What Is Cross-Play and Cross-Progression? (2026 Guide)

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One of the best breakthroughs in gaming over the last few years has been the way progress and play have broken free of any single device.

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Two features make that possible: cross‑progression, which carries your save data and unlocks wherever you go, and cross‑play, which brings everyone together in the same match no matter their console or PC.

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Key Takeaways

Cross‑platform gaming isn’t just widespread—it’s becoming the standard:

A majority of players (60–76%) now game across multiple devices.
Tri‑platform users remain a critical group—spending more time and money.
Developer response is strong: nearly all mid/large studios are embracing interoperability.
Player expectations are in motion: half demand even more seamless cross‑device play.

Comscore (2024) reports 75% of U.S. gamers engage across more than one of the main platforms, with 40% playing on all three regularly (PC, console, mobile).

Nearly 70% of gamers use at least two devices, and 50% want more cross-device interoperability, according to VentureBeat/CTA 2024 survey.

76% of gamers play across multiple platforms.

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What Is Cross-Play/Cross-Platform And Cross Progession Mean In Gaming?

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Cross-play (also called cross-platform play) is a feature that allows players using different gaming platforms to play together online.

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A player on Xbox Series X can squad up with someone on PlayStation 5

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A PC player can join lobbies with friends on Nintendo Switch

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Even mobile players can sometimes join the same match as console users

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While cross-progression is like jumping into Fortnite on your gaming rig at home, then heading out the door and picking up exactly where you left off on your PS5 at a friend’s house, and later squeezing in a few rounds on your phone during your commute.

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That seamless handoff is cross‑progression.

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Behind the scenes, you simply link your game ID (like Epic Games, Activision or Ubisoft) to each platform.

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Popular Games That Support Cross-Play and Cross-Progression (2026)

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Here’s a list of some of the most well-known titles and their cross-play and cross-progression status:

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Game Title	Cross-Play	Cross-Progression	Platforms
Madden NFL 24	✅	✅ (Superstar mode)	PC (Steam/Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Sea of Thieves	✅	❌	PC, Xbox, PS5
Phasmophobia	✅	❌	PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PSVR2
Dying Light 2	❌¹	❌	PC (Steam↔Epic), PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
Borderlands 2	✅ (console-gen)	✅ (console-gen)	PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
A Way Out	❌	❌	PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
No Man’s Sky	✅	✅	PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, macOS, VR
Party Animals	✅	❌	PC, Xbox One/Series
UNO	❌	❌	PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
Astroneer	✅	❌	PC, Xbox One/Series, PS4/5, Switch
State of Decay 2	✅	✅	PC, Xbox One/Series
Golf With Your Friends	❌	❌	PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
Monster Hunter World	❌	❌	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Gotham Knights	✅ (PC ↔ Xbox)	❌	PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 (local)
UFC 5	✅ (PS5 ↔ Xbox Series)	❌	PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Sons of the Forest	❌	❌	PC (Steam)
Darktide	✅	❌	PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Injustice 2	❌	❌	PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series
Fishing Planet	✅ (PC MS Store/Epic ↔ Xbox)	✅	PC (Steam, MS Store, Epic), Xbox One/Series

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Some games like FIFA 24, NBA 2K, or The Division 2 have partial cross-play or limited cross-progression depending on region or mode.

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Gears of War: Reloaded offers cross-play support across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5—even during its June 2026 beta, players on different platforms were matched together seamlessly.

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Monster Hunter Wilds launched in February 2026 with cross-platform multiplayer enabled by default, letting hunters team up across PC, PS5, and Xbox without extra setup.

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How Cross-Play Support Is Affecting The Gaming Industry?

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Cross‑play and cross‑progression are no longer just deluxe options—they’re expected features in any live‑service or competitive title.

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Developers are building cloud‑first ecosystems from day one, and the next logical step is cross‑economy, where your in‑game currency and cosmetic purchases work exactly the same on every platform.

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Soon, the question won’t be “Which device should I use?” but “Which game do I want to pick up first?” —because your progress and your friends will be waiting, regardless of where you play.

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What to expect in 2026?

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Technologies like unified accounts, cloud kiosks, and cross-save are shifting from “nice-to-have” to vital, meeting gamer demand and industry standards.

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