Breaking just moments before, Epic Games during today’s Summer Game Fest showcase shared that the next iteration for Unreal Engine will be arriving next year. Introducing the new engine with an eye-grabbing tech demo performing on PlayStation 5, Unreal Engine 5 shows to be an tremendously big step for the future of video game development.
Among some of the technical discussions that were tossed around following the presentation, Epic Games shared with Geoff Keighley that Fortnite will in fact be receiving an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5 when the engine debuts later on next year. In alignment with the upgrade to a next-generation engine, Epic Games further shares that the popular battle royale will also be receiving respected versions for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
In the blog post announcing the new information, the development team clarifies that instead of being framed as a new version, Fortnite for the approaching systems will hold as a an optimized alternative for those who can support the horsepower. The team goes on to share that performance can expect a boost, but failed to mention specifically what will be altered for the upcoming consoles.
We’re excited to confirm that Fortnite will be headed to next-generation consoles at launch. This is the same Fortnite you know and love, ready to take full advantage of the newest consoles. We’ll be sharing more specific details in the coming months as we get closer to launch.
Even more, Epic Games goes on to verify that progress linked to the player’s Fortnite account will be preserved when transitioning to either the latest Xbox or PlayStation this holiday season. Talks of cross-play is also brought up referencing cross-generation play to be the next focus for the game when the new versions ship later on.
Although the discussion today emphasizes support for the newer consoles arriving at the end of 2020, Epic Games reiterates by sharing that support for current hardware is not going anywhere. “We plan to continue support for existing platforms in tandem with our support for next-generation consoles,” the team shares in response to the concern.
Are you planning on picking up Fortnite when the game drops for the newer systems?
Fortnite is currently out now for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Source: Epic Games
