Sony opens Fortnite Cross-Play Beta on PS4 – Major SIE Policy Change
Sony opens Fortnite Cross-Play Beta on PS4 – Major SIE Policy Change
As a result of this policy change, Sony has been able to work with Epic Games to release a beta version of Fortnite which enables PS4 cross-play with players on PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Mac operating systems. This beta will act as a means for Sony to “conduct thorough testing that ensures cross-platform play is best on PlayStation”.Â
At this time Sony has not commented on other games, though the company has stated that they will “update the community once we have more details to share” and that they will be specific about “what this means for other titles going forward”. Will Rocket League soon support cross-play on all platforms? I guess we will find out soon.Â
Before now, Sony only supported cross-platform play between PC and PS4, preventing PC gamers from playing with PS4 and Xbox One users at the same time. This has forced developers to implement more complex cross-platform matchmaking systems, making it harder for games to support cross-play.Â
 Â
  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.
Â
The release of Fortnite has finally forced Sony to reconsider their stance on cross-play, proving popular enough to cause a sustained backlash against the company. With cross-platform play, gamers on Sony’s PlayStation will soon be able to play alongside or against their friends on PC and other console platforms, a move that is no doubt pro-consumer. It is just a shame that it has taken Sony this long to see the writing on the wall.Â
You can join the discussion on Fortnite receiving a cross-play beta on PS4 on the OC3D Forums.Â