Sony offers hope on PS4 console cross-play

From Eurogamer: "At the Gamelab conference in Spain today, Shawn Layden, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America and chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios, and PS4 system architect Mark Cerny delivered a presentation about the legacy of PlayStation. At the end of the talk, Eurogamer reporter Robert Purchese put the cross-play issue to Layden."

[Geobros]

Finally a word from Sony for cross play!

[Obscure_Observer]

And some people say that Sony denying Crossplay with other consoles is not a big issue. Lol.

[ilikestuff]

I don’t think it’s a BIG issue, it’d be a nice feature to have though, I got xbox having friends that I’d like to play with, not enough to buy an Xbox though

[G3ng4r]

Some people being the ones who live vicariously through their ps4s. The reasonable sony fans as well as the rest of the world don't care about the bitter minority's thoughts on crossplay, let them cry and adapt.

[Razzer]

Big issue to Xbox fanboys? Oh....there is no doubt.

[Uken12]

Well cross play isn't a huge deal. But locking out my Epic account so I can't play on my Switch or Xbox is f'ing BS. Fortnite for example. I have spent money on the battle pass and have a bunch of skins. None which I can use on my Switch. That has nothing to do with cross play, that's just crap. It's shady move and Sony should be held accountable for it.

They shouldn't lock out accounts like that. If you don't want to cross play, that's totally fine with me. But let me use my Epic account on other systems and similar things. It doesn't hurt Sony at all.

PS: @ G3ng4r and Razzer. When they lock out your 3rd party accounts and stuff like that, it is a big issue. I paid for it, there is no disclosure or info on it. It's a shady tactic. You two are being fanboys, not others. Use logic not feelings.

[UCForce]

@G3ng4r Abd you are no different than them.

[Razzer]

@Uken

I didn’t say anything about locking accounts now did I? I was talking about cross play and Xbox fanboys who obsess over it.

[kreate]

I don't want cross play. This is not a feature for me.

If I want to play w Xbox gamers, than I'll play on my Xbox. I'm on Xbox right now, we can play all day.

I'm not sure why Xbox fanboys are so desperate for PS4 to implement this.

[letsa_go]

Heyyyy, you xbox fanboys will get your wish and finally get to access the superior PSN! You guys will finally have some skilled people to play with. Woohoo! I wonder what you will find to complain about next once this is a nonissue. I can see xbox fanboys saying "It's not fair that PS4 gets so many 1st party exclusives! Sony should release them on xbox of they are anticonsumer!!"

[Obscure_Observer]

@OffRoadKing

"Its not a big issue, its just some people never shut up about it."

"Some people", "a few people", a "minority", the "fanboys from other camps". That´s all i hear from fanboys doing damage control on behalf of Sony over this Crossplay debacle and at the top at that, the DRM BS! "Oh... they are just protecting their business" Of course they are, Sony can´t do no wrong right?

No to Modes
No to EA Access
No to BC
No to Early Access
No to Crossplay
No to Cross-progression
No to your Third Party Account

For the Players, right? How many "no" do you fanboys need until you realize that aside delivering great first party games, Sony is becoming more of an very lockdown company? More than Nintendo ever was?

Any criticism people throw at them, get you fanboys mad talking sh!t BS about hate towards Sony. You are not here for the gamers, you are not here for Crossplay. You´re here to defend Sony like they´re paying you big money to do it. Something that Sony´s PR staff is not doing for them! Pathetic!

[The Wood]

Obscure_Observer

How do you feel about Free 2 Play games being behind a paywall on xbl

Just curious because I've seen soooo much energy being exerted by xbox guys here on N4g regarding xplay yet not even a fraction of this 'gamer friendly' rhetoric is being used on why F2P isn't F2P on their console of choice.... I guess you pick your battles as they say.

Lets hope sony can show some humility or be a bit more flexible on their xplay stance. For me, its not an issue but totally understand that it could be for many. For the xbox fanboys .......c'mon now you guys should worry about your own glass houses.

[letsa_go]

@Obscure_Observer Sounds like you are #triggered! LMAOOOOOOOOO

[MrBeatdown]

@The Wood

Fortnite being behind a paywall always cracks me up.

Microsoft and a lot of it's fans are more concerned with playing with PS4 gamers than they are letting Xbox players play with the other half of Xbox players.

Just goes to show the hypocrisy of Microsoft and the level of fact-picking some Microsoft cheerleaders resort to to crap on Sony as "anti-consumer".

I don't give a crap about Fortnight crossplay or account sharing with Xbox One, because even if Sony does allow it, I still can't play a free Fortnite game on my Xbox without coughing up some money.

[darthv72]

@wood... Most gamers that play online on Xbox already have Xbox Live which is why you don't see so much outcry over F2P. With PS4 launch PSN online went from free to paid but at least they kept the F2P games truly free to play. That does seem like something MS should change regarding F2P games but since it has been a paid service from the beginning... who knows if they will.

Sony was free for all online and now they aren't. Just like Sony was all for cross play with xbox and now they aren't. Things change just like how xbox backed off some of their features being behind gold paywall and now being interested in cross play. Roles reversed on both sides.

[Obscure_Observer]

@The Wood

"How do you feel about Free 2 Play games being behind a paywall on xbl"

I think this is a d!ck move and anti-consumer practice just like shoving down our throats Xbox Live Gold subscription for online multiplayer on Xbox consoles while on Windows 10 PCs, they offer online multiplayer for free!

I have no love for no company! All of them screw us over in the past and will continue to do so given the chance! Once they got too confortable, they tend to give the middle finger to those who lead them to the top! Us! That´s why healthful competition is important to keep them in check and grounded! At the momment, i have faith on people working on these companies trying to make them better. Once these people are gone or replaced, it´s time to be concerned again.

As it ever was, it is what it is; and always will be.

[gangsta_red]

@the wood

Not everyone has to defend their preferred place of gaming.

If a company is pulling some off the wall stunts it should be called out. MS, Nintendo or Sony, along with any publisher or developer.

You can enjoy the games they provide and still comment on bad descions or practices.

We won't judge you ;-)

[The Wood]

Fair enough obscure Darth and red.

Dick moves all around then

But red. . . It's the disproportionate energy I've seen regarding this vs issues that would be considered more important that miffs me. . Seen a lot of passionate comments that aren't mirrored elsewhere in vigor or frequency.. . . Just saying

[CurbStompin]

Anyone who doesn’t own both at this point is just a broke ass casual. Move along.

