Houseparty’s New ‘Fortnite Mode’ Brings Seamless Video Chat to Gamers
Epic Games, the powerhouse behind Fortnite, made waves in 2019 when it acquired Houseparty—a popular social video app—for an undisclosed sum following a staggering $1.25 billion funding round. The strategic move highlighted Epic’s vision to deepen the social connectivity of its flagship battle royale game. Now, over a year later, that vision is becoming a reality.
A Game-Changing Integration
With the launch of Houseparty’s ‘Fortnite Mode’, players can now enjoy real-time video chat while diving into the game. This feature is currently available on PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, bridging the gap between gaming and face-to-face interaction.
Image Credits: Epic Games
How It Works
To activate the feature, players must:
- Download Houseparty on an iOS or Android device.
- Link their Epic Games account to the app.
- Enable video chat in Fortnite’s settings.
Once connected, the video feed appears as a compact overlay, with faces cropped tightly and virtual backgrounds (similar to Zoom) to minimize distractions. This ensures players stay focused on gameplay while socializing.
Safety First: Parental Controls
Given Fortnite’s younger audience, Epic has incorporated robust safety features, including:
- Parental controls to disable video chat.
- Privacy settings to manage visibility and interactions.
This move aligns with Epic’s commitment to creating a secure, inclusive gaming environment.
Why This Matters
The integration taps into the growing demand for social gaming experiences, especially amid global trends toward remote interaction. By blending Houseparty’s video chat with Fortnite’s immersive gameplay, Epic is setting a new standard for connected gaming.
Related: Epic Games Acquires Houseparty to Expand Social Features
As cross-platform play becomes the norm, innovations like this could redefine how players engage—both in and out of the game.
