Breaking Down Barriers: Can You Play Gang Beasts Across Different Platforms?
A few years ago, nobody would have imagined frantically searching for “Is Gang Beasts cross-platform?” You’d be excused if you don’t know what the ridiculous beat ’em up game from developers Boneloaf is; it has been around for a while.
A beat ’em up party game called Gang Beasts was created and released by the British independent studio Boneloaf. Until May 2020, the game would be self-published by Double Fine Presents; after that, Skybound Games would take over the physical publishing of the title. Following an early access period for the PC platforms that started in August 2014, the game was released on December 12, 2017, for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4. On March 27, 2019, it was also made available on the Xbox One.
Can you play Gang Beasts with any friends in 2023 on various platforms? Let’s investigate.
Table of Contents
What Are Beat’ Em Up Party Games?
A subgenre of multiplayer video games known as “beat ’em up party games” features players engaging in bloody battles or fighting one another in a social setting.
These games typically offer quick action, straightforward controls, and many characters, each with unique skills and fighting techniques.
They frequently feature humor and cartoonish graphics and are made to be played in a social setting with friends and family. Overcooked and Mario Party are a few examples of Beat’ Em Up Party Games that are very well-liked.
What Are The Advantages Of Cross-platform?
Cross-platform refers to the ability of software applications or video games to run seamlessly across multiple operating systems and devices. Several advantages of cross-platform make it a preferred choice for developers and users alike:
- Increased Accessibility: Cross-platform allows applications and games to be accessed by a wider audience, regardless of their device or operating system.
- Enhanced User Experience: Cross-platform ensures the user experience is consistent across all platforms, improving usability and reducing frustration.
- Greater Cost-effectiveness: Cross-platform development is more cost-effective than creating separate applications for each platform, as it reduces development time and resources.
- Easier Maintenance: Cross-platform development allows for easier maintenance and updates, as changes can be made across all platforms simultaneously.
- Improved Collaboration: Cross-platform makes it easier for developers to collaborate and work together, regardless of the tools or devices they use.
Overall, cross-platform provides several benefits for developers and users, making it a practical approach in software and game development.
Is Gang Beasts Cross-Platform In 2023?
The operating systems currently support Gang Beasts: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Apple Mac OS, and Linux. The Oculus Rift is also now available in Early Access. However, the game has not yet received the cross-platform feature.
The game will eventually be cross-play compatible, according to a recent announcement from the developers. However, that does not imply that it will permit cross-play across all available platforms.
Today’s game publishers have to do a lot of business gymnastics to add this functionality, especially about Microsoft and Sony. Fans eager to play the game with their friends on a different platform might have some good news to look forward to.
PC and Xbox One
When it was revealed that Gang Beasts would support cross-play between Xbox and the Microsoft Store beginning July 1, 2021, this was the first time cross-play had gone well. It’s important to note that the Steam version of the game did not get this feature; only the Microsoft store version did.
As a result, the Microsoft Store is your only choice for cross-play with your Xbox friends if you play on a PC.
Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
Even though the game was previously incompatible with the Xbox One and the Series X/S, things changed for the better with the June 2021 announcement. Players from both generations of Xbox devices can now play Gang Beasts together.
Cross-play should be available for these two consoles because they run the same game version on the same platform. But, given the current state of affairs, even enabling this functionality took its sweet time.
PS4 and Xbox One
Unfortunately, there is currently no cross-play between these two devices. Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation are two of the best systems for a game like Gang Beasts, with controller support and comfortable couch gaming.
However, PlayStation and Xbox users must content themselves with playing within their gaming communities. Publishers that offer cross-play functionality between the two different brands of devices may see positive developments over time.
PC and PS4
The game’s PC and PS4 versions are not currently cross-play compatible with one another. In addition to the different system architectures, cross-platform support between PC and consoles is a complex problem for developers and publishers to solve.
PS frequently charges a hefty fee to game publishers and developers to permit cross-play on their platforms. This additional expense could be costly for a small independent studio like Boneloaf. Consequently, cross-play between PC and PS4 hasn’t happened yet.
PS4 and PS5
The game does not have a separate PS5 version. On the Sony next-generation console, the PS4 version can be played without problems. But in terms of cross-platform play, PS4 players cannot engage in gameplay with PS5 players.
The lack of cross-play functionality on even consoles from the same platform frustrates the player base. It causes some fans to stop playing, which lowers the number of players.
When will Gang Beasts be available on all platforms and devices?
There has been no definitive public announcement regarding Gang Beasts’ potential for universal cross-functionality yet. Furthermore, cross-play is unlikely to be implemented anytime soon due to the fundamental differences between platform architectures and the monetary barriers preventing their adoption.
Indeed, universal cross-play might not do much for a game like Gang Beasts. Players on the same platform can still enjoy the ridiculous multiplayer gameplay.
What is the distinction between multiplatform and cross-platform?
These two terms are frequently used interchangeably. While cross-platform refers to a feature that allows a game to be played on multiple devices, multiplatform refers to a game’s availability on multiple platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gang Beasts is a highly entertaining and addictive multiplayer game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide. While the game is not natively cross-platform, there are workarounds and third-party software that can enable cross-play. Whether playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, the game offers hours of fun and laughter with friends and family.
In today’s gaming world, cross-platform play has become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. It allows gamers to connect and play with a broader audience, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. While not all games support cross-platform play, it’s important to advocate for it as players to encourage more developers to embrace this technology.
Overall, Gang Beasts is a must-play for anyone who loves multiplayer games with an emphasis on humor and fun. With cross-platform play, the game would become even more accessible and enjoyable. Let’s hope that the developers continue to listen to the demands of their fans and implement cross-platform play shortly.
