Epic Games has introduced "Epic Parties," a new voice chat service designed to simplify communication between friends playing different titles across various platforms. This feature is integrated into Fortnite on all supported platforms, the Epic Games Store launcher on PC, and the Epic Games mobile apps for iOS and Android.
The system allows users to initiate voice parties from their phone or PC launcher and connect with friends regardless of what they are playing. For instance, a player on PC can join a voice call with a friend playing Fortnite on PlayStation. The voice connection can also transition seamlessly between devices; a user could start a call on their phone and then switch to their PC once they return to their desk.
Epic Parties also facilitates easier in-game grouping. If friends in a voice party decide to launch Fortnite, the system will automatically place them into the same lobby. This new offering positions Epic Games as a direct competitor to established third-party communication applications like Discord.
Epic aims for Epic Parties to enable users to carry their social connections, voice channels, and digital avatars across multiple platforms and games. The service is currently rolling out to Fortnite, with plans to extend availability to Rocket League in the coming year. Epic has also indicated that these voice and avatar systems are intended for integration into Unreal Engine 6, with tools eventually being made available to other developers. This move aligns with Epic's broader strategy to enhance its digital storefront and launcher, as noted by Kyle Billings, director of strategy and business operations at the Epic Games Store, who stated the company's goal is to "connect players with the game they want to play at the time they want to play it."