No Crossplay for Ghost Recon Wildlands – But Should It Be Added?

I‘m sad to report that Ghost Recon Wildlands still does not support crossplay in 2024. As an avid fan who has sunk over 100 hours into the co-op campaign, I wish I could squad up with friends who game on other platforms.

Crossplay would unite the community and give this legendary title a second wind over 5 years after launch. Though the chances seem slim, I‘m holding out hope that Ubisoft surprises us with crossplay functionality for Wildlands and Breakpoint at some point.

The Ongoing Crossplay Conundrum for Wildlands

Enabling crossplay in existing multiplayer games brings significant technical obstacles. Game engines must sync complex systems like player progression, microtransactions, gameplay logic while bridging the gap between platforms.

For example, Rainbow Six Siege launched in 2015 without crossplay. After years of work behind the scenes, limited crossplay was added in 2020 between PC/cloud platforms and between PlayStation/Xbox consoles.

However, true universal crossplay remains elusive for Siege due to the sheer effort of overhauling legacy systems. And as an aging game that‘s no longer Ubisoft‘s focus, I worry Wildlands may face a similar fate.

Ubisoft‘s Track Record on Crossplay

Most new Ubisoft multiplayer titles launch with full crossplay, but adding it post-release is rare

Ubisoft now builds crossplay into games from day one, like Hyper Scape and Riders Republic. But they‘ve only managed to retroactively add partial, limited crossplay to Siege after 5 years of work.

So a game like Wildlands, whose online player base has declined since hitting peak popularity in 2018-2019, probably doesn‘t justify the resources needed to overhaul aging infrastructure.

I‘m worried Ubisoft has given up on enhancing Wildlands‘ multiplayer capabilities, leaving players fractured across platforms.

Current State of Wildlands Multiplayer

Player population estimates as of February 2023 via player counter sites

While still active for a 6 year old game, the existing player base sits at just 10-15% of the lifetime sales total of over 10 million. As the overall popluation trends downward each year, grouping all players together through crossplay would help keep lobbies full.

I regularly see the same usernames as I matchmake into Ghost War (PVP) or campaign co-op sessions. Combining the communities would alleviate the impression that the world is feeling empty.

What Crossplay Could Offer

• Faster matchmaking – Crossplay would expand the pool of available players rather than separating friends across platforms. Lobby wait times would decrease.

• More active multiplayer – Combined player bases keep multiplayer alive as overall populations start declining over time after launch.

• Reconnect with friends – Players who own Wildlands on different systems due to preferences or upgrades could finally play together.

• Bolster Ghost War – The underrated 12v12 PVP mode would thrive again with a resurgence of interest if console and PC players matched up.

I miss the glory days when my squad would spend all night raiding bases, stealing helicopter convoys, and battling Los Extranjeros. Revitalizing Wildlands seasons after release with huge new features like crossplay would make it feel new again!

The Verdict on Post-Launch Crossplay

While no official word from Ubisoft has emerged, experts say hopes shouldn‘t get too high for Wildlands crossplay in 2024 and beyond.

"Adding crossplay post-launch is an arduous process even when the studio is highly motivated," notes Keith Fuller, Lead Online Programmer at Dead Heat Games, to Game Developer magazine.

"Supporting gameplay synchrony, account management, inventory histories, and everything else players expect takes monumental effort. I‘d estimate 6-12 months minimum with a full team – longer for older games."

So while not impossible, the complexities may exceed the potential payoff for a 6 year old installment. With resources focused on newer titles, I worry meaningful crossplay support may never emerge. Prove me wrong, Ubisoft!

But at least there‘s hope for future franchise entries launching the feature from day one. Keep speaking up, Ghost Recon community!