[Muzikguy]

“No to Modes
No to EA Access
No to BC
No to Early Access
No to Crossplay
No to Cross-progression
No to your Third Party Account”

First of all I’d just like to point out that some of those could easily be detrimental to Sony with what they’re plans have been. That’s part of the reason they don’t allow certain things on their service. Why do people seem to think that they should just have anything and everything, whatever they want? That’s not how business works.

Secondly I’d like to point out that all those things you’re drooling over that MS allows you to do hasn’t helped them now has it? Open your eyes.

[badz149]

@Obsecure

it was never a big issue for Sony as shown by their continuous dominance in the market in terms of unit sales and software sales. even the Switch, which just released last year, sales pale in compared to the PS4 which is already in its 5th year on the market. so you see, it was NEVER an issue for Sony.

it's just as one popular saying, "the weakest dog barks the loudest" which has made the issue seems way overblown than what it actually worth in reality. Xbone is struggling in the market, has the lowest player count and continuously losing more and more market share to the PS4 and Switch even with their "most powerful console ever made", is championing this issue because they have everything to gain from it and it seems like they are trying their hardest to distract gamers from their main problem which is the lack of exclusive games!

meh...I don't care either way because if I really care about playing against xbone or switch player in the first place, I would have just bought the xbone or switch, not the PS4. keep begging! Who knows maybe one day Sony might feel charitable enough to entertain you guys, WHICH, I think in return, you guys will see it as Sony is hurting and is crawling back to ask MS or Nintendo for mercy!

[Dragonscale]

Its only a big issue for the fanatx. Any little pathetic irrelevant reason to bash sony as usual.

[ScootaKuH]

It's not a big issue for me. I don't play games online so I couldn't care less

[UNCHARTED2FANATIC]

It's not even a small issue, it's non existant. Fake news

[UNCHARTED2FANATIC]

I'm guessing you're an xbox gamer? Cause you seem a bit ignorant or out the loop when it comes to ps

[kreate]

@obscure

I have plenty to complain about Sony and the PS4. But crossplay isn't one of them.

At the end of the day. Sony pumps out the games which trumps everything else.

[gamer7804]

this is a huge issue though, even if the lack of flexibility to play video games with others isn't one of them for you, it is for a good percentage of the gaming population

[Gh05t]

Time and time again we are told "Exclusives sell consoles" how would this change what games you are playing or how many consoles Sony sells because of those games. All this does is allow people to truly pick their preferred multiplat machine... And it looks like Sony feels they would lose that battle or at least it would hurt badly enough to to put gamers second. Which is counter to what a lot of people around here claim.

I just find it weird that people wouldn't want more freedom to choose whatever best suits them and also want others to have that same freedom.

[Muzikguy]

Games are what matters. All the other things that the losing side does can be seen as desperation. It’s not needed. Sure it would be cool, but at the end of the day that’s not what matters

[ScootaKuH]

Exactly. The fact that Sony don't offer crossplay is of little consequence to me especially when the games I like most are exclusives anyway

[rainslacker]

And it to imply that theyre looking at it from a perspective of making it fluid for the developer like it is with pc because they have an api which can be used.

That makes a lot more sense than just trying to implement it on a per game basis, because if they do that then it becomes a pain to manage all these devs wanting to.do it.

If cross play is to become a normal feature, that's what needs to happen.

See journalists...
It isn't so hard to ask.questions to start getting answers. Much better than countless editorial pieces which don't actually do anything to solve the problem, or give people new information on what's going on

[uth11]

Layden also promised we would be able to change our PSN names by now. don't hols yoir breath

[ErogeMaster]

So sfv and final fantasy xiv isn't crossplay.

[slate91]

What a great question from the reporter.

[MuddyWaters]

Yes it was and put Shawn on the spot for using his own words against him. This continues to be a BS answer though as he says it will be an answer that continues to support their business. That to me means they don't want to allow crossplay but may unlock Switch Fortnite accounts but will likely continue to lock out Xbox accounts as they see Xbox as a direct competitor. It's this cutthroat attitude from Sony that has manifested into the forums and why so many also act like the Xbox is the enemy. Sony continues to feed the toxicity and we see it every day on the forums.

[Forn]

They're competitors! Sony literally has nothing to gain by adding cross-play.

[MuddyWaters]

"They're competitors! Sony literally has nothing to gain by adding cross-play."

What are they going to lose besides negative press by doing so? Is Sony really that insecure about their lead? C'mon man. It's just more toxicity and cutthroat tactics.

[ShadowWolf712]

Ah yes, it's SONY who did that. Not Xbox with their entire marketing campaign for the full duration of the 360's life cycle and continued into the Xbox One's.

Hell, Greenberg outright encouraged people to mock anyone with the other system for YEARS.

But yes. This is so cutthroat.

[MuddyWaters]

ShadowWolf
"Ah yes, it's SONY who did that. Not Xbox with their entire marketing campaign for the full duration of the 360's life cycle and continued into the Xbox One's."

I don't recall Xbox locking out PlayStation accounts and preventing them to play that third party account, but please continue supporting such nonsense because something else happened years ago. Companies can change, too bad one refuses to and enjoys adding to the toxicity and feeding the fanboys who never change.

[RauLeCreuset]

It's not a BS answer. It's probably the most honest response they've given. How many people have been telling you all that Sony is the one party that stands to lose money in this arrangement? I know I've said it. You see how easily cross-play slipped into cross-progression. Let me simplify. Cross-progression is a customer sharing arrangement, and because Sony would be pooling their larger customer base with their competitors' two smaller bases, they would likely lose money in that situation. If this is going to happen, their needs to be a revenue sharing arrangement that rewards Sony proportionally to their player base size.

[UnHoly_One]

Nothing?

How about they gain appreciation from their customers for not being assholes?

What about maybe selling a console to the guy that is like "I want to get a PS, but all my friends only have Xbox."

I see your point, I totally do, and maybe it's better for them to deny cross play, but don't act like it would be a total loss with nothing positive coming from it.

I'll be honest, I don't really care if they do it or not. It would be nice, but it isn't going to ruin my gaming if they never do it. I'm not lacking for people to play with on Xbox.

