Sony’s walled garden cracks open: Cross-console play comes to PS4

Enlarge / One of these characters is playing on the PS4. Another on the Nintendo Switch. Amazing!

After what it calls "a thorough analysis of the business mechanics required," Sony announced on Wednesday the first crack in the PlayStation Network's walled garden approach to cross-console functionality. Starting today, Fortnite on the PS4 will allow for "cross-platform gameplay, progression, and commerce" with versions on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One (in addition to the Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platforms where such support was already integrated).

While the "open beta" cross-console play only applies to Fortnite for now, Sony writes that it is "look[ing] to open up the platform" and is "now in the planning process across the organization to support this change... for other titles going forward." Elsewhere in the announcement, Sony says it has "identified a path toward supporting cross-platform features for select third-party content," suggesting the decision might still apply only on a case-by-case basis.

"For 24 years, we have strived to deliver the best gaming experience to our fans by providing a uniquely PlayStation perspective," Sony writes in the announcement. "Today, the communities around some games have evolved to the point where cross-platform experiences add significant value to players."

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