Platform Unity Movement
Crossplay (playing with friends across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch) became standard 2018-2020 after Sony initially resisted. Fortnite’s September 2018 crossplay forced Sony’s hand, ending walled-garden era and prioritizing player experience over platform lock-in.
Pre-2018: Sony blocked crossplay to protect PlayStation advantage; “for the players” hypocrisy
Fortnite pressure (September 2018): Epic/community pressure forced Sony to enable PS4-Xbox-PC-Switch crossplay
Benefits:
- Larger player pools (faster matchmaking)
- Play with friends regardless of platform
- Platform choice doesn’t split friend groups
Downsides:
- PC advantage (mouse/keyboard, FPS)
- Input-based matchmaking necessary
- Cheating crossover (PC cheaters in console lobbies)
Adoption: Rocket League, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, most multiplayer games
Current standard: Crossplay expected feature; lack of it criticized
Crossplay represents rare consumer victory - platforms forced to cooperate for better experience.
Sources:
https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/26/17905146/fortnite-ps4-cross-play-sony-policy-change
https://www.polygon.com/