Fortnite: Epic Games announces Fortnite on PS5 and Xbox Series X and Unreal Engine 5

Epic Games announced on Wednesday (13) that Fortnite will be available for Playstation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X. Already in its launches, expected to occur in late 2020. Initially, Battle Royale will be launched for next generation consoles on Unreal Engine 4. However, it has already been confirmed that the game will undergo a migration to Unreal Engine 5. This information was also announced by Epic itself. This migration will take place in mid-2021, which will certainly give the game several visual improvements.

It was also remembered that Epic will not fail to provide the same support for platforms where Fortnite is already available. Today are PC, Mac, Playstation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile versions to download on Android phones and iPhone (iOS). In addition, the developer made it clear that this is not a new version of Fortnite. The game is optimized to better take advantage of the features of the platform that is launched.

Fortnite will be available for PS5 and Xbox Series X in its releases. (Image: Epic Games)

Unreal Engine 5

Unreal Engine 5 was announced with a demo for Playstation 5 called “Lumen in the Land of Nanite”. In the video of this demo, Nanite was demonstrated. System that will allow artists to create as many geometric details as possible for the game. Lumen was also seen, which will give new features for lighting in games. A trial version of Unreal Engine 5 will be released in early 2021. Its official launch will take place later that year, probably alongside the migration from Fortnite to that engine.

This news was both exciting and worrying for Battle Royale fans. Epic is using Fortnite as a marketing tool for this new engine. Show game developers that they believe in this new mechanism. And with that, demonstrate what he is capable of. But on the other hand, it means that the developer does everything to make Fortnite work in the best possible way. It is unlikely that they will move away from the cartoonish feeling that makes the game what it is. But this new mechanism will create opportunities for constant change.

With that said, not too long ago, they did exactly the same thing with the Chaos Physics system. Fortnite transitioned to the new system with some promises. After going through some brief initial problems, the game would work better than ever. However, since then, performance has always been low, with no signs of improvement.

A lot to unpack – but Fortnite to UE5 in Mid-2021 makes me wonder a lot about timing, considering the potential 2021 WC.

Judging by the chaos physics engine update – I don't think we should be worried about game play changes. Though I am INCREDIBLY nervous performance wise. https://t.co/R4iBsLcKWf

— Ballatw (@Ballatw) May 13, 2020

But the biggest concern is with the 2021 World Cup. This competition could lift Fortnite back to its glory. The switch to Unreal Engine 5 could have similar repercussions. It would be devastating to see an incredible event ruined by a new mechanism that doesn't work properly.

The future of the developer

Of course, Epic Games will be aware of these risks. Finding a way to make change as smooth as possible is the goal. It’s also great to see that Fortnite is growing. Playing an important role for the future of the game and the developer.

Successful worldwide, Fortnite has reached the milestone of 350 million players recently registered. Remember that it was celebrated with a virtual show inside the game. A Battle Royale launch for the next generation was expected to be one of the most famous and profitable games in the world. Epic Games continues to support the game. Launched in 2017, new seasons and diverse content for its players.