Finally, Cross-Play Is Here: Sony Allows PS4 Cross-Platform Play On Fortnite

Nearly five years after the release of next generation video game consoles, the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4—and nearly 20 years since both the Xbox and PlayStation have been around—people from the two consoles will be able to play together. Today, Sony announced that they are allowing cross-platform play on Fortnite, starting with an open beta launching today.

 

In part, the statement from Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO John Kodera reads:

 

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.

 

Xbox chimed in on Twitter under PlayStation’s tweet, which was a little odd to see.

 

🙌

— Xbox (@Xbox) September 26, 2018

 

Most fans of both consoles have long been clamoring for this to happen (me too), and it really ramped up in recent months when Xbox head Phil Spencer and Fortnite both said on Twitter they wanted it to happen. Sony was resistant at first, probably because they are beating Microsoft in sales and did not want to give their rival any edge in the “console war.”

 

Fortnite is a wildly popular game, so it makes sense that it’s the first game to get cross-play. But, as indicated in the statement from Sony, this opens the door for more titles to get cross-play. Soon, consumers might be able to just purchase one console and play with all their friends, no matter the console.

 

There are some issues, like getting party chat to work between people on the two different consoles, but this is obviously a huge step in the right direction, and one that should be celebrated by everyone.