A few years ago, crossplay became a major feature in multiplayer gaming, largely due to support from Microsoft and Xbox. Sony initially resisted the idea but eventually joined the trend, and now crossplay is a standard feature in many popular multiplayer games. However, I believe crossplay has started to go too far, especially when it comes to PvP experiences. Microsoft has an opportunity to rethink its approach and should consider making some changes in the years ahead.
Here's why. Crossplay between consoles is fine since most players are using similar input methods—controllers. The issue arises when PC players join the mix, bringing their mouse and keyboard setups. This creates an uneven playing field, particularly in first-person shooters. This imbalance has been a topic of discussion for years, and while it’s not a new problem, the situation has changed now that Microsoft has more control over how crossplay is implemented.
Since crossplay was introduced, Microsoft has used it to increase the player base for its multiplayer games. Titles like Gears of War 4, Gears 5, and Halo Infinite launched with crossplay support, allowing PC players to join the matchmaking pool, benefiting the online population. But now that Microsoft is bringing its big multiplayer games to PlayStation, starting with Black Ops 6, this might be the perfect time to rethink how console and PC players are integrated into the same matchmaking system.
With PS5 users now potentially joining these multiplayer ecosystems, Microsoft has the option to separate console and PC players in the crossplay pool. This doesn’t mean that PC crossplay should be entirely removed, but there should be an option for console gamers to avoid playing against PC players, especially when it results in a frustrating experience. Right now, Microsoft buries crossplay settings within the console system settings, and even then, you can't separate PC crossplay from console crossplay, which can be a nightmare for players.
Both Black Ops 6 and Halo Infinite currently lack specific crossplay settings on Xbox. While this might seem like a niche issue, it significantly affects the online experience, especially for those who prefer not to play against mouse and keyboard users. For many, the only option is to disable crossplay entirely, but this brings its own challenges, like longer matchmaking times, particularly since Xbox has a smaller player base. Furthermore, it makes it impossible to play with friends on different platforms.
If games like Halo and Gears are eventually released on PS5, I would love to see more flexibility in how crossplay works. It would be great if players could choose to exclude PC players from the matchmaking pool if they wish. Given the healthy player count that would likely exist between Xbox and PlayStation users alone, Microsoft should allow players to decide whether or not they want to include PC players in their matches.
It’s important to note that not all online games suffer from this issue. Some games, like Ubisoft's XDefiant, offer options to match players based on input method. For instance, players using controllers can opt to only face other controller users, removing mouse and keyboard players from the matchmaking pool. While many console players can also use mouse and keyboard, an input-based matchmaking toggle would go a long way in creating fairer competition.
In recent years, I've come to accept the reality of crossplay between Xbox and PC, understanding that it helps keep online games alive and player counts healthy. However, as Microsoft moves forward with releasing its games on PlayStation (and potentially the Nintendo Switch 2), it's time to offer more options for creating a fairer and more balanced online experience. The past couple of weeks of playing Black Ops 6 on Xbox with crossplay enabled have been a frustrating experience for me, and that shouldn't be the case when playing one of Microsoft's most important first-party games on their flagship console.
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