Sony Tests Cross-Play With Fortnite
By: Bryce L. Jackson
In a surprising move, Sony announced today that they will begin testing cross-play features for PlayStation. In a blog post, Sony CEO John Kodera said they will begin the test with Fortnite.
“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.”
Fortnite has been the big topic of contention for Sony to introduce cross-play. Fortnite: Battle Royale has been a worldwide sensation this year, crossing into varying forms of entertainment like music and sports. Epic Games started allowing owners of different gaming platforms to interact with one another earlier this year, with Sony being the only holdout. Pressure on Sony to allow cross-play hit a fever pitch after it was discovered shortly after Nintendo allowed cross-play on the Switch that players that already linked their accounts to a PlayStation would be locked out, leaving behind the leveling they already completed and skins they already purchased. Sony up until now, had been adamant that they did not need to allow cross-play citing various reasons.
With Sony testing cross-play with Fortnite, a successful beta test period will open the door for other multiplayer games to begin having cross-play capability.