Epic takes a huge step forward with Fortnite cross-platform play

Fortnite update 3.5 is now available. We’ve detailed the major changes in another post, but one seemingly small change, is, in fact, a huge deal.

Under the general changes heading, Epic Games has listed the following;

Purchased V-Bucks are now shared between Xbox One, PC and Mobile

This may not seem like such a big deal, but let us walk you through why it is.

Fortnite Cross-Platform Play

Epic has made it clear that it wants to foster cross-platform play. CEO Tim Sweeney said at GDC that cross-platform play will be”one of the best things to ever happen to the console industry.”

Sweeney also said that cross-platform play between Microsoft and Sony inevitable. 

No, update 3.5 hasn’t magically brought Sony into Fortnite cross-platform play with Microsoft. What it has done is massively improve existing cross-platform play and the existing Fortnite ecosystem.

Before this update, if players purchased V-Bucks, those purchases would be locked to that system. Players would have different amounts of currency on different platforms. 

This is now a thing of the past. All V-Bucks earned or purchased are shared between accounts on Mobile, PC and Xbox One.

All of your purchased items, unlocked objects and progress are shared between platforms, provided you have linked your Epic Games account.

One Store, One Economy, One Payment

Up until now, V-Bucks didn’t transfer and now that they do, it means only one storefront, one payment system and one economy. You’re now able to purchase V-Bucks on any platform and spend them on any other, except PS4. 

V-Bucks were transferrable between PS4 and PC prior to update 3.5, but now the three platforms that are fully integrated (Mobile, PC, Xbox) together for cross-platform play now share one currency.

This really is a huge deal and shouldn’t be downplayed. Cross-platform play, cross-platform purchasing and shared economies are the way of the future for games as a service. 

Fortnite is leading the way in this field and other developers and publishers should be following Epic Games’ example.

While PS4 players are still being left out in the cold, it’s only a matter of time before Sony acquiesces and allows cross-platform play between PS4 and Xbox.

When that day comes, Fortnite is going to be ready to go. Epic should be applauded.