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Sony Faces Growing Fortnite Backlash At E3

Sony faces growing Fortnite criticism at E3 By Leo Kelion Technology desk Editor

Published

14 June 2018

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Sony executives are under pressure to address complaints about "cross-play" restrictions that were imposed on Fortnite.

Gamers discovered that they cannot use the same Fortnite account if they have previously played the game on a PlayStation.

This stops them from being able to make use of outfits and other in-game purchases and rewards that they've earned.

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

Gamers could not share Fortnite accounts between Microsoft and Sony's platforms.

The Switch's portable nature draws in a lot of people who have purchased it as a second gaming console.

Sony has yet to confirm that it is the one responsible for the restriction. However, it made the following statement to the BBC.

"We're always interested in hearing what the PlayStation community is interested in to improve their gaming experience," it said.

"With... more than 80 million active monthly users on PlayStation Network, we've built an immense community of gamers who play together on Fortnite and all online titles.

"We also provide Fortnite crossplay compatibility with PC and Mac, iOS, Android, and iOS devices giving more opportunities for Fortnite players to play alongside more gamers on other platforms."

A spokeswoman for the company said "We have nothing to add beyond this point."

Both Microsoft and Fortnite publisher Epic Games have previously indicated that Epic Games Japanese company has decided to prevent PlayStation gamers competing against other console owners in the game's multi-player fight-to-the-death Battle Royale mode.

Global hit

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

Fortnite's immense success means that the backlash could be even more devastating.

Epic announced this week that the title has 125 million players around the world.

And Nintendo has announced that its free-to-play version of the game was downloaded more than 2 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 show in Los Angeles are already under threat due to the increasing number of complaints.

Every time it posts updates about its latest releases to Twitter and Facebook, people have demanded that it allow them to share Fortnite logins as well as permit cross-play.

@PlayStation is holding my Fortnite account hostage by refusing to let me play with other players. It's very sad that I can't use third-party logins on the Switch since it's tied to PS4. Minecraft It's so disappointing @Sony #BlameSony pic.twitter.com/OfRG55meXr

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

What can @Sony PS's slogan be 'For Players' when they are unable to cross-compatibility with all? #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

@Sony seems to be blocking the cross-play between PS4 and Nintendo Switch This is why I will be switching to Xbox One for my non-Switch platform. This will allow me to play with my children and also play together. I would recommend anyone who is able to do the same.

- Erik Kain (@erikkain) June 12, 2018

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

Samantha Loveridge, associate editor at GamesRadar+, told the BBC that Sony has to be careful in how it handles the situation.

"Fortnite is massive and it's growing exponentially - it's coming to Android - Sony must begin thinking about its closed-garden experience.

"Gamers require explanations as to the reason why this compatibility issue exists in one way or the other."

Sony allows compatibility with both the iOS and PC versions of the game. This suggests that the Xbox/Switch stopping it is a decision made for strategic reasons rather than a technical issue.

While gamers await comment from the PlayStation firm, its competitors have taken on the pressure.

Nintendo North America chief Reggie Fils Aime stated that the choice of competitors was theirs to make. 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 its corporate accounts, have tweeted about this issue.

It's great to see cross-play and progression between Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. I know a lot of people own an Switch. We look forward to seeing you in the! https://t.co/mMRXj2GA10

- Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) June 12, 2018

@NintendoUK Want to play 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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