Sony Backpedals, Will Enable Fortnite Cross-Play With Xbox One And Nintendo Switch

Fortnite is the most popular game in the world, and the fact that Sony has been the lone holdout has angered many gamers. What was even more infuriating is the fact that progression and items/skins bought/accumulated on the PlayStation 4 could not be transferred to the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

After a "comprehensive evaluation process", Sony says that it will enable cross-play for "select third party content". According to the company, a Fortnite open beta will be available later today that will enable PlayStation 4 gamers to compete against players on all major platforms and vice versa.

So why the change of heart? "For 24 years, we have strived to deliver the best gaming experience to our fans by providing a uniquely PlayStation perspective," said John Kodera President and Global CEO for Sony Interactive Entertainment. "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."

Fortnite isn't the only game that Sony has blocked when it comes to cross-play; the company has also banned play with other consoles for games like Minecraft and Rocket League. 

It's understandable that Sony would chose to make Fortnite its first foray into cross-play expansion given its popularity, and it's been a massive revenue generator for developer Epic Games. However, given that the seemingly impenetrable wall has been cracked, we should start to see a wave of developers opening up cross-play support with the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.