We get this question all the time: “Can guests cross play games at a GameTruck party?” Like many things with video games, the answer is, it depends.

Understanding Cross Play

For the most part, the answer is no. Most games published on different consoles (XBox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch) do not support what is called Cross Play. Cross Play means that a person on one console can play the same game with a person on a different console.

Limitations of Cross Play

However, among the few games that do support Cross Play, they often have restrictions. Players need an internet connection and must log in to personal accounts. This setup means that you can have only one player per TV.

Note: Multiple people playing on the same console can join a server and play with others doing the same. However, there is a big drawback. Connecting to games is slow. It can be painstakingly and energy-draining slow.

The Drawbacks of Online Gaming

One big drawback to online gaming that most parents do not know about is how much time players spend in “lobbies” trying to connect safely and securely to other players. This waiting time can make the gaming experience less enjoyable.

The GameTruck Advantage

When celebrating, the energy comes from playing together, not just the game experience itself. That is why we bring out a variety of the best multiplayer games. The kids spend more time playing than waiting to connect. In my more than 20 years of experience in the video game industry, I have learned that gamers would rather play than wait.

A GameTruck party provides a unique opportunity for your child and their friends to come together and play many different kinds of games. They can play old favorites and try new games they may not have tried before. When kids can just pick up and play a good game with friends, it unleashes their combined energy. While playing across consoles sounds fun in theory, the experience often falls short.

The Value of In-Person Gaming

Playing a fun game now, with no waiting, with friends, together, in the same space, has proven valuable after nearly 20 years in business. Human communication involves more than just words. Words make up only 7% of communication, tone makes up 38%, and body movement makes up the other 55%. This is called the 7/38/55 pyramid – or the Song, Music, and Dance of human communication. GameTruck brings all of these elements together because kids are playing in person.

Conclusion

It is not just the games themselves, but who you play them with and how you play together that makes the difference. Doing the same thing, with people you like, at the same time, in person creates shared experiences and memories that last. While Cross Play sounds appealing, the best gaming experiences come from being together, playing side by side, and sharing the excitement in real time. A GameTruck party delivers just that, ensuring your kids have a blast with their friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.