[MuddyWaters]

RauLeCreuset,
"It's not a BS answer."

Sure it is, it's another delay tactic with no meat to it.

"Cross-progression is a customer sharing arrangement, and because Sony would be pooling their larger customer base with their competitors' two smaller bases, they would likely lose money in that situation. If this is going to happen, their needs to be a revenue sharing arrangement that rewards Sony proportionally to their player base size."

Excuse me? Whose to say more people don't play on PC or Mobile? You are excusing their crappy policy which is blocking Switch and Xbox One owners who may not have bought anything off on PSN. Heck they could have bought stuff on Mobile or PC and Sony still thinks they have a right to block access just because they played on PSN. You do not reward Sony for having a larger userbase by controlling the third party account, that's ridiculous. Sounds like another form of Net Neutrality. If PlayStation Network is such a great place then nobody would leave. People want to use their third party account and Sony feels they have a right to hold it hostage because it was once connected to PSN? Yeah, I don't think so.

[raWfodog]

I have a legit, non-trolling question since I honestly don't know the answer.

I've never played Destiny 1 or 2, so I'm asking does your characters level and equipment carry over between the XB and PS versions of the game(s)?

[Obscure_Observer]

@MuddyWaters

"That to me means they don't want to allow crossplay but may unlock Switch Fortnite accounts but will likely continue to lock out Xbox"

No. I don´t think Sony will allow access only for Switch Fortnite accounts. That would be a dumb move and could rise even more questions and generate more negative press for them.

[RauLeCreuset]

@Muddy

It's not a BS answer or a delay tactic simply because you say so and want it to be. You're just making a claim without bothering to support it.

The rest of your comment goes a bit off the rails, even lumping in net neutrality. PC and mobile aren't their competitors in the console market. Ninty and MS are. Furthermore, I'm not sure what point you're trying to make suggesting there may be more players on PC and mobile. That just supports my argument that the smaller player bases of Switch and Xbox are a factor.

Sony having a larger user base means they are pooling more of their customers. That would be deserving of compensation in how they split the revenue from those pooled customers.

[Neonridr]

@raWfodog - you are asking if two separate products that cost money are interchangeable? No. But Fortnite is free, and if I play it on my PC I can carry over progression to my PS4. Or my Xbox/Switch/phone (assuming I didn't link that account with my PS4 at any point otherwise I am SOL).

No 3rd party game that you buy has content that is unlocked across different hardware. But that the same situation as here.

[rainslacker]

No. It means they have looked at it, and as of right now theyndont feel its good.for their business. The reasons why are still speculation, but maybe in another 2 years one of these journalist will.ask what the actual hold up.is

[MuddyWaters]

"No. It means they have looked at it, and as of right now theyndont feel its good.for their business. The reasons why are still speculation, but maybe in another 2 years one of these journalist will.ask what the actual hold up.is"

They tried that 2 years ago and something about protecting the children was brought up. Luckily for Sony everyone will be grown ups by the time they actually address it so they won't have to worry about the children any longer.

[rainslacker]

BS. These journalist barely broach the topic when doing interviews. This is only the 2nd time in two years that Sony has responded to the issue. 3rd if you include a twitter response which ammounted to them saying they're still open to the idea.

Hundreds of articles about this are all based on mostly indie devs comments(and only a few at that), a bunch of comments from MS, and in response to other opinion pieces that these "journalist" insist on writing in their attempt to make Sony into the bad guy.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, the media as a whole doesn't seem to care about the reasons why. They don't care what's really going on. All they care about is their clicks, and the only thing that people seem to want to consider is whatever fits into their current view on the topic. Hell, remember when MS told Epic to remove the cross-play stuff from Fortnite? Who got blamed? Sony, because apparently they pull MS strings.

This was probably the most informative response from Sony. It said they've looked into it. It said that they don't feel it's right for their current business plans. They've said in the past that they aren't too keen on the fact they can't moderate other networks(the "think of the children" response). It said if they do it, they want to make sure it's fluid and easily implementable...like it is with PC right now. There was subtext to the response, and honestly, it was so well phrased, I'm thinking that the even the question may have been planned between Sony and the reporter in question.

But it wasn't a BS answer. The end result may still be BS if one wants cross play, but this is the most informative and direct response or comment we've had on the topic since this all became an issue.

[MuddyWaters]

rainslacker
"BS. These journalist barely broach the topic when doing interviews. This is only the 2nd time in two years that Sony has responded to the issue. 3rd if you include a twitter response which ammounted to them saying they're still open to the idea."

You're right, it is BS that Sony barely responds.

"Hundreds of articles about this are all based on mostly indie devs comments(and only a few at that), a bunch of comments from MS, and in response to other opinion pieces that these "journalist" insist on writing in their attempt to make Sony into the bad guy."

Awww, poor Sony.

"I've said it before, I'll say it again, the media as a whole doesn't seem to care about the reasons why. They don't care what's really going on. All they care about is their clicks, and the only thing that people seem to want to consider is whatever fits into their current view on the topic. Hell, remember when MS told Epic to remove the cross-play stuff from Fortnite? Who got blamed? Sony, because apparently they pull MS strings."

This was on Fox news, it was also presented to Phil Spencer who was put on the spot about it by Jeff Gertsmann from Giant Bomb. You see, Phil will actually talk to people and try his best to answer as honest as possible. Sony does not no longer sit down with people like Giant Bomb. They think they are too good for that and don't want to be asked these types of questions.

"This was probably the most informative response from Sony. It said they've looked into it. It said that they don't feel it's right for their current business plans. They've said in the past that they aren't too keen on the fact they can't moderate other networks(the "think of the children" response). It said if they do it, they want to make sure it's fluid and easily implementable...like it is with PC right now. There was subtext to the response, and honestly, it was so well phrased, I'm thinking that the even the question may have been planned between Sony and the reporter in question."

It was more of the same old, we will look into it. Maybe PSN is just a crappy service and why they continue to also say they will look into changing user ID as well but still haven't.

"But it wasn't a BS answer. The end result may still be BS if one wants cross play, but this is the most informative and direct response or comment we've had on the topic since this all became an issue."

It's likely because he had to answer since his own words were thrown back at him (about being 4 the gamers) and didn't have his usual sidekick to answer.

