PS4 cross-play functionality has been a long time coming. One of the major annoyances for PS4 players is how Sony only allows them to play online with other PS4 users. Comparatively, Microsoft and Nintendo have made strides in supporting play between Xbox One, Switch and PC, allowing gamers to play certain online games together. So far Sony has excluded itself from this party.
This isolation won’t last for much longer, however, as Sony today announced that cross-platform play is coming to the PS4.
The first game to be made playable between consoles is Fortnite, the ludicrously successful online shooter (and divorce instigator). Fortnite Cross-play has entered an “open beta” phase, intended to fine-tune the new feature for the console. Fortnite’s resounding success – and Epic’s industry influence – has set a precedent for convincing companies to change their stance on cross-platform online play. It was also recently discovered that Nintendo Switch Online isn’t required to play Fortnite on the Nintendo Switch.
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This news shows a change of attitude for Sony, a company that has dragged its heels as its competitors embrace cross-play functionality. In a statement, John Kodera, SIE president and CEO, explained “we have completed a thorough analysis of the business mechanics required to ensure that the PlayStation experience for our users remains intact today”.
Clearly, the PlayStation experience now involves playing with non-PlayStation gamers.
With a slew of highly-anticipated online multiplayer games releasing in the coming months, including Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Battlefield V and Fallout 76, hopefully, Sony will have rolled out the feature to incorporate more games into cross-play in time.
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