The Dilemma of Gaming on Different Platforms
Xbox Game Pass has become a haven for budget-conscious gamers, offering a plethora of titles at an affordable price. However, the case of Palworld on Game Pass versus its Steam counterpart raises some concerns. While Palworld is an enticing game for playing with friends, the lack of feature parity and crossplay between Xbox Game Pass and Steam versions has left many gamers in a bind. This issue is particularly significant given Palworld’s appeal as a multiplayer game.
The Certification Process: A Slowdown for Game Pass
The core of Palworld’s differences across platforms lies in the certification process utilized by Game Pass. Unlike Steam, Game Pass’s certification procedure is more time-consuming, resulting in slower patch rollouts for the Game Pass version. This disparity is accentuated by Palworld being an early access title that frequently releases patches.
Brendan Lowry from Windows Central quotes community manager Bucky, explaining the situation on Discord: “Some of these things will take extra time… We’re really at the mercy of the certification here. We’re desperately trying to speed this up.” This situation has led to the Steam version advancing more rapidly in terms of updates and features.
Version Discrepancies and Missing Features
The discrepancies between the Xbox Game Pass and Steam versions of Palworld are notable. As of now, key differences include:
- Player Support: Steam supports up to 32 players on a server, whereas Game Pass is limited to four-player co-op.
- Audio Bugs: Initial issues with audio bugs (since resolved).
- Gameplay Elements: The missing exit button for quitting the game, different item names, and certain features functioning differently or being unlocked through alternative means.
Bucky clarifies, “Issues like the missing exit game button etc are not a result of an ‘older build’, these are separate issues.” This indicates that the differences go beyond just being versions behind. “Steam and Xbox will likely never have identical version numbers until the games are brought to be [crossplay] compatible, because at that point they will be the same game internally.”
Looking Forward: The Path to Resolution
The hope is that these issues will be ironed out by the time Palworld expands to other platforms, allowing for a harmonious gaming experience. The Game Pass version, despite its limitations, remains an enjoyable experience and a significant asset for Microsoft.
As the game evolves, the gap between the versions is expected to narrow. However, for the time being, players on different platforms may find themselves unable to fully share the Palworld experience with friends on the other service. The community eagerly awaits updates and improvements, hoping for a future where all players, regardless of their platform choice, can enjoy Palworld to its fullest.
