'The Decline of Mouse and Keyboard Gaming: Why More Gamers are Opting for Alternative Options'
Tech & AI | June 27, 2024, 3:03 p.m.
Valve's recent collaboration with Hori to introduce a new Horipad for Steam, featuring a Steam button, has sparked questions about the future of PC gaming and the potential shift towards controllers over traditional mouse and keyboard setups. While this move does not signify a complete paradigm shift, it does highlight the evolving landscape of PC gaming, focusing on portability and accessibility.
The new controller lacks certain key features like rumble and trackpads, but it caters to the growing demand for more controller-friendly gaming options. Valve's statistics reveal a significant increase in controller use on the Steam platform, with a notable rise in daily average controller usage.
The emergence of devices like the Steam Deck blurs the lines between traditional controllers and handheld PCs, offering gamers flexibility in how they experience gaming. While mouse and keyboard setups remain popular, the shift towards controllers, especially among older gamers and competitive players, suggests a changing preference in gaming inputs. Ultimately, the future of PC gaming may involve a diverse range of controller options alongside traditional setups.