Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord, the highly anticipated medieval RPG, is set to release on consoles in late October 2022. With its arrival on multiple platforms, many players are wondering if crossplay will be available, allowing them to unite with friends across different systems.
However, at this time, there is no confirmation of crossplay being available at the game’s full launch. The developer has stated that they will continue to work on the game post-launch, but cross-platform support is not part of their immediate plans. Although there is hope that crossplay may be added in the future, there is currently no concrete timeline for its implementation.
Key Takeaways:
- Mount & Blade Bannerlord is set to release on consoles, raising questions about crossplay.
- There is no information about crossplay being available at the game’s full launch.
- The developer has expressed a commitment to post-launch updates but has not included cross-platform support in their immediate plans.
- While there is hope for crossplay in the future, there is no known timeline for its potential implementation.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Crossplay
Crossplay, the ability to play games with friends across different platforms, offers both advantages and disadvantages for gamers. Understanding these pros and cons can help players make informed decisions about whether or not to utilize crossplay features in their gaming experiences.
Advantages of Crossplay
- Enhanced Social Aspect: Crossplay allows players to connect and play games with friends who may own different gaming platforms, fostering a sense of inclusivity and community.
- Increased Player Base: With crossplay, the number of potential players in multiplayer games expands, leading to larger player pools and faster matchmaking.
Disadvantages of Crossplay
- Input Method Disparity: In certain games, PC players using a mouse and keyboard may have an advantage over console players relying on controllers, which can impact fair competition.
- Performance Differences: Depending on the game and platform, there may be variations in performance metrics such as frame rates and field of view, potentially affecting the overall gameplay experience.
When evaluating the fairness and feasibility of crossplay, it is essential for players to consider these advantages and disadvantages. While crossplay offers the opportunity for broader connections and faster matchmaking, potential imbalances in input methods and performance differences should be taken into account.
Despite these considerations, the gaming industry is recognizing the demand for crossplay and working towards addressing these challenges. As technology advances and developers refine crossplay implementations, these drawbacks may be mitigated, creating an even more seamless and fair gaming experience for players across various platforms.
To illustrate the positives and negatives of crossplay, consider the following image:
The History of Crossplay
Crossplay is not a new concept in the gaming industry. It has a rich history dating back many years, with several notable examples that have paved the way for the cross-platform gaming we enjoy today.
Quake 3 Arena: Connecting PC and Sega Dreamcast Players
One of the earliest instances of crossplay can be traced back to Quake 3 Arena, a popular first-person shooter released in 1999. Quake 3 Arena allowed PC players to connect and compete with owners of the Sega Dreamcast console. This groundbreaking feature allowed players from different platforms to come together and battle it out in intense multiplayer matches.
Need for Speed: Underground: Racing Across PC and PlayStation 2
In 2003, Need for Speed: Underground introduced crossplay between PC and PlayStation 2, enabling players on both platforms to race against each other. This was a significant step forward in cross-platform gaming, as it brought together gamers from different consoles to experience thrilling street racing action.
Fortnite: Pioneering the Future of Crossplay
More recently, Fortnite has revolutionized crossplay, setting new standards for the industry. Epic Games’ popular battle royale game allows players from multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, to join forces and compete in an expansive online world. Fortnite’s successful implementation of crossplay has not only propelled the game to incredible popularity but has also inspired other developers to embrace cross-platform compatibility in their titles.
With its continued growth and success, Fortnite has played a significant role in the widespread adoption of crossplay among both players and game developers. The game’s dynamic and inclusive multiplayer experience has created a blueprint for future crossplay implementation.
Crossplay in Other Games
Crossplay has become a popular feature in many games, allowing players from different platforms to come together and enjoy a shared gaming experience. Among Us, a highly engaging multiplayer game, supports crossplay between PC, Android, and iOS platforms. This crossplay compatibility enables players to collaborate and uncover the impostor’s identity regardless of the device they are using.
Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War, the renowned first-person shooter, offers crossplay support, allowing players on different platforms to battle it out together in thrilling multiplayer matches. Whether you’re playing on a PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can join forces with your friends and take on opponents from around the world.
In the world of sandbox gaming, Minecraft Bedrock Edition is another title that embraces crossplay. This version of Minecraft is available on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Players can team up and explore the vast blocky world together, regardless of which device they prefer.
Lastly, Rocket League, the high-octane vehicular soccer game, also offers crossplay functionality. Whether you’re on a PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox, you can form a team with players from any of these platforms and compete in exciting matches where teamwork and skill are crucial.
In today’s gaming landscape, crossplay enabled games like Among Us, Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War, Minecraft Bedrock Edition, and Rocket League bring players together, fostering a sense of community and breaking down barriers between different platforms. With the ability to play with friends regardless of the device they choose, these games provide a seamless and inclusive gaming experience, ensuring that no player is left behind.
The Future of Crossplay
The future of crossplay in the gaming industry looks incredibly promising. This feature has been gaining significant traction and is becoming a growing trend among game developers and players alike. Recognizing the value of providing a unified gaming experience across platforms, more and more games are embracing crossplay.
The benefits of crossplay are undeniable. It expands the player base, ensuring that lobbies are always full and matchmaking is faster. It also fosters a more inclusive and connected gaming community, allowing friends to play together regardless of the platform they own.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further expansion of crossplay support in both new and existing games. Developers are realizing the importance of breaking down the barriers between platforms and creating a seamless gaming experience for all players.
Amidst this growing trend, crossplay is becoming a standard feature in the industry. Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends have already successfully implemented crossplay, setting the stage for other developers to follow suit. The future holds immense potential for the expansion of crossplay support, with more games expected to join the movement.
Benefits of the Future of Crossplay:
- Expanded player base and faster matchmaking
- A more inclusive and connected gaming community
- Breaking down barriers and providing a unified gaming experience
Crossplay is poised to reshape the gaming landscape, enhancing the way players connect and compete with each other. This future of crossplay ensures that gamers can enjoy their favorite games with friends, regardless of the platform they choose to play on.
Conclusion
While crossplay is not currently available in Mount & Blade Bannerlord, there is still hope that it may be added in future updates. The developer has expressed a commitment to continuing work on the game post-launch, which leaves room for the possibility of cross-platform support being implemented at a later time.
As fans eagerly await this feature, they can still enjoy the game’s single-player component and explore the many mods available. Mount & Blade Bannerlord offers a vast and immersive medieval world to conquer and explore, allowing players to build their kingdoms and engage in epic battles.
With the growing trend of crossplay in the gaming industry, it is only a matter of time before more games embrace this feature and unite gamers across platforms. The demand for crossplay is evident, as players seek to connect with friends and enjoy their favorite games together, regardless of the devices they own.
As the future unfolds, fans can look forward to updates and announcements from the developer regarding crossplay in Mount & Blade Bannerlord. With the potential expansion of cross-platform support, players may soon be able to forge alliances, form armies, and wage wars alongside friends, creating a more connected and inclusive gaming experience.