Why is Black Ops 3 Not Crossplay? Understanding the Limitations
The simple answer to why Call of Duty: Black Ops III isn’t cross-platform is that the technology and infrastructure to support crossplay didn’t exist at the time of its release. Launched in 2015, Black Ops 3 predates the widespread adoption of cross-platform compatibility in the gaming industry, and more specifically, within the Call of Duty franchise itself. Modern Warfare (2019) was the first Call of Duty title to implement crossplay, setting a new standard for future installments. Because Black Ops 3 was designed and built without cross-platform functionality in mind, it’s practically impossible to implement it retroactively without a complete rebuild of the game, a complex and costly undertaking not feasible for a title from that era.
The fundamental architecture of games is platform-specific, with varying hardware, software, and network protocols. These differences create significant hurdles for seamless interoperability. Back in 2015, game developers primarily designed with specific consoles or PC in mind, rarely needing to consider how their games would operate across different ecosystems. Cross-platform play requires all the different versions of the game, running on varied systems, to communicate smoothly and reliably, something not easily achieved by a game designed solely for a single platform or family of platforms. Adding crossplay to Black Ops 3 would mean creating the infrastructure for vastly different hardware (e.g., Playstation and Xbox and PC) to communicate reliably and maintain gameplay parity. It is not a simple matter of ‘flipping a switch’.
Another critical aspect to consider is the shift in business models. Cross-platform play has become increasingly prevalent as a strategic decision to foster a larger player base across platforms. This strategy wasn’t as common back in 2015. The focus was on maximizing sales within a specific platform’s ecosystem rather than promoting cross-platform interactions. Black Ops 3 was made before this shift in strategy, and therefore, was not built to capitalize on cross-platform capabilities. This is why it, unlike modern Call of Duty titles, does not support crossplay functionality.
Understanding the Legacy of Black Ops 3
The Technological Landscape of 2015
In 2015, cross-platform gaming was more of a theoretical concept than a practical reality. Most developers focused on optimizing their games for specific platforms. The network protocols, servers, and game engines were not built to accommodate the complexity of cross-platform interaction. The emphasis was on achieving the best possible performance within a particular console’s or PC’s boundaries, not across all of them.
Design Limitations
The design of Black Ops 3 was fundamentally constrained by the technological standards of its time. The architecture was built for single-platform operation, making it structurally incompatible with cross-platform play without a massive overhaul. Attempting to retroactively implement crossplay would be an incredibly expensive undertaking with a high risk of failure, and likely not deliver a positive return on investment.
Why Rebuilding Isn’t Feasible
Rebuilding Black Ops 3 to accommodate cross-platform play would be a monumental effort equivalent to developing a new game. The original code, network infrastructure, and matchmaking system would require a complete rewrite to account for the nuances of different hardware and platform ecosystems. Moreover, this effort would need to be done on a game released many years ago and with an established audience; a complete rebuild might alienate these users, who are used to the game as it is. Such a project would involve vast resources and be commercially unjustifiable for an older game.
The Evolving Industry Standard
The integration of cross-platform play in modern titles reflects advancements in game development tools, server architecture, and a strategic shift towards uniting player communities across platforms. Black Ops 3, not having been built within this framework, cannot easily benefit from these industry advancements. Thus, it remains bound to its original single-platform architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Ops 3 and Crossplay
1. Will Black Ops 3 ever get cross-platform support?
No. Due to its age, it is highly unlikely that Black Ops 3 will ever receive cross-platform functionality. The cost and complexity of rebuilding the game to support crossplay are prohibitive.
2. Can I play Black Ops 3 with friends on different consoles?
No, unfortunately, you cannot play with friends on different consoles (or PC). Black Ops 3 restricts online play to within the same platform. Therefore, Xbox users can only play with other Xbox users, and PlayStation users can only play with other PlayStation users.
3. Can Black Ops 3 Zombies be played cross-platform?
No. Black Ops 3 Zombies does not support cross-platform play. Players are restricted to playing with others on the same platform. Although some newer Call of Duty titles such as Modern Warfare III, have introduced cross-platform Zombies, this feature is not available in Black Ops 3.
4. Why is Black Ops 3 online still active but matchmaking difficult?
Black Ops 3 remains active despite its age, but matchmaking can be difficult because the game’s matchmaking system limits players to regional servers to maintain low latency. This means that you are often restricted to playing with other players within your geographical region. Also, the player population might be considerably less than more current titles.
5. Is Black Ops 3 split-screen available for online play?
Yes, Black Ops 3 supports two-player split-screen online play in both Multiplayer and Zombies modes. However, for local play, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 support up to four players in split-screen for Multiplayer. Please note that Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 do not support split-screen.
6. Is Black Ops 3 safe to play on PC?
Playing Black Ops 3 on PC can be risky due to Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploits. It is highly recommended to play with the community patch or a good anti-virus. These exploits can allow hackers to access your computer.
7. Can I play Black Ops 3 campaign co-op?
Yes, the Black Ops 3 campaign supports up to 4-player cooperative gameplay. This was a key design element, providing players with bigger, more open level designs, but the co-op mode is platform-specific.
8. Is Black Ops 3 multiplayer dead?
No, Black Ops 3 is not dead. There are still players active, particularly on Xbox One. However, as described previously, your ability to find games will be limited by your region due to matchmaking restrictions.
9. Can I play Black Ops 3 with friends if we’re on different generations of the same console?
No, the restriction is purely based on the console manufacturer. As long as everyone is on the same console family, you can play together. Thus, PS4 players can play with PS5 players, and Xbox One players can play with Xbox Series X/S players, but those from different console families will not be able to play with each other.
10. What platforms can I play Black Ops 3 on?
Black Ops 3 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. However, as described previously, if you are looking to play with friends, the platform of play must be the same; meaning no crossplay between these platforms.
11. Is the Call of Duty Warzone cross-platform?
Yes. Call of Duty: Warzone is cross-platform and allows players from different consoles and PC to play together. This is a fundamental difference from Black Ops 3.
12. Why can’t I join my friends in Black Ops 3?
If you’re unable to join your friends in Black Ops 3, it is most likely due to the fact that you are not using the same platform. If your friend is on PS and you are on Xbox (or PC), you will not be able to join their game.
13. Why does Black Ops 3 still have an active player base in 2023?
Despite its age, Black Ops 3 continues to attract players, because of many loyal fans who favor its gameplay, its story, and the variety of its Zombies mode. Also, the game is available for a lower price than newer titles.
14. Does the server status of Black Ops 3 affect my ability to play online?
Yes, if the Black Ops 3 server status for your platform is not green, or if an alert is present, then you might experience connectivity issues until service is restored.
15. What is the best way to improve my ability to find online matches on Black Ops 3?
Due to its matchmaking limitations, the best way to improve your ability to find matches is to play at popular times for your region and on popular game modes. If possible, consider connecting with friends who are also interested in the game.