[VenomUK]

@slate91 It WAS a great question! Instead of just asking with a pithy entitled complaint of a question the reporter Robert Purchese did something different. He referenced Sony's admission (which they had just talked about on stage) that in the past they had been arrogant and not listened to gamers. So the question was deftly highlighting that cross-play is an issue that Sony should be listening about!

It also does sound like Sony are genuinely looking into because Layden's statement indicates they want to balance what gamers want whilst supporting the profitability and promotion of the PS4 platform.

[DialgaMarine]

lol More media outlets trying to write Sony off as the villain. Gaming journalism is a joke.

[Doge]

There was nothing in the article that made them come off as "the villain". Just the answer they got at the Gamelab conference, and recapping how the issue spawned plus that non-answer PR comment.

[StormSnooper]

“In the context of Fortnite, this would mean Sony doesn't like the idea of a player on Xbox buying a character skin via Xbox Live (and in the process handing Microsoft a 30 per cent cut of the revenue), then logging in to the PS4 version and being able to use that same skin on their persistent, cross-platform character when playing the game on Sony's console.”

I don’t get it, it makes sense to me that Sony doesn’t want this. Why is this a big deal?
It also says Sony already allows crossplay with PC,Mac,android. Does that mean they just don’t allow it with Xbox live?

[Neonridr]

@StormSnooper - or Switch. And if you have used your Epic account ever on your PS4, that account is now banned from using it on Xbox or Switch if you happen to own that hardware as well. Which means you would have to start a new account and lose any progress or unlocks you might have already earned on the previous account.

[Kokyu]

Such is the world right not gaming journos dont actually report they just look for the latest outrage and cover it just like the major non gaming media. To be a gaming journo all you need is a blog a few readers and instant journo credit is yours. Its a joke.

[bluefox755]

They are really going all in with this crossplay nontroversy.

[MuddyWaters]

Is that a problem?

[trooper_]

@Muddy Waters: It's extremely annoying. It makes it look as if Sony is utterly and completely against crossplay when they do crossplay between Steam and Nintendo.

[MuddyWaters]

trooper_
"@Muddy Waters: It's extremely annoying. It makes it look as if Sony is utterly and completely against crossplay when they do crossplay between Steam and Nintendo."

Annoying? Of course it's annoying, that's why Sony is getting some much needed heat on the subject. It's annoying to find out your account has been locked out from being playable on Switch or Xbox One because it was used on PlayStation Network. You should not be annoyed by the bad press because you are a consumer, unless you are also annoyed at Sony limiting access. If you annoyed by people talking about it then you really need to take a long hard look at why that is. Nobody is requesting you to come into threads about it.

[Muzikguy]

@MuddyWaters

Yes it’s a problem but that’s because people keep banging their heads against the wall hoping for change. It makes perfect sense why crossplay on Fortnite isn’t happening. People need to just get over it

[The 10th Rider]

In what way are they trying to write off Sony as the villain? They're trying to put pressure on Sony to get them to change their policy to something a little more consumer friendly.

Sure, you may not care about crossplay, but there's not a single reason allowing crossplay would hurt gamers and clearly there is people out there that DO care about it. Considering that, how is it a bad thing for a website to ask Sony about it?

[DialgaMarine]

They do have cross play, with PC and Mobile. If you want to game with PS4 users on Fortnite, get it on either PS4 or PC. Those are the only relevant online communities anyways.

“It’s only anti-consumer when Sony does it”

[-T9X-69-]

@DialgaMarine

“It’s only anti-consumer when Sony does it”

Well, they are the only ones doing it. It's not just about crossplay. If you're Fortnite account is linked to your PS4 account, you can't access your account on certain platforms. I've never purchased a single thing on PSN for Fortnite. All my purchases were on PC for the PVE portion of the game. But because I linked it to PS4 to play on there sometimes, when I tried to play it on my Switch. I couldn't. My account was blocked due to being linked on PS4 despite never making a single purchase and only playing a few times on that platform.

[The 10th Rider]

@DialgaMarine,

...And they don't have crossplay with Xbox or Switch, would could easily be implemented if Sony allowed it.

"Those are the only relevant online communities anyways. "

Not really, all it takes is someone to have a single friend with a different platform that they would like to play together with to make it relevant. As I said, there's no single reason having it would hurt gamers . . . you're just making up more and more excuses.

[goldwyncq]

Because in this situation, they kind of are? They exist to serve us, the consumers. Anything that is not in the consumer's best interest has to be addressed, and this entire Fortnite fiasco is one of them. Sony isn't your best friend, so stop defending them like a blind fanboy.

[MuddyWaters]

They can't help it, they have a relation with the plastic toy and feel they need to defend it. If Sony does something how is that a bad thing? What I see is a bunch of fans who don't like Sony getting negative attention. So what? The PS4 will continue to be a great system, I don't get it.

[gangsta_red]

Just remember a lot of these same "gamers" complained about GaaS, microtransactions and the whole DRM launch fiasco.

But I'm really glad that these fanboys are taking this stance and defending their company's decisions. Because their "outrage" card has been officially revoked.

[RauLeCreuset]

The notion that you have the credibility to revoke anything is quite laughable.

[dumahim]

The reporter asked a legit question that a lot of Fortnight on PS4 players want resolved. People want answers, these are the types of questions that should be asked when given a chance.

[gamer7804]

a joke for once asking a hard hitting question to a major game publisher? This is exactly what journalism is good for when done right. Eurogamer once again doing a fine job.

[TheSplooge]

Just give in already. Will make 3rd party games even better.

[Chaosdreams]

That's not how business works.

[G3ng4r]

Make people happy or fail and find a new business. That's how business works, see you online soon.

[TheEnigma313]

Sony doesn't have to.

[trooper_]

@G3ng4r: That's not how business works. Businesses operate by what's in demand. Crossplay is NOT in demand, except for the few vocals looking to develop a smear campaign against Sony for whatever reason.

Unless this becomes a nationwide issue, Sony has a right to choose who they do crossplay with.

Sorry.

[gamer7804]

Usually how it works is big companies stand their ground as long as they can regardless if its not beneficial to the consumer as long as it benefits them, then when they start to crumble under their own selfishness is when they make a change. This is not picking on Sony, Microsoft has been in the same position before on other issues.

[Prince_TFK]

Yeah good things we aren’t businessmen eh? We are gamers.

[ZeroX9876]

As per John Smedley, that's not how you make money.

