Sony is allowing cross-console play with other platforms for Fortnite on PlayStation 4.
The company launched an open beta on September 26 for PlayStation 4 players to battle against gamers on different consoles. This marks the first time in history that players on any PlayStation console will be allowed to play with gamers on other platforms.
Major policy change
According to a post on the PlayStation Blog, the Fortnite open beta is the first step toward supporting cross-platform features for select third-party content.
"Following a comprehensive evaluation process, SIE has identified a path toward supporting cross-platform features for select third party content," the post read. "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 beta will allow for cross-platform gameplay, progression and commerce across PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Mac operating systems. Sony sees the beta as an opportunity to conduct thorough testing to ensure cross-platform play is best on PlayStation, while being mindful of the user experience from technical and social perspectives.
BREAKING NEWS: Sony Finally Allow Cross-Platform Play To Open Up For Fortnite
https://t.co/KBmvHpnbyJ
- Fortnite News (@FortINTEL) September 26, 2018
Years of criticism
The decision represents a major change for Sony, which had long resisted cross-console play for its PlayStation platform even as many other companies embraced it. The move follows years of increasingly vocal criticism by PlayStation fans demanding the feature, which the Japanese tech giant has finally heeded.
"For 24 years, we have strived to deliver the best gaming experience to our fans by providing a uniquely PlayStation perspective," the blog post stated. "Today, the communities around some games have evolved to the point where cross-platform experiences add significant value to players."
"This represents a major policy change for SIE, and we are now in the planning process across the organization to support this change," the blog post reads. "We will update the community once we have more details to share."
Fortnite phenomenon
Published and developed by Epic Games, Fortnite is a free-to-play shooter video game that boasts around 125 million players worldwide. Initially launched in July 2017, the game introduced its battle royale mode in September of that year, immensely boosting its popularity. Matches see 100 players battle it out in a blend of traditional action-shooter gameplay with survival games and fort building elements.
Fortnite was released on Android in August 2018. It is also available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, MacOS and iOS. The video game's sixth season is expected to launch worldwide on Thursday, September 27.
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