Following a comprehensive evaluation process according to Sony Interactive big boss John Kodera, SIE has identified a path toward supporting cross-platform features for select third party content.
Finally! They recognize that PS4 players have been eagerly awaiting an update, and appreciate the community’s continued patience as they have navigated through this issue to find a solution… spoiler alert: it’s the thing that the fans have been saying from the beginning.
Sony’s 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 did it guys!
Sony views 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. So basically if enough parents complain that dirty Xbox casuals swear at their precious PS4 gamers then it may be “reviewed”/taken away.
John then utters this line, “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”. Taking out the corporate waffle, this is basically Sony bowing out of the Sony-only ecosystem and recognising that yes… some games will be played on PC, some games will be played on a handheld Switch and if they want to remain relevant (aka. Keep making money) the they need to embrace crossplay as many others have.
This represents a major policy change for SIE, and Sony are now in the planning process across the organization to support this change. They will update the community once they have more details to share, including more specifics regarding the beta timeframe, and what this means for other titles going forward.
Exciting stuff!
Image source: Epic Games, publisher of Fortnite. Hahahahaha I
