This is how I see the PS and Epic conversation going down over Fortnite.
Epic: Hey PS, we want to put this free to play battle royale game on the PS4 and we think it's going to be a hit.
PS: Interesting, considering XB locked up PUBG... Tell us more.
Epic: It's multi player and online accounts that are cross platform so players can take their loot wherever they want. Here's a demo.
PS: Looks like a fun game for our players, but how do we make money if it's free? We aren't clogging up our network for nothing.
Epic: Lots of micro-transactions and you get a piece of the profits.
PS: Ok, but you said the multi player and accounts are cross platform?
Epic: Yes.
PS: We don't allow that with other console platforms.
Epic: Well that's going to be a problem then.
PS: How are we guaranteed to make money? How do we know gamers will buy loot at all, let alone from the PS4 version?
Epic: Umm... Well, it's highly unlikely that nobody will buy anything at all and why would they not buy from the PS4 version?
PS: We don't know, but can you guarantee us a certain amount of profits regardless?
Epic: Umm... No.
PS: So just to be clear, a gamer who has multiple platforms, one being PS4, can play Fortnite on all of them, and could spend money on all of them, except for the PS4 version, and you think that's a good deal for us? How does that benefit us financially?
Epic: It might convince some people buy PS4's to play Fortnite.
PS: With a bunch of other platforms that are cheaper or more mobile that also play Fortnite for free?
Epic: Umm...
PS: Tell ya what. How about you lock the PS4 accounts solely to PS4 devices? That way we can be assured we get a slice of the profits whatever they end up being.
Epic: That doesn't jive with our vision though.
PS: Well do you have a better idea?
Epic: Umm... No?
PS: Well then. No guarantee, no Fortnite Battle Royale on PS4.
Epic: Give us some time to talk about it and think it over.
PS: Sure, no problem.
Epic: Ok so here's the deal everyone. We have two options. First, we accept the PS offer which opens the door to 60+ million gamers but restricts those accounts to only PS4 devices, which could lead to millions of upset gamers down the road who can't use their accounts cross platform. Second, we can tell PS we won't accept but then we lose any access to those 60+ million gamers and counting, considering this platform has massive momentum and no end in sight. We could also end up with 60+ million PS4 gamers that are upset they can't play Fortnite on their device.
Investors: We like money. We also like higher odds. Did we forget to mention we like money?
Epic: It's settled then. Fortnite will be on PS4.
Investors: Excellent.
Epic: We agree to the terms.
PS: Are you sure? You do realize the backlash you may get from other platforms and their gamers?
Epic: Yes, but the investors have spoken and worst case scenario we'll deal with it later if we have to.
PS: You have yourselves a deal then. (Take that XB and PUBG!)
Fin.
PS1 - ! - We must build a console that can alert our enemies.
PS2 - @- We must build a console that offers online living room gaming.
PS3 - #- We must build a console that’s powerful, social, costs and does everything.
PS4 - $- We must build a console that’s affordable, charges for services, and pumps out exclusives.
PRO -%-We must build a console that's VR ready, checkerboard upscales, and sells but a fraction of the money printer.
PS5 - ^ -We must build a console that’s a generational cross product, with RT lighting, and price hiking.
PRO -&- We must build a console that Super Res upscales and continues the cost increases.
