Microsoft wants Xbox One cross-play with PS4 in Fortnite – Sony has blocked the function

One of the greatest innovations in this console generation is the widespread introduction of cross-platform play, be it in Rocket League, Gwent or Ark Survival Evolved. This feature allows friends to play together regardless of their chosen platform, combining a game’s playerbase to create a healthier online community. 

Fortnite is the most recent title to offer Cross-Platform support, though as usual, this comes with a few caveats, mostly when it comes to which platforms will be supported. Sony and Microsoft’s consoles won’t be allowed to play together, with both platforms being able to be matched up with players on the PC and mobile versions of the game. 

There is no technical reason why cross-platform play isn’t available between Xbox One and PS4, after all, both are running on similar AMD SoCs, Sony reasoning behind the lack of support is due to Sony’s disdain for their competitor and their unwillingness to give Microsoft any advantages. Sony is the top dog in today’s console market, at least in terms of consoles sold in this generation, making them content to sit atop their ivory tower and force console users to purchase a PS4 to play multiplatform titles. 

On Twitter, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer responded to a tweet stating that he would like to see cross-platform support between PS4 and Xbox One in Fortnite, with the game’s own Twitter account sending a similar tweet afterwards. If both Microsoft and Epic Games want it, it is clear that Sony is the only company that wants to block the feature.