In an exciting move that’s set to transform the gaming landscape, Epic Games is taking its Epic Online Services crossplay overlay to new heights. While crossplay between PC platforms was the starting point, the company is now breaking down barriers by expanding this feature to encompass major console platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. And the best part? This enhanced crossplay experience comes at no cost to developers using Epic Online Services.
About a year ago, Epic Games introduced the first phase of its crossplay overlay through Epic Online Services. This ingenious tool empowered game developers to seamlessly integrate crossplay functionality into their creations. By utilizing the social network already in use for the Epic Games Store, this tool eliminated the need for developers to construct their own networking platforms. It ingeniously combined the friend lists from both Steam and Epic Games, streamlining the process of messaging and inviting friends to join in on the gaming fun.
Fast forward to the present day, and Epic Online Services is evolving once again, this time in a major way. Developers can now leverage this free service to unite players not only across Steam and the Epic Games Store but also across the console giants: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This expansion brings with it a suite of support services encompassing authentication, social networking, and game functionality. This technology, already proven effective in numerous games, including Epic’s own titles, now bridges the gap across all major gaming consoles.
Epic games online services new features
So, what can developers and players expect from this groundbreaking expansion? Let’s dive into the impressive features Epic is rolling out:
1. Seamless Experience: Players will enjoy a consistent overlay that offers a unified experience whether they’re on PC or console.
2. Unified Friend List: Say goodbye to fractured friend lists across platforms. Epic’s innovation merges friend lists from various platforms into a single, cohesive list.
3. Simplified Account Creation: Creating an Epic Games account will be a breeze, fostering easy cross-platform connectivity.
4. Integrated Invitations: Gamers can effortlessly invite friends to join them across platforms, complete with social features and messaging options, all backed by Epic’s robust trust and safety controls.
5. Customizable SDK: Epic empowers developers with a plug-and-play system, allowing them to seamlessly implement the services they desire while avoiding those they don’t need. The crossplay tools are seamlessly integrated into this system, streamlining the implementation process.
Epic Games’ ultimate goal is to democratize the gaming experience, making it as accessible and user-friendly as possible. By introducing these cutting-edge crossplay features, the company aims to encourage more games to adopt their technology and thus bring more players into their vibrant gaming ecosystem.
Do you know that EA Sports recently released a fascinating teaser trailer for the highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) spectacle, EA Sports UFC 5? While the full game remains shrouded in mystery, the 11-second teaser features a fighter who remarkably resembles Alex Volkanovski, the current UFC Featherweight Champion:
It’s important to clarify that this expansion of Epic Online Services is not new to the Epic Games universe. The likes of Fortnite and Fall Guys have already embraced crossplay between PCs and consoles, setting the precedent for what’s possible. The Epic Games Store also entered the scene with crossplay support from day one. The game-changer here is that Epic is now extending this capability to developers who wish to harness Epic’s modular games and account services instead of crafting their own solutions. While the changes may not be immediately evident in existing Epic offerings, the promise of enhanced gaming experiences looms large on the horizon.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting to explore the vast world of virtual adventures, Epic Games’ commitment to fostering crossplay connectivity promises to bring players closer together across platforms. Prepare to break boundaries, unite with friends, and embark on unforgettable gaming journeys—all thanks to Epic Online Services’ ingenious expansion.