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Battle royale first-person shooter game "Fortnite" is finally embracing cross-platform gaming, as it will be available to multiple gaming platforms be it on the PC, console or mobile. However, it seems that there will be no support for PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One crossplay because of disagreement between Sony and Microsoft.
"Fortnite" will be available for the PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and mobile operating systems Android and iOS. Ideally, this means that players from these different platforms can compete with each other via cross-platform support. Unfortunately, that is only partly true.
An official tweet from a "Fortnite" developer said that PlayStation 4 users can play with PC and Mac and mobile players, and Xbox One users can play with PC, Mac and mobile versions. While the statements seem similar, there is actually a subtle hint that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users cannot play together.
Sony's reason for blocking cross-play between their consoles and Microsoft is hostile. The executives at Sony said that they came to this decision so that they can avoid "exposing what in many cases are children to external influences we have no ability to manage or look after."
Meanwhile, it seems that Microsoft is the one pushing for a Sony-Microsoft cross-play to happen. They have announced in public that they want to work with Sony regarding "Fortnite" connectivity. People from Microsoft themselves urged Sony to allow PlayStation 4 owners to play with Xbox One gamers.
However, most people think that Microsoft is only doing this because their consoles are "inferior," at least with regard to sales. Should they have been in a position of power as the maker of a best-selling console — an honor currently held by the PS4 for Sony — many doubt that they would encourage cross-play for "Fortnite" as well.
This is not the first time that Sony has blocked PS4 and Xbox One crossplay. They also did it with titles like "Rocket League" and "Minecraft."