Are There Any Cross-Gen Games? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, there are definitely cross-gen games. In fact, they’ve become quite common in the gaming industry, bridging the gap between console generations and allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles with friends on different hardware. The concept of cross-generation play is a game changer, ensuring that gaming communities remain connected even as technology advances. Let’s dive deeper into what cross-gen gaming is all about and answer some common questions.
Understanding Cross-Gen Games
What Exactly Are Cross-Gen Games?
Cross-gen games, also known as cross-generational games, are video games that are released for two or more console generations. This means that the game is available on older consoles (like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One) as well as newer consoles (like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S). This approach allows developers to cater to a broader player base, especially during the transition period when new consoles are becoming more readily available.
How Does Cross-Gen Play Work?
Cross-generation play (often shortened to cross-gen play) enables players on different generations of the same console family to play together online. For example, a player with a PS5 could play a game online with a friend who has a PS4, or someone with an Xbox Series X could play with someone on an Xbox One. This is made possible by game developers implementing the necessary infrastructure to allow different generations of hardware to connect to the same game servers.
The Difference Between Cross-Gen and Cross-Platform
It’s important to distinguish between cross-gen and cross-platform. Cross-gen play specifically refers to gaming within the same console family (e.g., PlayStation or Xbox). Cross-platform play, on the other hand, enables players on different console families or platforms altogether (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch) to play together. While some games support both cross-gen and cross-platform play, they are distinct features.
Popular Examples of Cross-Gen Games
Many popular titles have embraced the cross-gen approach. Some noteworthy examples include:
- Assassin’s Creed series: Many recent titles in this franchise support cross-gen play, allowing gamers on PS4 and PS5, or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, to play together.
- Call of Duty series: The Call of Duty games often have cross-gen capabilities, connecting players across different generations of consoles within the same family.
- Borderlands 3: This title allows players on different generations of consoles within the same family, and often across different platforms entirely to play together.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends supports crossplay on various platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Back 4 Blood: Another title that has implemented cross-platform and cross-gen, offering a variety of players the opportunity to game together.
- Among Us: This game is a good example of a title that is crossplay, allowing players to use a PC, iOS, Android, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or a Switch to play with each other.
Benefits of Cross-Gen Gaming
Cross-gen gaming offers several advantages for both players and developers:
- Wider Player Base: It allows games to reach a larger audience, as gamers on older consoles are not left behind during the transition to new hardware.
- Consistent Player Communities: It keeps online communities united, enabling players on different console generations to connect and play together.
- Smoother Transition: It eases the transition to new consoles by allowing players to continue enjoying their favorite games with their friends on either the older or newer console, without being forced into a difficult switch over.
- Extended Game Lifespan: By catering to multiple generations, games can have longer lifespans as players gradually migrate to new hardware.
Considerations for Cross-Gen Gaming
While there are many benefits, there are also a few things to consider:
- Performance Differences: There can be performance differences between older and newer consoles, which may affect the gaming experience. Newer consoles often have faster load times, better graphics, and higher frame rates.
- Feature Parity: Game developers sometimes need to make compromises to ensure compatibility between older and newer consoles. This may mean that some graphical or feature enhancements may not be available on older hardware.
- Game Optimization: To work well on different generations, cross-gen games require careful optimization by the developers to run smoothly on older and newer systems.
Cross-Gen Game Editions
Some games offer a “cross-gen bundle”, which gives players access to both the older and newer console versions of the game. This may be a good option for those who intend to upgrade to the latest generation console at some point and want to be ready. However, it’s important to check what is offered in the specific bundle, as sometimes it will only provide access to the older gen copy for the purpose of allowing play until a newer generation copy can be obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cross-Gen Games
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about cross-gen games:
1. Can PS4 and PS5 players play together?
Yes, many games now support cross-generation multiplayer between PS4 and PS5. Players on either console can invite each other to play together in supported titles.
2. Can Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players play together?
Yes, similar to PlayStation, many games support cross-gen play between Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Players on either console can game together in supported titles.
3. Does cross-gen mean crossplay?
Not necessarily. Cross-gen means playing within the same console family (e.g., PS4 with PS5), while crossplay (or cross-platform) means playing between different console families or platforms (e.g., PS5 with Xbox Series X, or a PC).
4. Can old-gen consoles play with new-gen consoles?
Yes, old-gen consoles like the Xbox One and PS4 can often play with new-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 if the game supports cross-gen play.
5. Are all games cross-gen?
No, not all games are cross-gen. It’s up to the game developer to enable cross-gen play. Check the game’s specifications to be sure.
6. Can GTA be played cross-gen?
Currently, the Grand Theft Auto franchise does not support cross-generation play, meaning that PS4 players cannot play with PS5 players, and likewise for Xbox consoles.
7. What is a cross-gen edition game?
A cross-gen edition game typically gives you access to both the older and newer console versions of the game.
8. Is there a performance difference in cross-gen games?
Yes, typically, the performance on newer consoles is better, often with faster loading times, improved graphics, and higher frame rates compared to older consoles.
9. Is backward compatibility the same as cross-gen?
No, backward compatibility allows you to play games from previous console generations on a newer console. Cross-gen allows players on different generations to play together. Backwards Compatibility allows older games to be played on newer consoles, whereas cross-gen requires specific builds of the game to be made available for older and newer consoles in the same console family.
10. Can I use a PS3 disc in a PS5?
No, physical PS3 game discs are not backward compatible with the PS5. However, you can stream and play some PS3 games via PlayStation Plus Premium.
11. Will Mortal Kombat 1 have cross-play?
Mortal Kombat 1 will not have crossplay at launch. However, the developers plan to add it in a post-launch update.
12. Is Overcooked 2 crossplay?
Yes, Overcooked 2 supports crossplay across different PC platforms, and console platforms.
13. Can current gen Xbox play 2k23 together?
Unfortunately, NBA 2K23 does not offer cross-platform play, meaning that there will be no playing between different generations of Xbox consoles.
14. Are ps4s still being made?
While PS4 production has stopped in most markets, the PS4 is still being produced in some western markets.
15. Is a PS5 worth buying instead of a PS4?
Yes, if you’re considering a new console, the PS5 is definitely worth the upgrade over a PS4 due to the improved performance, enhanced graphics, and additional features.