Valve is making strides in promoting gamepad use on PCs through Steam Input and the Steam Deck. According to a recent announcement, 15% of all Steam sessions now involve a controller, with 10% using Steam Decks.
Controller Usage on the Rise
Since 2018, controller usage has tripled, with 42% of controller sessions utilizing Valve’s Steam Input layer. Xbox controllers are the most popular, making up 59% of controller sessions on Steam. This surge in controller adoption highlights a significant shift in how PC gamers are engaging with their favorite titles.
Valve has made significant improvements to enhance controller support on Steam, including updates to Big Picture Mode, controller configuration, gyro aiming functionality, and better driver support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers. These enhancements ensure a smoother and more intuitive gaming experience for users who prefer gamepads over traditional keyboard and mouse setups.
The Hori Steam Controller
The Hori Steam Controller, now known as the Horipad for Steam, is currently only available in Japan. This specialized controller is designed to offer seamless compatibility with Steam, providing gamers with an alternative to the more commonly used Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
Steam Deck's Impact
Valve’s recent release of the Steam Deck Top Played list showcases their focus on the console market. Games like the Kingdom Hearts series have seen success on Steam, with KH 1.5+2.5 HD ReMix making it to the Top 10 Most Played on Steam Deck. This indicates a growing interest in handheld gaming devices that offer the flexibility of a PC gaming experience.
Valve’s ambitious projects, such as Steam Deck and Valve Index, demonstrate their commitment to expanding their presence in the PC market and offering high-quality gaming experiences. The Steam Deck, in particular, has garnered attention for its ability to run a wide range of PC games on a portable device, bridging the gap between console and PC gaming.
- Steam Input: A key component in enhancing controller support on Steam.
- Big Picture Mode: Updated to provide a better user experience for gamepad users.
- Gyro Aiming Functionality: Improved for more precise control in compatible games.
- Driver Support: Enhanced for both Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
As Valve continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming industry, it’s clear that their efforts are paying off. With a growing number of gamers embracing gamepads on PCs, the future looks bright for those who prefer this style of gameplay.
