Over the past few months, Sony has received myriad criticism for their lack of full Fortnite cross-platform play on PlayStation. While PlayStation users can play with PC and mobile players, they are blocked from playing online with Switch and Xbox One users. It looks like that is changing today, as a post on PlayStation Blog confirms that Fortnite cross-platform play with other consoles is now in beta testing.
PlayStation Blog announces Fortnite Cross-Platform Beta details:
Following a comprehensive evaluation process, SIE has identified a path toward supporting cross-platform features for select third party content. We recognize that PS4 players have been eagerly awaiting an update, and we appreciate the community’s continued patience as we have navigated through this issue to find a solution.
The first step will be an open beta beginning today for Fortnite that will allow for cross platform gameplay, progression and commerce across PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Mac operating systems. We see the beta as an opportunity to conduct thorough testing that ensures cross-platform play is best on PlayStation, while being mindful about the user experience from both a technical and social perspective.
They go on to talk about why this sudden change in policy has come about:
For 24 years, we have strived to deliver the best gaming experience to our fans by providing a uniquely PlayStation perspective. Today, the communities around some games have evolved to the point where cross-platform experiences add significant value to players. In recognition of this, we have completed a thorough analysis of the business mechanics required to ensure that the PlayStation experience for our users remains intact today, and in the future, as we look to open up the platform.
This represents a major policy change for SIE, and we are now in the planning process across the organization to support this change. We will update the community once we have more details to share, including more specifics regarding the beta timeframe, and what this means for other titles going forward.
This is excellent news for Fortnite players and for gaming as a whole. It’s good to see Sony listening to feedback on this issue, especially after recent comments by CEO Kenichiro Yoshida indicated otherwise. Hopefully more third-party games will follow suit.