[ZeroX9876]

Why are you talking about PS3, aren't we talking about right now this gen? where is PS3 mentioned in the article?
plus I'm just stating another person's statement, did I wrote it wrong? if I did, sorry about that.
like he said, it's not about how to make gamer happy. if you think it is, you're totally missing the point here.

Plus, FFXI offered crossplay between 360, PS2 and PC. So yes, Sony did it before.

[rainslacker]

PC and PS cross play has been available for over a decade now. Very few games implement the feature. It's not because it's difficult. It actually is quite easy. It's not done much because the publishers don't care that much, and up until recently, it was never that big of a deal that it wasn't in a particular game, or available between certain platforms. The current outrage is nowhere near what it's been the 10 years prior, and the reasons are obvious.

It's a console war thing now. Last gen, it got some console war talk, but nowhere near the extent it does now.

[Kokyu]

"We 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."- there you go kiddies stop crying Sony just confirmed they have cross play for Fortnite.

Fortnite has hit a critical mass its all down hill from here anyway.

[Doge]

"We're hearing it. We're looking at a lot of the possibilities. You can imagine that the circumstances around that affect a lot more than just one game. I'm confident we'll get to a solution which will be understood and accepted by our gaming community, while at the same time supporting our business."

[Cobra951]

Which might mean they may yield to some degree in cases such as Fortnite's (not their game, not their account), while not changing anything for Sony properties. All they have to do is stop holding third-party accounts hostage, and the outrage goes away. Only the question of crossplay in general would remain, which is not nearly as big a deal.

[Kokyu]

And?

[Doge]

@Kokyu

At least post the correct update and not the PR non-answer schlock we got last week lmao.

@Cobra951

Honestly? I've said this before and I'm okay if they don't yield for stuff like Minecraft for obvious reasons, or at all. Just take off that stupid account restriction and you're good there.

Personally, I would love to see something like 1440p support for PS4 Pro added before crossplay, but that's probably also gonna be dismissed as a "corporate shill crying because Sony is the king" comment, just like how HDCP was implemented that prevented capture card use without a HDCP stripper lmao.

[ShadowWolf712]

See here's the thing: Why is no one on Epic's case over this? This is not something Sony alone has the power to do, at all. In fact, they don't. It requires CONSCIOUS consent and participation from Epic. Yet no one will even begin to throw any flack their way.

Gee, wonder why?

[Neonridr]

@ShadowWolf712 - Xbox nor Nintendo lock your Epic account to their hardware if you link it. Sony does.

This is why the finger is not being pointed at Epic.

[rainslacker]

I am curious how Sony could in any way lock an Epic account so it can't operate on the Switch or Xbox. Seems the policies would mean that if one had the Switch or Xbox account linked, and someone tried to use their data from those links, that they could lock it from PS use, but not for use on the other systems.

In other words, this is a topic that really should be taken up with Epic.

[Kokyu]

@Doge

That came straight from this article sherlock and its correct ass hat. lmao the amount of children coming to cry about this just baffling.

Most of these damn people crying about the non xbone and nintendo cross play have an iOS phone, Android or a PC so use one of those and Play with your Ps4 friends. Pretty damn simple idiots.

[Doge]

First of all, don’t insult me because you were being selective and ignorant as heck.

Second of all, what platform I play Fortnite on is none of your business. I’m against the fact that there’s an account restriction to begin with. It’s stupid and makes no sense.

Third, really? After 2 days my dude? Lol.

[Prince_TFK]

And here I thought people here said Fornite is the best battle royale game after PUBG was release on the X1.

Oh the spin and the backtrack.

[AKR]

If Sony backtracks and actually does allow for the functionality to be enabled, I really wonder what the community here, in particular, would have to say about that. I'd really like to see the thoughts of everyone insisting "it doesn't matter" and that "not that many gamers care", should this happen.

[sizeofyou]

Lose/lose situation for Sony with the ultra agitated. Too little too late in their opinion and they're all off to MS anyway.
Others will shrug their shoulders, nod of approval but life will go on. Like me.

[KyRo]

No one is is going out and buying an Xbox just because they cannot play Fortnite for Christ's sake.

[AspiringProGenji]

I have never supported some of the Sony's excuses to not want to cross play, but I have always said they have the right to refuse it and not give MS any advantage. If they allowed it, fine! If they don't they can't afford to do that, and I am sure many here don't hate the idea of crossplay but the idea of that Sony must do it and some of the BS to attack them. Sony is for their gamers, not Microsoft's, and they have been providing this get despite all this Fornite crossplay thing.

[UCForce]

I’m still playing PS4 here. So this “outrage” will make me switch from PS to Xbox ? Even the next generation, i’m still sticking with PS brand and would buy PS5 as well. I don’t play Fortnite on my PS4 because there are some PS4 games that I enjoy much more and better than Fortnite. Like I said, online gaming is just afterthought in my opinion.

[sizeofyou]

You lot aren't the ultra agitated I'm talking about then...
Reading comments from the ranters, here and diving into the first sign of a Sony tweet, there are people swearing allegiances to the other platform.
Not what I'd do, I agree. But thems the choices that people want to make, who stopping them. Certainly not me...

[sizeofyou]

@KyRo
Search on Twitter for "Sony fortnite Xbox". There ARE people doing exactly that.

[sizeofyou]

Obviously the truth, regardless of minor numbers, hurts... 🤣😂😆

[Neonridr]

nobody is buying competing hardware because of crossplay. They are buying them for the exclusives. Being able to play with whoever for 3rd party titles is just a nice bonus regardless of where your tastes lie.

[Ricegum]

It still wouldnt matter. Why would that change?

Wouldn't it be more interesting to see what Xbox fans would have to say about it?

[DialgaMarine]

The only benefit I can see is that it will finally shut the corporate shill crybabies up, but of course with Sony being the market leader, they’ll immediately find something else to cry about.

Seriously, when MS chose to not even allow a multiplat game on their Netflix box because they didn’t want console crossplay, in this gen no less, there was hardly a peep about, let alone this level of whining from the gaming media. Funny how these people still call themselves “pro-consumer gamers”. Right, Septic and Gangsta?

[gangsta_red]

Funny how these so called "pro-consumer gamers" cried bout DRM on Xbox One at launch but now here they are defending this. Right Marine?

