Is Gang Beasts Cross Platform? Exploring Multiplayer Gaming Across Devices
Gang Beasts, the quirky and chaotic multiplayer party game developed by Boneloaf, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its unique blend of slapstick humor, physics-based combat, and colorful characters. Since its initial release, the game has become a staple for couch co-op sessions and online multiplayer fun. However, as the gaming landscape continues to evolve, one question remains at the forefront of players’ minds: Is Gang Beasts cross-platform? we’ll dive into the details of cross platform functionality, explore the current state of Gang Beasts, and discuss what the future might hold for this beloved game.
What Does Cross-Platform Mean?
Before addressing whether Gang Beasts is cross-platform, it’s important to understand what cross-platform gaming entails. Cross-platform play, also known as cross-play, allows players on different gaming platforms (such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch) to play together in the same game session. This feature has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it breaks down barriers between gaming communities and allows friends to play together regardless of the devices they own.
Cross-platform functionality would be a significant advantage for a game like Gang Beasts, which thrives on multiplayer chaos. It would enable players to team up or compete against each other, even if they’re using different systems.
The Current State of Gang Beasts Cross-Platform Play
As of October 2023, Gang Beasts does not support cross-platform play. This means that players on PC cannot join games with those on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, and vice versa. The lack of cross platform functionality has been a point of frustration for many fans, especially as the game continues to grow in popularity and more players seek to connect across different devices.
The absence of cross-platform play in Gang Beasts can be attributed to several factors. First, the game’s development team, Boneloaf, is relatively small compared to larger studios. Implementing cross-platform functionality requires significant resources, including technical expertise, time, and coordination with platform holders like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Additionally, the game’s physics-based mechanics and netcode (the system that handles online multiplayer) may pose challenges when trying to synchronize gameplay across different platforms.
Why Cross-Platform Play Matters for Gang Beasts
Gang Beasts is a game that shines in multiplayer settings. Whether you’re brawling with friends on a couch or engaging in online matches, the game’s charm lies in its ability to bring people together. However, the lack of cross-platform play limits the potential for these shared experiences. Here’s why cross-platform functionality would be a game-changer for Gang Beasts:
- Expanded Player Base: Cross-platform play would allow players from different ecosystems to join forces, increasing the overall player base and reducing matchmaking times. This is particularly important for maintaining the game’s longevity and ensuring that online lobbies remain active.
- Friend Connectivity: Many gamers own different consoles or play on PC, making it difficult for friends to play together. Cross-platform play would eliminate this barrier, enabling seamless connections between players regardless of their chosen platform.
- Enhanced Community Engagement: A unified player base fosters a stronger sense of community. Cross-platform play would encourage more collaboration, competition, and shared experiences among Gang Beasts fans.
- Future-Proofing the Game: As the gaming industry continues to embrace Civ 6 cross-platform functionality, games that lack this feature risk falling behind. Implementing cross-play would future-proof Gang Beasts and ensure its relevance in an increasingly interconnected gaming world.
Are There Any Alternatives for Cross-Platform Play?
While Gang Beasts does not natively support cross-platform play, there are a few workarounds that players can explore to enjoy the game with friends on different platforms:
- Remote Play Together (Steam): PC players using Steam can take advantage of the Remote Play Together feature. This allows one player to host a game and invite friends to join, even if they don’t own the game. While this isn’t true cross-platform play, it does provide a way for PC players to share the experience with others.
- Local Multiplayer with Online Tools: Some players have used third-party tools like Parsec to simulate local multiplayer over the internet. This method requires one player to host the game and stream it to others, who can then join as virtual “local” players.
- Platform-Specific Play: If you and your friends own the same console or play on PC, you can still enjoy Gang Beasts together through online multiplayer or local co-op. While this doesn’t solve the Civ 6 cross-platform issue, it’s a viable option for same-platform groups.
Will Gang Beasts Ever Become Cross-Platform?
The question of whether Gang Beasts will ever support cross-platform play remains unanswered. While Boneloaf has not made any official announcements regarding cross-platform functionality, the growing demand from the community could influence their decision. Many other indie and AAA games have successfully implemented cross-play, proving that it’s both feasible and beneficial.
If Boneloaf decides to pursue cross-platform play, it would likely require a significant update to the game’s infrastructure. This could include reworking the netcode, collaborating with platform holders, and ensuring a smooth experience across all devices. While this would be a challenging endeavor, the potential rewards—such as a larger player base and increased player satisfaction—make it a worthwhile investment.
The Future of Gang Beasts and Cross-Platform Gaming
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, cross-platform play is becoming less of a luxury and more of an expectation. Players want the freedom to connect with friends, regardless of the devices they own, and games that fail to meet this demand risk being left behind. For Gang Beasts, embracing cross-platform functionality could breathe new life into the game and solidify its place as a beloved multiplayer title.
In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy the game’s unique brand of chaos on their preferred platforms. Whether you’re tossing opponents off skyscrapers, engaging in hilarious brawls, or simply goofing around with friends, Gang Beasts remains a standout experience in the world of party games.
Conclusion
While Gang Beasts is not currently Civ 6 cross platform, the possibility of future updates or developments leaves room for hope. The game’s quirky charm and multiplayer focus make it an ideal candidate for cross-platform play, and the growing demand from the community could push Boneloaf to explore this feature. Until then, players can make the most of existing options to enjoy Gang Beasts with friends, whether online or locally. As the gaming world continues to embrace cross-platform connectivity, the dream of a unified Gang Beasts experience may one day become a reality.
