Following Telltale Games’ recent announcement that multiplayer is making its way to Batman: The Telltale Series, the studio has now gone in-depth to just how it works.
Dubbed “Crowd Play,” Telltale explains how it works, which platforms it can be used on and so much more. Check out the full details below.
What is Crowd Play?
Crowd Play allows people who can see your screen to be part of the story using their own mobile device or PC! By having your friends or family join a Crowd Play session, everyone gets to vote on choices made in the game. See how your choices and feelings differ from each other and compare results!
What devices can I use to participate?
Crowd Play works on almost any device that has a web browser! While phones are the optimum choice, you can connect from tablets, laptops and desktop computers too.
How do I activate Crowd Play?
Before you start playing, select the Crowd Play option from the bottom of the screen in the Episodes menu. In order to host a Crowd Play, you will need to setup a Telltale Online account.
Which platforms can I host from?
Currently, Crowd Play can be hosted from all console (Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3) devices, as well as PC/Mac. Crowd Play is currently not available to host from mobile/iOS/Android based versions of our games, but players can still join games hosted from console/PC/Mac by using the browsers on their mobile devices without needing to own the game.
How do others join my Crowd Play session?
It’s simple hop in at any time! Once Crowd Play mode is active, a unique Game Code will be displayed on your screen, along with a web address. By visiting the web address and typing in the displayed game code, your friends and family can join your game. You will always be able to see the Game Code at the top right corner of the screen during play, in case someone else wants to join or missed the code on the initial screen.
Can I use Crowd Play as part of my live stream?
While there is some potential for streamers to use Crowd Play, common network latency issues may prevent the best experience. Until latency becomes less of an issue, the use of Crowd Play with live streaming services such as Twitch, or YouTube Live is not recommended.
Who controls all of the decisions? The player, or the crowd?
There are two modes of use. One mode that enables the lead player to override the crowd’s decisions at their own will; and a crowd control mode where the audience will always overtake the decisions of the player by following the majority choices. Having both options allows for different dynamics when playing as a group, so we definitely recommend experimenting with your friends.
What happens if there’s a tie over a choice?
If there is a tie among Crowd Play participants over a choice in the game, the Host’s selection will determine the result.
Finally, Telltale hasn’t determined the max number of players that can participate in Crowd Play, but states it should be anywhere from 2 to 2,000+ players and more. It’s not intended for live-streaming (sorry, folks!) and its primary function is for home use and for gamers to band together at social gatherings.
While this is certainly a new take on multiplayer, it does seem intriguing enough that there’s a chance it can catch on. What do you think? Is this a genius move by Telltale? Are you thinking of trying it once it’s available?
[Source: Telltale]
