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Why Fortnite is the future of multiplayer on Switch
How 2018's most anticipated port could change the game for Switch's multiplayer fortunes.
Well, it's actually happened – the world's biggest game has finally arrived on what has to be the hottest piece of gaming hardware right now. Fortnite on Switch might not be in quite the same league as the PS4, Xbox One and PC iterations when it comes to graphical fidelity, but it offers one vital advantage: you can play anywhere without losing the option of a big-screen TV experience (as is the case with the iOS version, which also suffers from imprecise controls and fuzzy visuals).
Fortnite on Nintendo's console isn't just a big deal for that reason, however – it could well pave the way for Switch's online multiplayer future. Perhaps the most important advancement is cross-platform play, which – while not a first on Switch (Rocket League and Minecraft got there first) – is arguably a much more appealing prospect when you're talking about the world's most popular video game.
Switch owners can happily face off against PC, Mac, Xbox One and mobile rivals, with the obvious exception being PS4-owning Fortniters. The reason for this omission is simple: Sony doesn't like cross-play and has blocked several games – including Fortnite – from accessing cross-platform servers on its console. In fact, Sony have gone one step further in the case of Fortnite by blocking any account that has been used to play the game on PS4 from accessing the title on another system – a move which has been roundly criticised since it arrived on Switch, as it means existing PS4 players can't transfer their progress to Nintendo's console.
In that regard, Fortnite is something of a talking point in the whole cross-platform debate, and the furore surrounding Sony's decision could have wide-reaching ramifications for how companies view cross-platform play. Sony have been seen as the bad guy in this whole situation, while Microsoft and Nintendo – both of which are happy to allow crossplay on their respective systems – have come out of the whole situation looking very pragmatic and forward-thinking. Fortnite could be the game that finally changes Sony's draconian stance on this matter, and that could be absolutely huge for the games industry – lest we forget, Sony have a whopping 80 million players committed to their cause.
Another big flashpoint regarding Fortnite on Switch is the inclusion of voice chat – something that has previously only been possible by using Nintendo's clunky online smartphone app and what feels like an endless jungle of wires and connectors. Epic have rather shown Nintendo up in this regard by implementing an elegant system which is all handled in-game, without the need for additional hardware adapters. While we're sure Nintendo will remain committed to their smartphone solution for the time being, we've hope that Epic's example will encourage other developers to challenge the notion that voice chat on Switch isn't possible.
They say a high tide raises all ships, and Fortnite coming to Switch is only going to encourage more studios to support the system with their online titles. We've already seen the Overwatch-like Paladins arrive on Nintendo's console, but we could potentially see many more games arrive – perhaps Blizzard will be compelled to give us the real Overwatch, now that Nintendo's system has become such a fertile ground for competitive online titles?
Fortnite's other truly telling contribution to Switch is the simple fact that it's entirely free to play, and while there are in-app purchases, these are entirely cosmetic in nature and don't impact on your ability to enjoy the action. Again, free-to-play gaming isn't a new thing on Nintendo systems – Nintendo recently released the freemium Pokémon Quest and has previously explored this approach on the 3DS with titles like Steel Diver: Sub Wars – but Epic's game has to rank as the most high-profile example yet seen on Switch.
It was downloaded over two million times in just over a day, a fact which proves the Switch community is engaged, enthusiastic and willing to try out new titles. Hopefully we'll see more free-to-play online games arrive in the near future – although this could be a both a blessing and a curse, because few games strike the balance between paid content and accessibility as well as Fortnite; 'pay to win' gaming is not likely to be something that's welcome on Switch.
Fortnite is nothing short of a phenomenon right now, and as well as being the word on every young player's lips, it has reached the upper heights of popular culture – there's a good chance even your granny is aware of the game. Getting the classic Battle Royale title on Switch is a real coup for Nintendo (even if the 'Save the World' mode isn't included), but it's also capable of changing the playing field forever. Voice chat, cross-play and much more besides could become a solid part of the console's online future, all thanks to Epic's world-beating shooter.
