Sony has finally listened to fans around the world and have finally announced via there official blog that they are starting the cross-play functionality with Fortnite on PS4. Players can participate in the Fortnite open beta, which will allow for cross-platform gameplay, progression and commerce.
The cross-play feature will work across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mac, iOS and Android. Currently the Cross-Play is limited to Fortnite but Sony will soon look into implementing this with other third-party titles as well.
Sony’s official word on the release of Fortnite Cross-Play on their official blog are
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.
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 is indeed big news for gaming industry because after all other consoles opened up to Cross-Play, only Sony was holding back from the perspective but now it appears that they have given up in front of their fans. Fans of many games have been longing for Cross-Play multiplayer for ages as not everyone buys the same console in a community.
Last time Sony had a very stern stance on allowing Cross-Play when Kenichiro Yoshida stated that PS4 is the best platform to play games on so there is no need for a Cross-Play feature. This statement was received vey critically across the gaming community with fans as well as some major company executives criticizing the statement.
With Sony allowing Cross-Play, people can now play with their friends who own a different console then their own without any problem. The beta, which is currently only for Fortnite is staring today and hopefully we will see more games featuring Cross-Play in the near future as well.
This was announced by John Kodera who is the President and Global CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment on their official blog. You can check out the official Sony blog here.
Let us know in the comment section below about what you think about Sony finally allowing Cross-Play feature and will you be using this feature to play with your friends?
