Quick Answer
There is no crossplay because there is only one platform. Machine Party ships on Steam PC — Windows and Linux/SteamOS. There is no console version, no mobile version, no separate client. With one platform, there's nothing to cross with.
The closest things to crossplay in this game's world are:
- Steam Remote Play Together — listed on Machine Party's store page since v2.0 on August 12, 2026 (UTC). One player owns the game and streams to up to four others. It's not crossplay in the traditional sense (everyone is still on Steam), but it solves the "friend doesn't own the game" problem. The console page has the full write-up.
- Couch co-op on one PC — also added in v2.0. Up to four players on one machine, sharing one screen. See the local co-op page.
Why There's No Crossplay Question to Answer
The Steam store page and the store category list both confirm:
- Platforms supported: Windows and SteamOS / Linux only.
- No console release, no PS5, Xbox, or Switch build.
- No mobile client.
- No Epic Games Store, GOG, or other storefront version — Steam exclusive.
When there's only one platform, "crossplay" is a question that doesn't apply. Valve, Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo all have their own online networks; crossplay means bridging them. With only Steam in the picture, there's nothing to bridge.
What About Linux and Steam Deck?
The game has a native Linux / SteamOS build, and players have reported the game running on Steam Deck. Two open questions follow:
- Can a Windows player and a Linux player join the same lobby? The developers have not said. The game uses Steam's lobby system, and we have not found any documented split by operating system — but there's also no documented confirmation that a Linux player can join a Windows player's lobby. Treat it as "the developers have not commented, and we have not seen a confirmed cross-OS test." If this matters to you, the safe move is to ask in the official Discord LFG channel for someone who has tested it.
- Does Steam Deck work? Valve has not assigned Machine Party a Steam Deck compatibility rating, so the store page does not show a Verified / Playable / Unsupported badge. Players report the game running on Deck. Some simulations are mouse-unfriendly and play better with a controller. Don't take anyone's word for "Steam Deck Verified" — the store page doesn't say that.
What's Close to Crossplay, but Isn't
If your actual question is "can I play with friends who don't own the game" or "can I play with friends on different hardware", here are the real options:
| What you want | What works |
|---|---|
| Friend has no copy | Steam Remote Play Together (v2.0+) |
| Friend is in the same room | Couch co-op on one PC with controllers (v2.0+) |
| Friend is on Steam Deck or Linux | Likely works on the same lobby, but unconfirmed |
| Friend is on a console | No way — no console version exists |
| Friend is on a non-Steam PC storefront | No way — Steam exclusive |
For the controller-and-TV setup that's closest to a "console experience", see the console page. For how many players you need and what 2-player matches feel like, see the how many players page.