[DialgaMarine]

What does DRM have to do with Cross Play? Sony’s not holding people’s PS4’s that they bought hostage or telling them they can’t use their consoles if they don’t log into PSN once every 24 hours.

[phoenixwing]

I still wouldn't care if I play xbox or switch consoles. I was fine with ps4 people. My only worry is there will be even more immature people to worry about in my online games. Playstation is usually bought by older generations.

[Abnor_Mal]

It would not matter, just like how many on here said power, exclusives, resolution, and so many other things did not matter this gen. Personally, i, myself don't care. Life goes on, and so do we, just how we do it is no mystery.

[Kokyu]

It changes nothing expect Ill have to be really careful and ignore more online games and be sure to check for cross play and avoid it. It makes it more inconvenient for me and those who dont want to play with more trolls.

[salmonade]

OMG we just don't care. Understand? We don't care one way or the other. The majority of actual Playstation customers just don't care. It's a miniscule minority of the playerbase. Good for them if they do and good for them if they don't. Just shut up and stop reporting on it already. I'm sick of seeing some desperate gaming media beating a drum just for the sake of beating a drum. Gaming media have a hard time getting clicks unless there are new games. They have to find some topic to write about and the more controversy they can spin up the better.

[Doge]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Neonridr]

Sony will be preached as a hero and the bringers of change and equality if they do this. And the short-term memories on so many people here will vehemently deny any deflection or supporting against crossplay with the other 2 console manufacturers.

[MrBeatdown]

Short term memories can be a real bitch.

Like how everyone praising Microsoft for allowing cross play forgets they have to pay a subscription fee to play that free to play game on Xbox.

[Nacho_Z]

I hope they do it purely just to shut people up from whinging about it constantly.

[WelkinCole]

Oh they will find something else to bitch about no doubt.

[raWfodog]

My thoughts exactly. All this fuss over one game that will eventually die out. Just like PUBG seems to be doing.

[Prince_TFK]

But it is not just one game. Other devs push for it as well

[lociefer]

Man, i can't even imagine how much sony-heads hate fortnite right now

[crazyCoconuts]

Totally. As simple as it seems to folks to just have them enable cross-play, it really is a pretty deep debate on what the platform means and how the platform owners make money.

[-T9X-69-]

Ummm it kinda is that simple. It's literally happened. Phil even replied back then saying "I wish THEY kept it on". They is the key word here. With a simple "press of a button" crossplay is enabled from Epic's end. Not Sony. Sony doesn't have control over that specific feature in their game, they're just stopping them from enabling it via legal agreements when putting out a product on their platform.

[UCForce]

Criticism is fine but holy sh** this is more straight up torture than “criticism”. Some people criticize Sony, but other people like Vasto and Talion have agenda to wipe Sony out of existence and I can tell that Vasto and Talion are definitely enjoying torture Sony because of this “outrage”.

[superchiller]

That Vasto guy is really a complete idiot, everything he writes is garbage.

[UCForce]

If Sony open cross play with others, then fine. But my point is still stand that i’m not into online gaming anymore. Unpopular opinion here, I always think online gaming is just afterthought and it was pretty simple way back then.

[iDadio]

"Welcome to the Elite"

Vasto

[ZeroX9876]

@lociefer
It still brings a lot of money with the cut they're taking when we buy stuff via the PS4 on fortnite store. Not so much when bought on another platform, which is why money is the main point here.

[ocelot07]

Don't think they hate it at all. It's probably making them millions in coin sales each month. They also have a advertisement agreement with them and a Fortnite PS4 bundle coming soon.

[Officialxandr]

This. I don't understand why people just blindly follow. It's OKAY to want your favorite to do better. It's OKAY to critique them when you feel that they're wrong. Fanboyism is crazy.

[rainslacker]

I doubt they hate it. They make money from it as well. All those MT they get a cut of.

Sony doesn't have to hate what's going on, because they have control over how it plays out. They could make it all go away, but according to what Layden said, they're looking at it from a business perspective, and how to make an implementation that is acceptable to all parties involved.

@Crazy below

I wouldn't call any of the debate on this topic "deep". It's more just people sticking to their pre-conceived notions and not accepting anything that doesn't fit their own views.

[WickedLester]

I wish we could conduct polls on this site because I would love to find out just how many gamers this GENUINELY affects.

[crazyCoconuts]

It impacted my kids accounts (they have Switches) and it really is an obnoxious situation. Thing people don't mention is that it's as much Epics fault as anyone. They knew the rules and didn't design for it. If they did what other games like Destiny and Battlefield does they would allow for different characters for different pkatforms, connected to the same Epic account.

[WickedLester]

My question is, how is this situation any different than say, buying Destiny 2 on PS4 and on Xbox One, and not being able to use assets across each version? You don't hear anyone crying about that do you? Fortnite (to my knowledge) is the ONLY game that does this. I'm not sure why gamers feel entitled to this benefit. If you buy DLC in Fortnite on Switch and carry it over to PS4, Sony gets absolutely no cut of that. Not to mention it completely eliminates the motivation for someone to buy a PS4 and play Fortnite on that platform. It's easy for us as consumers to say "Sony is being greedy." However it's not that simple. Sony has shareholders to answer to. They cannot just make snap decisions like this without considering the effect it has on their bottom line. It's easy for MS and Nintendo to play nice with each other because they're losing. They're doing whatever it takes to gain an advantage. However when you're the market leader, by quite a large margin, you aren't as desperate. The market leader is always vilified and accused of being "tone deaf" but I see it as Sony simply trying to be fiscally responsible.

Honestly I do believe that Sony will eventually relent due to public pressure. But these kinds of decisions don't happen overnight. I'm sure Sony is in consistent talks with Epic to find some kind of solution. However IMO this whole situation does make gamers sound like entitled brats.

[crazyCoconuts]

@WickedLester I agree, it's a deeper issue than many people recognize for the platform holders. They're like a restaurant that doesn't let you bring in your food from another restaurant and sit at their tables. Seems reasonable to people in that context I imagine...

[Neonridr]

But then how come MS and Nintendo don't lock your Epic account to their hardware? Why is it that only Sony does this? Why is this even ok or supported in today's world to begin with?

@WickedLester - those are standalone titles that you purchase from the get go. I mean why can't I use the DLC I bought for Call of Duty on PS4 with an Xbox version? That's not how it works. Free to play games are in a different category, especially when you can play across multiple hardware.

