The cross platform play issue is one that has been silently brewing for a while now, ever since it became apparent that even as closed off and regressive in the online space company as Nintendo would be going forward with allowing it for the Switch.
However, it has come to a head in the last few days with the Switch release of Fortnite- the Switch version can play with every single system the game is on, except for the PS4, and anyone who has ever played Fortnite on PS4 can’t log in with their account on the Switch, meaning they lose all their skins and progress. Sony is literally holding users’ Epic accounts hostage.
The issue has caused frustrated fans to carpet bomb Sony’s social media accounts, demanding Sony relent on this issue, and to mainstream news outlets reporting on the problem. It’s become enough that Sony has had to issue a response to the problem.
… except their response has been weak, completely ignoring and sidestepping the issue, and saying a whole lot of nothing. “We’re always open to hearing what the PlayStation community is interested in to enhance their gaming experience,” Sony said to BBC. “Fortnite is already a huge hit with PS4 fans, offering a true free-to-play experience so gamers can jump in and play online. With 79 million PS4s sold around the world and more than 80 million monthly active users on PlayStation Network, we’ve built a huge community of gamers who can play together on Fortnite and all online titles. We also offer Fortnite cross-play support with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, expanding the opportunity for Fortnite fans on PS4 to play with even more gamers on other platforms.”
So… they basically said nothing. They just trumpeted their own numbers, and side stepped addressing the issue entirely. Holy crap, Sony, could you not at least acknowledge the issue in a statement you issued in response to said issue?
Fortnite is available now on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and iOS, but if you’re smart, you will play the game anywhere but on PC.