Cross platform puzzle games have experienced a massive evolution from traditional to online puzzle games. Puzzle games, in general, set the pace by transitioning from tactile boards to digital screens, so the multi-device evolution was simply a matter of time.
Cross platform gaming enables gamers to switch between devices seamlessly, making it easier for players to game on the go. For example, the free online bubble shooter allows users to retain their progress while playing on their PCs or mobile devices. So, these games cater to diverse audiences by creating a unified experience across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.
I’ve thoroughly researched cross-platform accessibility and the technologies that make it possible. I’ve also highlighted the development’s challenges and solutions and briefly predicted the future of cross-platform gaming.
The Appeal of Cross-Platform Accessibility
The foremost benefit of cross-platform accessibility is convenience, as it allows you to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. It meets the needs of modern gamers by allowing them to switch between devices without losing progress. Plus, cross-platform accessibility allows gamers to play and interact with friends who use different devices.
Cross-platform games are also more cost-effective, especially paid online games or games with in-app purchases. Today, players don’t need to buy multiple copies of the same game for different devices and can simply download the app on a compatible device and restore their progress from the cloud.
Technological Innovations
When creating cross-platform games, developers use separate software to adapt one code for different systems, so they don’t need to maintain specific code bases for each platform. Having a singular code base also makes implementing changes simultaneously across all platforms possible.
Cloud gaming is also an advancement that facilitates cross-platform gaming or cross-play. It is a form of online gaming that runs the game on a remote server and streams its output directly to the player’s device. Cloud gaming enables users to play the newest games from various devices.
Once purchased, cloud gaming offers players a huge catalog of games hosted on remote servers, opening up plenty of opportunities for multi-platform gaming.
Case Studies
Among Us
Among Us is a 2018 online multiplayer game developed by Innersloth. It is a cloak-and-dagger game that is best enjoyed with friends due to the game’s crew-like storyline. Among Us utilizes cloud gaming to enhance the gaming experience while making it possible for players with different devices to join in.
Its cross-platform nature also contributed to its popularity during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, as it allowed people from different nationalities to play together.
Block Puzzle Classic
Block Puzzle Classic is a free puzzle game that offers competitive tournaments with cash prizes. Players can choose to play for cash or play unlimited free practice rounds on the app at any time. By utilizing cross-play, people all over the world can enter a block puzzle tournament on a mobile device or PC, enabling the game to tap into a wider player base.
Challenges and Solutions
Compatibility
Factors like varying screen sizes and hardware capabilities make it challenging to develop a game that works seamlessly on all devices. However, new technologies are making cross-device gaming more accessible and efficient.
Learning Curve
Cross-platform puzzle games often require a learning curve because players are using new devices with unique functions.
It can also be time-consuming for developers to use new tools and frameworks, especially if they’re accustomed to working with native tools and languages. So, it is vital to use a high-level, versatile programming language to build the app.
Performance
Sometimes, cross-platform puzzle games don’t perform as well as native apps because native software is designed to run on a particular operating system. However, cross-platform apps have a faster development time, making them an excellent choice for developers who want to launch their apps faster.
The Future of Cross-Platform Gaming
As programming languages and cloud gaming advance, players can play their favorite online games for adults at any time and on any device. This will add a new meaning to mobile gaming by allowing users to play on the go. Plus, developers are harnessing artificial intelligence to help them learn and implement new tools and frameworks.
Emerging technologies like AR and VR are further blurring the lines of gaming devices by bringing the game into the real world, irrespective of the gadget. Rather than traditionally playing on flat screens, AR and VR can create an immersive experience by projecting the game onto the player’s reality.
A New Era
Cross platform puzzle games are bridging the gap between different gaming devices by making them equally efficient and appealing during gameplay. Cross-play is quickly catching up to native software by incorporating new technologies to enhance its performance.
I’ll recommend exploring cross-platform puzzle games to enjoy a flexible and connected gaming experience. My personal favorite is the free online Bubble Shooter as a starting point for your cross-play gaming journey, so be sure to check it out!
