Sony allows cross-console play on PlayStation 4 starting with Fortnite

Rejoice, Fortnite players: Sony is finally allowing cross-console play with other platforms on PlayStation 4.

The company will kick off its landmark decision to roll out the new feature by launching an open beta for PlayStation 4 Fortnite players on September 26, offering them the chance to battle against other gamers on different consoles.

Notably, this marks the first time in history that players on any PlayStation console will be allowed to play with gamers on other platforms.

According to a post on the PlayStation Blog, the Fortnite open beta will be the first step towards ‘supporting cross-platform features for select third party content.’

‘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.

‘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,’ the blog post reads.

The new decision represents a major change for Sony, which had long resisted cross-console play for its PlayStation platform even as many other companies came to embrace it.

It also follows years of increasingly vocal criticism by PlayStation fans to allow for cross-console play, something the Japanese tech giant has finally heeded.

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is a free-to-play shooter video game published and developed by Epic Games that boasts around 125 million players worldwide.

Initially launched in July 2017, its battle royale mode was introduced in September of that year and boosted its popularity immensely. The game mode sees 100 players battle it out in matches that blend traditional action-shooter gameplay with elements of fort building and survival games.

Fortnite was released on Android in August 2018 and is also currently available to play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, MacOS and iOS.

The video game’s upcoming sixth season is expected to launch worldwide on Thursday, September 27.