Fortnite developer Epic Games has added Houseparty video chat support to the popular Battle Royale game.
As part of update 14.60, Fortnite fans can chat with friends using the Houseparty app, and an iOS or Android device.
The app integration is currently only available on PS5, PS4 and PC, although it’s fair to assume that Xbox support will follow.
“Beginning today, connect with your friends in Fortnite like never before,” reads a Fortnite blog post.
“Whether you’re enjoying the latest in-game event or chasing an elusive Victory Royale, the new integration with the Houseparty app brings revolutionary video chat technology so that you can video chat with friends while playing Fortnite.”
To enable video chat within Fortnite, users must first download the Houseparty app on iOS or Android. Once the app is installed, simply link it to your Epic Games account to begin.
“With accounts linked, fire up Fortnite on PC or PlayStation and make sure your mobile device is positioned to fully frame your face. You’re now ready to talk to your Houseparty friends while playing Fortnite,” Epic adds.
As a special bonus for linking Houseparty with Fortnite, fans will be rewarded with a brand new Rainbow Fog Wrap.
Fortunately for Xbox users, the Rainbow Fog Wrap can also be unlocked without Houseparty.
Players can unlock the Rainbow Fog Wrap by playing five matches with friends between November 20 and November 26. The Wrap will be unlocked during the first week of December.
To help get players started with Houseparty in Fortnite, Epic Games has released a step-by-step guide which you can see below…
To bring video chat into Fortnite, take these steps:
• Open Houseparty on iOS or Android and Connect to Fortnite through Settings or the TV icon
• Join your friends like you normally would or invite them to join you
• Fire up Fortnite on a PC or PlayStation
• Continue talking to your friends while you play
Needless to say, Epic Games has also introduced some new safety features to coincide with the launch of Houseparty support.
In addition to a new report function, Houseparty video chat in Fortnite will be cropped to focus on player faces only.
Backgrounds will be Fortnite-themed in order to ensure faces are the focal point within the video chat.
Parents can also turn off Houseparty video chat using the parental controls feature, while Houseparty itself is unavailable to users under the age of 13.
It’s worth pointing out that users could appear in streams if playing with friends that are broadcasting live on platforms such as Twitch.
