"Cross-Platform Functionality Also Enables a Smoother Path to Monetization"

More and more developers and publishers, including the major ones, are focusing on cross-platform games - the days of console exclusives from third-party developers seem to be over. In this interview, Chris Meredith, Senior Vice President Business Development - EMEA at Xsolla, explains the benefits, challenges and opportunities associated with cross-platform games and cross-play.

GamesMarkt: Why should cross-platform games be more attractive to developers and publishers than titles that launch on a single platform and may be exclusive or time-exclusive to that platform?

Chris Meredith: "Cross-platform games should be increasingly attractive to developers and publishers, and the reasons for this are clear. In today's competitive market, limiting a game to a single exclusive or time-exclusive platform reduces the potential audience. By allowing players across different consoles to interact, developers instantly widen their market reach, boosting the game's visibility and sales. With cross-platform play, the community becomes larger and more diverse, which can extend the game's lifecycle as players continue to engage with one another."

"Cross-platform functionality also enables a smoother path to monetization. If a game is accessible to a broader audience, developers have more opportunities to implement profitable systems without the risk of alienating sections of the player base. Given the rising development costs, casting a wider net to ensure a more significant return on investment is more appealing than ever."

GamesMarkt: Are there best practices for releasing games on multiple platforms at the same time?

Chris Meredith: "The key is meticulous planning. Developers must tailor their games to each platform’s quirks, from graphics adjustments to control scheme tweaks. Coordination is also vital: The marketing campaign, pricing, and release content should align across all platforms. If one version is delayed or priced differently, it could spark frustration. Plus, implementing cross-play and cross-progression is essential in today’s market. Players want seamless experiences, whether they’re on console or mobile."

"Most importantly, thorough testing is a must. A cross-platform launch means more variables and any technical issues can snowball into a nightmare. However, a simultaneous release can be incredibly rewarding with careful attention to detail, broadening the game’s reach and appeal."

The full interview, which also covers cross-platform game concepts, the different publishing strategies of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, common challenges for developers, cross-play and finally cloud gaming, is available as a Plus article.

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