[crazyCoconuts]

@Neonridr - there might be a policy that Sony has that states virtual goods bought on another market can't be used on the Sony platform. That's to protect their revenue stream. Epic didn't code for that (by supporting different characters) so to comply with that policy they just lock the whole damn account. Very good chance Epic knew that would look bad on Sony so they're sticking it to them. Reason MS and Nintendo allow this is because they're in a position to gain by siphoning off PS users from the PS platform. MS has been lapped by Sony in the big race. They'd let you ear f them for your business at this point, and that's ok...it's just competition

[Chicago8506]

@ WickedLester u make sense bro...I can have a convo wit u...
M not belittling anybody else but his comment made sense 2 me about this meaningless X-play stuff.
If it's Sony or Epics' bag, then whateva...who cares about this stuff?
1 damn game sets off a frenzy like this? OMG

Game on

[Yumi-Yumi4urTummy]

I do care... My opinion values :-D

[Neonridr]

I own a Pro and a Switch. So situations like this concern me greatly. I don't want to have two accounts, especially if I did want to make an in-game purchase.

[rainslacker]

And it's only become and issue in the past few weeks because outside of some cross platform play in MMO's, this has never been an option available to any console gamer on any platform.

[BlacKJesu5]

How often you really play the same game on pro and switch

[Prince_TFK]

Poll on this website? We already know the answer.

[Chicago8506]

So lemme get this right...
Switch gets Fortnite during E3 & crossplay with xbox...and now we talking bout this everyday cuz PS doesn't do it?

[Razzer]

This has become a daily mantra for some Xbox fanboys on this site.

[Chicago8506]

Thanks 4 the clarification.
I mean this makes no sense...surely there's other news to cover.
I've never heard so much talk of X-play this yr until now.
C'mon gamers, get back 2 gaming n off accts/bs

Game on

[Software_Lover]

It's not about crossplay.

It's about your Epic Account. Fortnite is one of the first big games that allows you to carry your purchased content across platforms. Microsoft allows it. Nintendo allows it. PC allows it. Sony will not allow it (when it comes to content purchased on Switch/Xbox).

If the creators of the game allows it then it should not be blocked by a console manufacturer IMHO.No matter which manufacturer it is.

This reminds me of the whole NFL fiasco. People turned it into they hate the flag when it wasn't about the flag at all.

[Chicago8506]

I c...so Sony is perceived as arrogant/not on-board ect..when it's the developer Epic with the keys?

[Majin-vegeta]

Why aren't people hustling Epic?You gotta be pretty naive to think Epic didn't know this would happen.They should be getting.flamed up for ir

[King_Lothric]

It is called humiliating begging.

Some how people thinks Sony is responsible to help the competition with their small user bases.

[Chicago8506]

@ King_Lothric if that's indeed the case then that's bs.
U suppoed 2 wipe ya own ass...not somebody else 4 u. WTF?

[Yumi-Yumi4urTummy]

shhhh..

[Jimboms]

I mean it's not solid but it's at least a look in the right direction. All i want is to be able to bring my account across to my Switch and I'll be happy.

[Twinblade]

why do we want to keep getting owned by pc players?

[crazyCoconuts]

So Shawn is doing the T-shirt thing now too? C'mon Shawn that's Phil's bag. Hope he doesn't adopt the sh@t eating grin too...

[UCForce]

That’s marketing and Spider Man PS4 is coming in September 7.

[Movefasta1993]

From Sony perspective they're basically saying if you want to play fortnite with your ps4 friends, buy a ps4. And that makes perfect sense, if that Xbox only owner has no need to buy a ps4 then he won't buy any first party . If he buys a ps4 he might think ' oh I mainly bought a ps4 to buy fortnite but Spider-Man looks pretty good I'll pick that up too. Those other two have no right to be pointing fingers at Sony with their shady practices like having to pay for Xbox live to play a free to play game LMAO gtfo

[Software_Lover]

It's not about crossplay (which will probably never be fully implemented by any console manufacturer)

It's about your Epic Account. Fortnite is one of the first big games that allows you to carry your purchased content across platforms. Microsoft allows it. Nintendo allows it. PC allows it. Sony will not allow it (when it comes to content purchased on Switch/Xbox).

If the creators of the game allows it then it should not be blocked by a console manufacturer IMHO.No matter which manufacturer it is.

[Neonridr]

I thought it was exclusives that sold consoles and attracted people to their camps, not GTA or Call of Duty. Being allowed to play with others for 3rd party titles is a bonus, but I would never choose my hardware based off of a game available across multiple hardware

[Bobafret]

Why is everyone making such a big frigging deal about this? I personally could not care less what hardware someone else is using when playing a multiplayer game.

[Chicago8506]

I have 2 agree. From what I've gathered so far, ppl wanna play this game on multiple consoles using their same acct...
My things is I'd like that on ALL 3rd party multiplayer games for (just n case) reasons I guess...but not jus 4 this game.
Crossplay not a big deal 4 me...I guess I don't get it, or maybe I do

Game on

[Neonridr]

exactly, so would it bother you if you could play against Xbox users? Would you even care? Hence why not allow it?

[Chicago8506]

Nope..wouldn’t bother me @ all, n no I wouldn’t care...y not allow it? Hell if I know. My point is if u gonna b n an uproar about x-play then y talk about it now? For Fortnite?
I say if u go in then go all in, not half asses...but that’s wishful thinking.
So y is this such a big deal now?

[ZaWarudo]

At least they're listening. I hope something can come out of it, i would like to play with my Xbox and Nintendo brothers and sisters. Man, Smite, Paladins and Overwatch would be great with crossplay.

[cfc83]

Why are people desperate for cross play ? Sea of thieves has it, and the mouse and keyboard players are owning people. It can only work if all use controllers. Is there really anything in it for Sony ? they're a business after all.

[DialgaMarine]

Your point is kind of moot, considering Sony does offer cross play with PC; just not other consoles.

[cfc83]

Yes, i accept your point. I just don't see why Sony would want it. They have a huge install base. It's. their business, and even as an xbl player, i don't see why they should feel they have to provide cross play. I can see the benefit of it for gamers,but not for Sony right now.

