Sony has conceded to the demands of gamers by finally supporting cross-play on the PlayStation 4. In a nutshell, this means PS4 owners will be able to play Fortnite against gamers on other platforms, including the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
The Demand for Cross-Platform Play
Ever since online gaming became a thing gamers have longed to break out of their walled gardens and compete against players on other platforms. Unfortunately, the technology took a while to catch up to the desire, as did console manufacturers’ attitudes.
Then along came Fortnite, a free-to-play game available on every platform you care to mention. And the calls for cross-play became deafening. Microsoft and Nintendo jumped on board, but Sony remained defiant, keeping PS4 owners playing amongst themselves.
Until now.
Using Fortnite As a Willing Test Subject
In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony explains how it’s launching a cross-play beta using Fortnite. This allows “cross-platform gameplay, progression and commerce across PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Mac.”
Sony recognizes that “games have evolved to the point where cross-platform experiences add significant value to players” and sees this beta as “an opportunity to conduct thorough testing that ensures cross-platform play is best on PlayStation.”
Fortnite cross-platform play starts today in open beta. Full details: https://t.co/fyPmx4iB4O pic.twitter.com/wdY3GnT4u1
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 26, 2018
Right now this only applies to Fortnite, a game which has amassed a community full of people who couldn’t care less about platforms. And that’s the point. The days of PlayStation players playing in one sandpit while Xbox owners play in another are over.
It remains to be seen whether Sony expands this Fortnite-only beta test into full support for cross-platform play. But it’s hard to imagine the company will try to reverse this decision. If they do the uproar from PS4 owners is likely to be deafening.
Learn More About the PS4 and Fortnite
If this prompts you or your offspring to start playing Epic’s smash hit here’s everything you need to know about Fortnite. And whatever happens with regard to cross-platform play the fact remains the PlayStation 4 boasts some fantastic exclusives.
Read the full article: Sony Finally Supports Cross-Play on PS4
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