lists, manage player authentication, and guarantee a smoother game functionality, all under the umbrella of Epic Online Services. By handling these crucial infrastructure elements, developers are free to channel their energies into crafting unique and memorable gaming experiences.
To dive into this new age of crossplay, developers need only follow three uncomplicated steps: downloading the Epic Online Services SDK 1.16, configuring it within the developer portal, and referencing the detailed documentation provided. It’s as simple as that.
Epic Games, with its crossplay overlay, has not only elevated the concept of unified gaming but also illustrated the potential of an interconnected world.
A world where every gamer, irrespective of their platform, can unite under the banner of shared experiences and epic battles. A world where boundaries blur, and the global gaming community thrives in unison. With this bold step, Epic Games has laid the foundation for a future where every player, every game, and every platform converges to craft legendary tales.
The future of gaming is not just cross-platform; it’s unified, and it’s – and we’re not sorry for the pun – epic.