[Father__Merrin]

cry babies lol they cannot come at sony via price or games so they have to resort to lame duck practices which in this case is being unable to play fortnite with Wii users on Switch or with Xbox one users. NOBODY will buy a platform for the exclusive right to play with his friends on minecraft

[Edito]

Sony don't be fooled but the pressure the press, xbox gamers and nintendo gamers are putting on you... they represent the majority of interested in crossplay... find a solution that ultimately don't change the market share scenario and don't hurt playstation business and let Microsoft eat from their own stupidity... at the beginning of nextgen get back to them to make sure crossplay is implemented right from the start...

[Lon3wolf]

"while at the same time supporting our business"

$on¥ for the pla¥€r$

[Gamist2dot0]

It would be hilarious if Shawn says, "I have a question for the Xbox fans. Why are you paying Live to play Battle Royal when it's free on PS?" That was cause media frenzy.

[trooper_]

I would have dropped my tablet and fall to the floor laughing, lmfao.

[Gunstar75]

Adderall?

[Majin-vegeta]

Lmfao 😂

[gangsta_red]

They would probably say, "because Sony would lock our accounts behind their wall".

Then we would be back here saying how gamers don't care about crossplay.

[rainslacker]

LOL. That would be pretty awesome. Maybe turn the tables on MS since they're the one's that started perpetuating this whole cross play thing after it flared up with the Rocket League dev saying something.

Or just say, "PS is the only console where you can play fortnite without paying for online access. If you'd like, we can make another video about how to play fortnite on PS4"

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Omg

Red

You are at Mercy of Sony, Microsoft was bullying Sony last gen

[King_Lothric]

The begging continues...

Last Gen
Sony to Microsoft : want to make crossplay?
Microsoft : no, we are number 1 in USA.
Sony : ok. We will go number one with hard work and exclusives.

This gen:
Microsoft to Sony: You should do crossplay. You are a villian.
Sony : no. Remember what you did last Gen?
Microsoft : daily begging: please help us is your responsability, help us.

Microsoft is a coward for Sony's criticism when they did exactly the same. Sony never begged Microsoft.

[Bladesfist]

I really don't see cross play on a select number of titles causing a bunch of people to go out and buy Xbox Ones instead of PS4s. The number that do will probably be similar to the number of people who buy an Xbox over a PS4 as they can play with friends across more paltforms.

It's not like backwards compatibility, another consumer friendly move I think we can all agree on wanting has caused Xbox to sell a bunch of consoles.

[XtaZ]

What a nice made up story you just pulled out of your ass there. Sony literally never asked MS to do cross-play last gen and Xbox marketshare had nothing to do with their stance on cross-play.

[Majin-vegeta]

https://www.gamespot.com/fo...

Yea...looking mighty dumb right about now ehh buddy

[XtaZ]

@Majin-vegeta. FAIL. You linked me the same old crappy article and forum post PS fanboys always use to "prove" that Sony both wanted and asked MS to do cross-play last gen, and again you all fail miserably. NOWHERE does it state that Sony asked MS to do cross-play and it just confirms that MS just had a no cross-play stance last gen and there are zero evidence anywhere that Sony wanted cross-play with them. Even if MS had an open policy last gen, there is no guarantee that Sony would have actually been up for it, and looking at how they behave now the answer would likely be 'no'.

So yeah...looking mighty dumb right about now ehh buddy?

@GrannyHeBot2. Aaaw, the little bitch got triggered. I am right and you and your buddies are wrong. Deal with it.

[chobit_A5HL3Y]

this is about a big of an issue as backwards comparability was. sure, people want the option, but at the end of the day, it's not a deal breaker by any stretch lol

[Xavi4K]

As I said pushin hard will force sony to give in

[fsydow1]

Crossplay is already available on ps4,just not with xbox and we want to keep it that way.xbox players crying for a larger player base to play with.stop crying and go and play 20 frames pubg on your xonex lol

[DarkHeroZX]

All this cross play crap will die when Spiderman drops. If Sony can just weather the storm until then everyone will forget. Media just needs something to complain about. Then if even half of the exclusive they showed at E3 launch next year then it's a wrap. Oh and that KH3 PS4 pro bundle is going to sell like hotcakes.

[Neonridr]

Now suddenly Sony will be seen as a hero by the N4G community. You would think the majority of you would be against this decision, since Sony is in such a position to not allow anyone else a piece of their pie. Bad Sony for wanting to embrace change. How dare you /s

[AgeInTheCage]

Why does xboxone make you pay for live gold in order to play free to play games? Playstion 4 free to play games can be played online for free without plus.

[gamer7804]

all they said was they are "hearing it". doesn't mean they are going to actually listen and make any changes. This could be this icarus moment for Sony. I don't know why as soon as one console manufacturer starts doing well, they get arrogant and screw things up, like Microsoft did at the launch of xbox one.

[Monkeycan8]

Hopefully they will allow this and this will get them to also allow External Mods for Fallout 4 and Skyrim on PS4.

[Tobse]

Hey listen guys, we are 4 the players #aprilfools haha /s

[Kosic]

Tbh, there isn't any real loss for cross play being on the ps4. This means older games could have a larger community/player base to support them for longer.

It's something they can advertise as team Sony Vs Team Microsoft etc.

It's just their stubbornness that holds this back. Along with their digital psnow as their 'backwards compatibility' library.

[SpineSaw]

Well this will buy Sony till around PSX. I hope they come up with a only on Sony servers solution no matter who makes or publishes the game and let's see how much Microsoft wants cross-play with Sony.

[babadivad]

At this point, who cares?

[sprinterboy]

Yawn, we still talking about this bollocks

[MAULxx]

Canceling my PS+ :)

[ghostrider32]

It don't need to happen. PlayStation and Xbox fans don't even respect each other. Both sides are some abusive ass people. They probably treat their spouses and children like shit. Heihachi and Kazuya, have a better relationship than PlayStation and Xbox fans.

[ChiefofLoliPolice]

I can't see why people are giving Sony a hard time about this. Sure it would be a nice feature to have but it's not needed like some people are making it sound.

[ClanPsi1]

This isn't even what people should be talking about. The issue at hand is: If console gamers can cross-play with PC gamers, why the F*CK do console gamers have to PAY for online multiplayer?!

[bellome]

And jet nobody cares.

[UNCHARTED2FANATIC]

Maybe next people will complain about how players are harder to beat if sony does crossplay

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Good job Sony