According to Thurrott.com, Microsoft announced that Fortnite will launch in the Xbox app on PC on November 18 with Xbox Play Anywhere support. The game is currently exclusively available through the Epic Games Store and isn’t even on Steam. With this move, players using the new Xbox PC version will see their progress and purchases sync across Xbox consoles, PC, and gaming handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. Microsoft securing Epic Games for both the Xbox app and Play Anywhere program represents a significant partnership. There are now over 1,000 games supporting Xbox Play Anywhere with new titles added monthly. Starting November 18, Fortnite Crew perks will also bring monthly benefits to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members across both Fortnite and Rocket League.
Xbox Play Anywhere breakthrough
This is actually a pretty big deal when you think about it. Fortnite has been stubbornly exclusive to Epic’s own storefront for years, even avoiding Steam where most PC gamers live. Microsoft convincing Epic to play ball with their ecosystem? That’s some serious negotiating power. And the timing couldn’t be better with Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaining momentum.
Why this matters
Here’s the thing about Xbox Play Anywhere – it’s one of those features that sounds nice but hasn’t always had the blockbuster titles to make it truly compelling. Getting Fortnite changes that equation dramatically. We’re talking about one of the biggest games in the world suddenly becoming part of Microsoft’s cross-platform ecosystem. Basically, if you start playing on your Xbox, then switch to your PC, then pick up your handheld – everything just follows you. No restarting, no losing skins, no separate progression tracks.
The bigger picture
Microsoft has been quietly building this cross-platform infrastructure for years, and Fortnite might be their biggest validation yet. Remember when Fortnite was the first free-to-play game on Xbox Cloud Gaming that didn’t require Game Pass? That was just the beginning. Now they’re layering in Game Pass Ultimate benefits and expanding to more platforms. It makes you wonder – is this Microsoft’s answer to the walled garden approach? Instead of locking people into one device, they’re making it easier to play everywhere. And honestly, that’s probably the smarter long-term play.
