Microsoft continues to push for cross-platform play between Xbox One and PS4. Interestingly, Fortnite might just be the stepping stone to make it happen eventually.
Last year, an unintentional mistake made by Epic Games briefly allowed the two consoles to interact with one another, but it was taken down shortly. Just recently, the game studio announced that the Battle Royale third-person shooter will be updated to support not only cross-play, but cross-progression between iOS, Android, Mac, PC, and PlayStation 4. Oddly enough, the list failed to include the Redmond-based company's game system.
A Little Late
A spokesperson from the American gaming console manufacturer confirmed that the inclusion of its platform is currently still in the works. It was not immediately verified but the company seems confident that it might have a favorable conclusion.
"We have been working closely with the team at Epic Games for some time to bring this functionality to all current and future versions of Fortnite and expect it to be available on Xbox along with other platforms," says the company representative.
"Microsoft has long been a leading voice in encouraging the adoption of cross-platform play and the potential of connecting players across PC, mobile, and all consoles."
A Hint Of Something Good
Some reports immediately pointed out that Microsoft's late entry could mean that any hope of cross-play between PS4 and Xbox One is dead. Yet, it could mean that Sony might just be still a little bullish about the feature.
Moreover, unlike all other versions of Fortnite, including the upcoming copies for mobile devices, the Xbox version requires a paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold in order to play. It might be one of the issues that require some discussion in order to enable gameplay across different platforms.
Microsoft is no stranger to the features as games like Rocket League and Minecraft are playable between its console and the Nintendo Switch. In fact, it is Sony that opted out of the functionality altogether.
Parity Between Platforms And Matchmaking Information
Some players are worried that the mobile version of the Battle Royale shooter might be a watered-down experience, but the game studio states otherwise.
"On phones and tablets, Fortnite is the same 100-player game you know from PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac," the developers confirmed. "Same gameplay, same map, same content, same weekly updates."
Based on an updated report from the game studio, the huge gameplay advantage offered by a mouse and keyboard or a controller on consoles and computers, the aforementioned users will not be allowed to join mobile lobbies. Meanwhile, the mobile players could opt in to fight against the former.
