Cross-platform development crucial for studios

Cross-platform development will play a key role in the next-generation of consoles and games, says Eugene Evans.

Speaking at the Develop in Brighton conference, the Bioware Mythic GM said that consumers are clamouring for a broader experience when playing new titles, and what to be able to access their games on a multitude of devices.

"Cross-platform development is becoming really important," said Evans.

"Now it will become key. Because all these devices are connected, users want to be able to play a game on their PC and on their phone. We have to deliver these experiences on multiple devices. We are always connected.

"People want to play anytime they want, wherever they want with whoever they want."

Evans added that unlike in previous years, the market for gaming was now big enough to handle a wide proliferation of platforms, rather than the previous 2 or three big companies that always previously dominated the space.

"The number of platforms we have to work on has only proliferated. But unlike before, the business was at its healthiest when there were only two companies.

"The difference now is the business has become big another and the age of folks that are playing have become older, meaning there are more people playing.

"This means we can survive having numerous platforms to work on. It’s a very bright future for the business."