Extended Fortnite Cross-Play Beta Launches on PS4 Starting Today
It looks like Sony PlayStation has finally decided to embrace cross-play features on third-party games, like Fortnite.
The move comes after months of pressure from the gaming community, as well as developers, to allow cross-play functionality. However, up until today, Sony has been adamant in their stance against cross-play, with Sony’s Chief Executive, Kenichiro Yoshida, saying that:
“On cross-platform, our way of thinking is always that PlayStation is the best place to play. Fortnite, I believe, partnered with PlayStation 4 is the best experience for users, that’s our belief”
It seems that the tides are slowly changing now, at least with regard to the worldwide phenomenon, Fortnite, with Sony finally giving in to what their gamers have been calling for. Below is the official word from John Kodera, directly from the PlayStation Blog itself.
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.
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.
Exciting times are ahead, PlayStation gamers!