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Sony Faces Growing Fortnite Backlash At E3

Sony faces an ever-growing Fortnite protests at E3 Leo Kelion Technology desk editor



Published



14 June 2018



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Sony chiefs are under pressure from Fortnite players to address concerns about "crossplay" restrictions.



Gamers have discovered that if they first played the game on a PlayStation console, they are unable to play the game using the same Fortnite account on the newly released Nintendo Switch edition.



This makes it impossible for them to use outfits, other purchases made in-game, and rewards that they have accrued.



There is no such limitation in the transfer of data between the Xbox One and Switch.



Gamer's accounts are not shared. accounts between Microsoft and Sony's platforms.



But the main reason to buy the Switch is its portability. Its nature allows owners to play while away from home, and consequently, many have bought it as a second gaming machine.



Sony has yet to confirm it is responsible for the limitation but it has issued the following statement to the BBC.



It stated that it was always open to hearing suggestions from the PlayStation community on ways to enhance their gaming experience.



"With... more that 80 million monthly active PlayStation Network users, we've created a huge gaming community that can play on Fortnite.



"We also provide Fortnite cross-play with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, thereby increasing the opportunity for Fortnite fans on PS4 to play alongside more gamers on other platforms."



"We have nothing further to add beyond this point," a spokeswoman added.



Epic Games, publisher of Fortnite, and Microsoft both have stated previously that Epic Games had chosen to stop PlayStation gamers from competing with other console owners in Battle Royale's multiplayer fight–to-the-death mode.



Global hit



Sony has faced criticism for blocking cross-play in other titles in the past, including Minecraft and Rocket League.



Fortnite's massive success means the backlash could be more devastating.



Epic revealed this week that the game has attracted more than 125 million players around the world.



And Nintendo has announced that its free-to-play version of the game was downloaded more than two million times in just 24 hours after its release on the Nintendo Switch on Tuesday.



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Sony's public relations efforts at the E3 video game event in Los Angeles are already under threat from the growing number of complaints.



People have demanded that Fortnite allow players to share their Fortnite logins with cross-play.



@PlayStation has taken my Fortnite account hostage because they refuse to let me play with other players. Pretty sad that I can't use a third party login on the Switch because it's linked to PS4. It's a pity @Sony #BlameSony pic.twitter.com/OfRG55meXr



- PKMN Maestro Jerry (@PKMN_Maestro) June 12, 2018



What can @Sony PS's slogan be "For the players" if they prohibit cross compatibility with all... you're not for the players. #PlayStationE3 #fortniteswitch



- Max Hart (@M_H7) June 12, 2018



The replies are all people asking Sony about unlocking Fortnite accounts.



Good. https://t.co/eiFbAbclSE



-- Jim Sterling (@JimSterling), June 13, 2018,



Since @Sony seems to be blocking #Fortnite cross-play between PS4 and Nintendo Switch, I will be switching to Xbox One as my non-Switch platform of choice so that I can play together with my children. I recommend anyone who can do the same.



- Erik Kain (@erikkain) June 12, 2018



While the PlayStation 4 is the most popular console of the current generation, an industry watcher claimed that it wasn't immune to attacks.



Samantha Loveridge, associate editor at GamesRadar+, told the BBC that Sony must be cautious about in how it handles the situation.



"Fortnite is huge and it's only getting bigger It's coming to Android - Sony should start thinking about its closed-garden environment.



"One way or the other gamers need to be given an explanation as to why this compatibility issue exists."



Sony allows compatibility with the PC and iOS versions of the game, which suggests that the Xbox/Switch block it is a tactical option rather than an technical issue.



While the PlayStation firm is yet to comment the gamers are under pressure from its competitors.



When asked about the situation Nintendo's North America chief Reggie Fils-Aime explained to the IGN news site: "What competitors do is their decision. We believe that being both developer-forward and fan-forward is in the best interest of the game."



One of Microsoft's gaming chiefs as well as one of its corporate accounts, have tweeted about this issue.



It's nice to see cross-play and progress between Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. I know that many of you have an Switch. I hope to see you in the next !! proxylist101 https://t.co/mMRXj2GA10



- Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) June 12, 2018



@NintendoUK wanna play some Fortnite later?



- Xbox UK (@xboxuk) June 12, 2018



The BBC is not responsible for the content on external websites. View original tweet on Twitter



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