T8
MK1
SF6
GBVSR
2XKO
SSBU
T7
DBFZ
BH
GGST
SC6
SG2E
KI
MVS
KoFXV
MBTL
SF5
MK11
One of the worst parts of any piece of software on any type of device is when it’s not supported on all of your platforms. Even just the simple act of writing a document on a PC and not being able to open the format on a Mac introduces frustrating hurdles, though, at least time has solved this particular example.
In our little corner of the world, a lack of cross-platform acceptance can still be a problem that holds us as a community back. Thankfully, work in the last generation has been driving progress in this area, but we still have some work to go before all bases are covered. So, where did this come from, and what further work might be done to take us to the next level?
Normalizing the Practice
For any newcomers not yet in the know, cross-platform refers to the ability of software to operate on more than one type of system. This comes in several forms, with the most relevant and developed being cross-play.
In fighting games, cross-play refers to the ability for users on different systems to compete with each other. This has traditionally not been possible, with the origins of competition far simpler than modern users might recognize.
Back in the first days of competition, no matter your platform, going online at all was near impossible. The internet only really became globally popular on PCs around the year 2000, which in many ways set the trends we still enjoy today.
A good portion of the popularization of cross-platform support on early systems came from other forms of interactive entertainment, specifically early online browser casino games. With worldwide appeal, these games would function on practically every desktop and laptop system. Today, modern online experiences like casino UK sites maintain this legacy. With games like 10 Stars Blaze and Rabbit and the Fox equally playable on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, a more welcoming and shared cross-platform environment resulted.
On consoles, it wasn't until the sixth generation of systems that online play really became successful in the mainstream. Like on PC, at first, it was a revelation to even play against other people across the world, even if each system was locked to its own ecosystem.
Though experiments persisted with cross-platform play, it wasn't until the eighth generation of systems launching in 2012 that the idea saw major support. Even then, it took years of constant user outcry for all developers to get on board. It was only around 2018 when Sony acknowledged its limitations that things really began to change, taking us into the new and normalized standard.
Going a Step Beyond
As great and useful as cross-play support is, there are further steps that some developers have taken to make the idea even more user-friendly. Cross-save support is one such function, where save data from one system is transferred onto another, sharing user progress and allowing a more streamlined experience when shifting platforms.
The other most helpful (but least supported) type of cross-platform support comes from cross-buy acceptance. This is where buying software on one platform provides access to it on other or all supported systems. Combined with cross-saves and cross-play, these methods open up the experience to levels early users could never dream of, even if the support of all three is still rare.