In recent years, multiplayer games have become one of the most lucrative means of cash flow for game developers, when they are able to reach the greater public. It is this sole reason that so many popular multiplayer games like Halo opt to become free to play. With greater access to the product, the developer has a larger audience to sell things to in the form of microtransactions or some other means.
That being said, not all games take that idea to its logical conclusion. If the goal is increased accessibility, then crossplay is one of the better ways of achieving that. Unfortunately, not all games do that, despite the potential benefits. Plus, crossplay is just a really awesome thing for a game to have in general.
Updated on May 7, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Multiplayer games have become increasingly popular over the years allowing players to compete against or team up with each other, bringing a level of excitement and challenge that cannot be found in single-player experiences. With crossplay becoming more and more popular, players from different consoles and platforms can now play together, breaking down barriers and expanding the player base. Crossplay has made multiplayer games even more enjoyable, as players can now connect with their friends regardless of the console or platform they own, creating a more inclusive and diverse gaming community. The following games should integrate crossplay as soon as possible to make their games even more popular.
13 It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a co-op-only title that was praised to the moon and back for its innovative gameplay loop that constantly kept players on their toes at every step of the way. It follows the story of a married couple who have turned into dolls and must navigate through various treacherous environments, repairing their relationship in the process.
For a game that can only be experienced only in co-op, it's baffling to see why this game doesn't support crossplay. Sure, two players can enjoy this game even if only one has a copy... but that doesn't make it sting any less when players across different consoles can't enjoy the opportunity of playing with each other.
12 A Way Out
A Way Out is made by Hazelight Studios, the same developers who went on to make It Takes Two. This title funnels players through a prison break, with two inmates teaming up to escape and evade the authorities.
The game's unique split-screen mechanics and exciting set pieces make it a thrilling experience that would definitely benefit from crossplay. A Way Out may not boast the vibrant charm and gameplay diversity of It Takes Two, but it's still a fun title that players should check out, even if the lack of crossplay can be pretty irritating to deal with.
11 Valorant
Valorant combines tactical gameplay with unique abilities to make for a great time. Precise aiming and strategic thinking are paramount to success, and crossplay will allow a more challenging and diverse gaming environment.
Players can connect with friends on different platforms, teaming up efficiently to take down most opponents with ease. Once again, developers should be mindful of the way they integrate this crossplay since players on PC can use the benefits at their disposal to take out console gamers with ease if this crossplay integration isn't natural enough.
10 Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World is the first mainline console entry in the long-running action RPG series that took over the world by storm at launch. It was a massive success, with players loving the core focus of this title's gameplay, which involved hunting and defeating large monsters.
Crossplay will allow players from different consoles to team up and tackle the game's many imposing monsters. It will enable a great level of dynamic and cooperative gameplay that will increase everyone's chances of success.
9 Don't Starve Together
Don't Starve Together is a survival game that requires players to work together to survive in a hostile environment. It doesn't take an expert to see why crossplay would be so great for this title, allowing players from different platforms to join forces.
This inclusivity will allow players to learn from each other, share resources, and develop new survival strategies. With this teamwork, players will be able to tackle the many threats in this engaging experience and fall in love with the creepy art style and unique gameplay loop of Don't Starve Together.
8 GTA: Online
Due to a constant stream of updates that keep the game fresh, GTA: Online has been going strong for over 7 years. As such, the audience the game has cultivated over those years is loyal and consistent. So long as there is new stuff to buy, there are those who will buy it.
That is why it can be confusing that such a long-running and popular property has yet to include crossplay. Part of the fun of playing a game like this is the mischief that a player can get into with their friends. Restricting that restricts the number of people willing to join in on the fun.
7 Red Dead Online
Red Dead Online is another popular multiplayer by Rockstar. Just like GTA: Online, it suffers from the same lack of crossplay. While the game does not possess the same level of chaos as GTA, that does not mean the multiplayer is lacking by any stretch of the imagination.
It too is constantly updated with content that most players will enjoy, though with the same monetization model. As before, Rockstar is leaving money on the table by failing to implement crossplay to some extent in order to be more accommodating to a wider range of people.
6 Dragon Ball FighterZ
In terms of player-to-player interaction, the fighting game genre is at the top. It practically demands player-to-player interaction in order to be at its best. That is why crossplay would be of tremendous benefit to it. If one version of the game falters, all other people who play that version of the game will suffer the consequences of it.
With crossplay, the game can add longevity to its existence and keep pushing forward as a great title that can benefit from the advent of cross-platform competitive gameplay. The tight fighting mechanics and amazing art cel-shaded art style make it one of the best fighting games around, and it's criminal that this game is yet to integrate crossplay.
5 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
The premier esports shooter does not have crossplay. There was a time when the thought of including it was passed around at Valve. However, it ultimately never saw the light of day and was abandoned.
There are those who would argue that crossplay would not be a good idea due to the inherent superiority of a keyboard and mouse layout in these sorts of games. But, what is the harm in including it for a more casual audience who simply wants the possibility? That is what crossplay does, it opens up new possibilities, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is no exception here.
4 Titanfall 2
With all of the focus going toward Apex: Legends, there are those who still remember where all of that came from. The general consensus is that Titanfall 2 was one of the best first-person shooters in years. Recently, it even received a resurgence after it went free-to-play for a time.
While the game's multiplayer is still going strong despite its recent issues, there are few who would argue against the thought of adding crossplay. Once again, there is the debate between mouse and controller in shooters, but there is little harm in at least adding the option.
3 Terraria
Probably one of the biggest sandbox survival games to come out after the meteoric launch of Minecraft, Terraria does support crossplay, but only to a limited extent. Only the mobile versions can interact with one another.
PC and console do not have crossplay of any kind. The argument has been that the different versions would not be all too compatible as they receive different levels of support and development. But if there was a chance for it to happen, it would add so much to the game.
2 Injustice 2
The most recent offering from Netherrealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 11 has shown to be quite friendly in terms of crossplay support. However, the game before that, Injustice 2, still lacks the same treatment.
It can be hard to care for a fighting game that has been long forgotten, but there is still a thriving community that plays the game to this day. It is different enough from the Mortal Kombat series that it could be constituted as its own thing worthy of its own attention.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
A game of Dungeons and Dragons is only as good as the people that are playing it. The folks at Larian Studios understand this idea well, so much so that they are in charge of the upcoming Baldur's Gate 3. In spite of that talent and thinking, they have yet to implement crossplay between consoles
Getting together a group to play D&D is exceptionally challenging for many people. Without crossplay, Divinity makes it even harder for players to enjoy their adventures together, no matter how expansive its crafting is. It hinders all the delightful carnage that the party will no doubt get into. While crossplay between the PC, Mac, and iPad is supported, the same can't be said for the major console releases, which is a shame given how the experience of playing this game is elevated in co-op.