Cross-Platform Play: Is It an Advantage or a Disadvantage in Battle Royale?

10 December 2024

Cross-platform play. Those three words spark endless debates among gamers, don’t they? Whether you’re Fortnite dancing your way to victory, cracking skulls in Call of Duty: Warzone, or grinding it out in Apex Legends, the question remains—does cross-platform play actually level the playing field, or does it throw things completely out of whack?

Let’s dig into this rabbit hole of pros, cons, and everything in between. Buckle up, because cross-platform play in battle royale games is one spicy topic.

What Is Cross-Platform Play?

Alright, first things first—what exactly is cross-platform play? Simply put, it’s the ability to play a game with your friends (or strangers) regardless of the device you’re using. If you’re on a PC and your buddy’s on a PlayStation, cross-platform play makes it possible for you both to squad up and dominate the battlefield.

Almost all major battle royale games, from PUBG to Fortnite, now support this functionality. It’s like breaking down barriers between kingdoms—PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and even mobile players can now all coexist in the same digital arena. But is this a utopia or a chaotic free-for-all?

The Advantages of Cross-Platform Play

Let’s start with the reasons why cross-platform play is a win-win situation—for the most part.

1. Play With Friends, No Matter the Hardware

How many times have you had that one friend who’s stubbornly loyal to their Xbox while you’re die-hard PC? Or someone on mobile who swears they’re just as good? Cross-platform play eliminates these barriers. It’s like tearing down the Great Wall of Console Wars. Now, you can finally convince that friend to join your squad without making them buy a new gaming rig—or vice versa.

Not only does this widen your friend circle, but it also boosts player communities. The more, the merrier, right?

2. Larger Player Pool = Shorter Matchmaking Times

Picture this: You’re waiting in queue for a match, and it feels like an eternity. With cross-platform play, the player pool becomes astronomically larger. Instead of matchmaking being limited to just one platform, it pulls players from all platforms.

This means faster matchmaking times, which is especially crucial in battle royale games where downtime can kill your vibe. You’re in, geared up, and dropping into the action before you can even gulp down your energy drink.

3. Cross-Save Options (The Cherry On Top)

A lot of games with cross-platform functionality also incorporate cross-save features. That means you can switch devices without losing your progress. Play Fortnite on your PC at home, then take the battle to your mobile on your commute. It’s seamless and a game-changer for busy gamers who aren’t glued to just one screen.

The Disadvantages of Cross-Platform Play

Ah, but it’s not all rainbows and loot drops. Cross-platform play also comes with a host of issues that can make gamers want to throw their controllers—or mouses—out the window.

1. Skill Disparities Between Platforms

Alright, let’s not beat around the bush. PC players have a HUGE advantage when it comes to precision. A mouse and keyboard? That’s like a sniper rifle compared to a controller’s slingshot. It’s no wonder console players often feel like cannon fodder in cross-platform lobbies.

On the flip side, mobile players have an even harder time. They’re essentially bringing a knife to a gunfight when paired against PC or console warriors. This imbalance can make cross-platform matches feel uneven and, let’s be real, downright frustrating.

2. Cheating and Hacking Issues

PC gamers, I love you, but you have to admit—your platform has a bit of a hacking problem. Cheaters often run rampant on PC, using aim bots, wall hacks, and other nefarious tools to gain an edge.

When cross-platform play is enabled, these cheaters aren’t just ruining games for other PC players. Console and mobile players—who generally have fewer cheating issues—also get dragged into this mess. And let’s face it, there’s nothing more infuriating than losing to a hacker.

3. Communication Barriers

Ever tried coordinating with a teammate on a different platform? Yeah, it’s rough. Voice chat doesn’t always work smoothly across systems, and if you’re relying on text chat, good luck typing a strategy out in the heat of battle.

It’s like trying to play charades with someone who’s speaking a different language. This can lead to poor teamwork and, let’s be honest, a lot of unnecessary deaths.

Is Cross-Platform Play Truly Fair?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Is cross-platform play fair? The short answer—kind of.

Developers have implemented plenty of features to even the odds. For instance, games like Fortnite and Warzone use input-based matchmaking. If you’re using a controller—even on PC—you’ll be matched with other controller players. Similarly, if you’re on mobile, you’ll primarily face other mobile users.

But the system isn't perfect. Sometimes, mixed lobbies still happen. And when they do, the platform disparities become glaringly obvious. A mobile player facing off against a PC sniper? Yeah, that’s not going to end well.

Should Cross-Platform Play Be Optional?

This is another hotly debated topic. Some players argue that cross-platform play should always be optional. They want the ability to toggle it on or off, depending on their mood or who they’re playing with.

Thankfully, most major battle royale games already offer this option. Don’t want to face those pesky PC players or mobile warriors? Turn cross-platform off and stay within your platform’s ecosystem. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous—or need to play with friends on different systems—turn it back on.

It’s kind of like ordering a burger—you get to choose your toppings. No onions? No problem. Extra bacon? Go for it.

What’s the Future of Cross-Platform Play?

The thing is, cross-platform play isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s becoming the norm. Newer games are expected to launch with cross-platform functionality right out of the gate.

And with technology evolving, some of the current disadvantages might slowly disappear. Anti-cheat measures are getting better, mobile controls are becoming more sophisticated, and communication tools are more seamless. Heck, we might eventually reach a point where platform differences feel minimal.

But until then, cross-platform play will continue being a mixed bag—part blessing, part curse, depending on who you ask.

So, Is Cross-Platform Play an Advantage or a Disadvantage?

Okay, let’s wrap this up. Is cross-platform play an advantage or a disadvantage in battle royale games? Honestly, it’s both.

For casual gamers who just want to team up with friends across different systems, it’s an incredible feature. It brings people together and enhances the overall gaming experience. But for competitive players, the skill disparities and cheating issues can be a dealbreaker.

At the end of the day, it boils down to your preferences. Are you willing to deal with the quirks of cross-platform play for the convenience it offers? Or would you rather stick to your own platform and avoid the chaos? Either way, the choice is yours—and that’s the beauty of modern gaming.