The difference between cross-platform and multi-platform?

[Genux]

Hope I have posted this in the right place. What's the difference?

If a mobile video-game is multi-platform, is it cross-platform or not?

Because I play Fortnite Battle Royale on my iPhone XS Max, but I'm not understanding why I cannot play with everyone on all platforms. Does that make sense? Thank you for help.

 

[RejZoR]

Cross-platform = PC, Xbox and PS4 can play same game between each other

Multi-platform = Same game gets released on different platforms, usually PC and consoles

Reason why they are often multi-platform is to maximize profits, reason why they aren't cross-platform often is because PC players would usually absolutely demolish everyone else with keyboard+mouse combo with surgical precision and multitasking capability (the amount of buttons that can be assigned to do something).

 

[RoboMan]

Cross-platform = PC, Xbox and PS4 can play same game between each other

Multi-platform = Same game gets released on different platforms, usually PC and consoles

Reason why they are often multi-platform is to maximize profits, reason why they aren't cross-platform often is because PC players would usually absolutely demolish everyone else with keyboard+mouse combo with surgical precision and multitasking capability (the amount of buttons that can be assigned to do something).

Excellent explanation. Many multi-platform games try not to be cross-platform exactly for the advantage reason. That's why many times you will get banned if you're detected using a keyboard/mouse while playing an Android game.

 

[ForgottenSeer 72227]

Excellent explanation. Many multi-platform games try not to be cross-platform exactly for the advantage reason. That's why many times you will get banned if you're detected using a keyboard/mouse while playing an Android game.

I agree, being a long time PC gamer I am far more comfortable/accurate with a keyboard and mouse than a controller. This may change though as I know Microsoft is bringing keyboard and mouse support to the xbox and I am assuming Sony won't be to far behind. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It may make certain players have an advantage over others, but it may also open up the platform to more games that would be otherwise PC only as they require a mouse and keyboard (ie WoW, RTS games, etc...).

 

[Local Host]

I agree, being a long time PC gamer I am far more comfortable/accurate with a keyboard and mouse than a controller. This may change though as I know Microsoft is bringing keyboard and mouse support to the xbox and I am assuming Sony won't be to far behind. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It may make certain players have an advantage over others, but it may also open up the platform to more games that would be otherwise PC only as they require a mouse and keyboard (ie WoW, RTS games, etc...).

You can easily detect if a player is using a Controller or KB/M, so you can separate the lobbies.

Of course this depends entirely on the developer, they tend to be lazy with details.