Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, has recently announced that it is expanding its crossplay tools as part of Epic Online Services. Previously available for PC games to support crossplay between the Epic Games Store and Valve’s Steam, the tools will now also be compatible with major gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This expansion opens up new possibilities for developers to bring crossplay multiplayer experiences to their games.
The crossplay tools were initially introduced by Epic Games in June 2022 and have since been well-received by the gaming community. The tools offer developers a special overlay that enables seamless authentication of players, streamlined friend management, and game invite and joinability functionality that meets the requirements of various gaming platforms. With this update, developers can leverage the crossplay tools to create a unified gaming experience across different consoles and PC platforms.
Epic Games has been a strong advocate for crossplay for a long time, driven by the success of Fortnite, a game that achieved remarkable cross-platform success. The company currently boasts over 750 million Epic Games accounts, which indicates a potentially significant player base that can easily engage in crossplay experiences using Epic Online Services. This expansion not only benefits the players but also presents exciting opportunities for developers to tap into a massive and diverse gaming community.
The decision to expand the crossplay tools aligns with Epic Games’ mission to foster inclusivity and accessibility in the gaming industry. By enabling crossplay across multiple platforms, Epic Games aims to break down barriers and promote a more connected gaming experience. Players will have the freedom to play with friends regardless of the platform they choose, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.
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Furthermore, this expansion brings advantages to Epic Games itself. Developers who are satisfied with the capabilities of Epic Online Services might be inclined to use Epic’s renowned game development platform, Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine has been widely lauded for its robust features and versatility, making it a go-to choice for many developers. By offering a seamless crossplay solution in addition to Unreal Engine, Epic Games establishes itself as a comprehensive and supportive partner for game developers.
Additionally, the expansion of Epic Online Services presents an opportunity for the growth of Epic Games’ PC store. Players who sign up for Epic Games accounts to access crossplay functionality and enjoy games using Epic Online Services may also become customers of the Epic Games Store. This synergy between different offerings from Epic Games contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the company.
In conclusion, Epic Games’ decision to expand its crossplay tools to include PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch is a significant development for the gaming industry. It empowers developers to create crossplay experiences that transcend platform limitations and enhance the enjoyment for players. With its strong support for crossplay and the popularity of its game development platform, Epic Games continues to establish itself as a leader in promoting inclusivity and connectivity in the gaming community.
