Stukacheva Vladislava – June 18, 2025

The New Standard for a Connected Gaming World

Not long ago, the idea of ​​playing a game with friends across different platforms was a rare novelty. Console ecosystems were closed, PC gamers stayed in their corner, and mobile was often seen as the outlier. Fast forward to 2025, and cross-platform play has become more than a technical achievement — it’s a player expectation .

This shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s a reflection of a broader transformation in player behavior , tech infrastructure, and game design. Cross-platform play is reshaping what “gaming together” means — and mobile, once the fringe of this movement, is becoming a key player.

From Fortnite to Roblox to Genshin Impact, today’s top games are proof that device boundaries are dissolving . And in mobile gaming, where user acquisition and retention are under constant pressure, cross-platform support is fast becoming a strategic advantage.

What Is Cross-Platform Play?

At its core, cross-platform play (or cross-play) means players can access the same game and play together, regardless of the device they use. Whether someone is on a mobile phone, a PC, or a console, they can log in, matchmake, and share progress within the same ecosystem.

Cross-play often also implies cross-progression — the ability to carry saved data across devices — which is critical for consistent player experience.

Why It Matters for Developers and Publishers

While cross-play demands more from development and backend systems, it also opens the door to key benefits:

• Wider Reach : Games can be accessible to more players across platforms and markets.
• Stronger Retention : Players stick around longer when they can take their game anywhere.
• Community Building : Games become shared social spaces, not siloed ecosystems.
• Monetization Potential : Unified progression often leads to deeper engagement and IAP conversion.

Real-World Momentum: Who’s Leading the Way?

1. Fortnite

The pioneer in this space, Fortnite proved cross-platform was not only possible but wildly popular. In September 2018, it became the first game to enable full cross-play across mobile, PC, and all major consoles. It normalized the expectation that players can join the same lobby regardless of device, pushing the industry toward more open infrastructure. [1]

2. Call of Duty: Mobile

While originally a standalone mobile experience, COD Mobile has increasingly aligned with its console/PC counterpart. Syncing accounts and offering cross-brand rewards has been a subtle yet impactful bridge across platforms. [2]

3. Genshin Impact

One of mobile’s most polished examples of true cross-play. Players can log in from mobile, PC, or console, with progress seamlessly preserved. It’s a benchmark for cross-platform fluidity in the mobile RPG space. [3]

What About TapNation?

At TapNation, we build hybrid casual games with a mobile-first mindset — but we keep a close eye on cross-platform trends. Our games are made for mobile, not full cross-play, but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck in one lane. You can find some of our titles not only on a regular platforms such as App Store and Google Play, but also on Amazon, CrazyGames, and even Nintendo Switch .

We’re also working with studios that are exploring browser-to-mobile cross-play, and increasingly, we’re seeing hybrid casual titles designed with backend structures that could enable broader platform integration. It’s not about if — it’s about when and how it aligns with gameplay simplicity and audience fit.

Looking Ahead: Cross-Platform as Default

Cross-play is no longer a bonus — it’s on the way to becoming the default expectation. As mobile tech evolves and cloud services improve, platform flexibility will only grow more important.

For game publishers like TapNation, recognizing this shift isn’t just about staying relevant. It’s about staying ahead.

References

[1] – https://onlineservices.epicgames.com/en-US/news/an-epic-cross-play-journey-paragon-fortnite-and-what-comes-next?
[2] – https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-warzone-mobiles-cross-progression-explained/1100-6521958
[3] – https://gameboost.com/blog/genshin-impact-crossplay
[4] – https://www.tap-nation.io/blog/tapnation-september-newsletter-latest-news-insights-more/?
[5] – https://moldstud.com/articles/p-designing-games-for-cross-platform-play-bridging-the-gap-between-different-devices