Rumors about VALORANT, the popular PC-exclusive shooter by Riot Games, entering the console market have been reignited. A recent image, unearthed through datamining, suggests that VALORANT might soon break its PC exclusivity.
The Ongoing Debate in Shooter Games
For years, the debate over the preferred gaming peripherals for shooters has been a topic of discussion among gamers. Titles like Call of Duty, played competitively with a controller, and Halo esports, which started on Xbox 360, demonstrate that controllers have a place in shooter games.
VALORANT: Bridging the Divide
With VALORANT “Controller disconnected,” followed by an error instructing to reconnect the controller and press ‘A’. This suggests compatibility with Xbox or Switch controllers, although it doesn’t rule out PlayStation support, especially considering VALORANT’s availability on Xbox Game Pass.
🤔 // #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/qZIpg2mfLx
— VALORANT Leaks & News (@VALORANTLeaksEN) January 8, 2024
The Challenges of Adapting a PC Shooter to Consoles
In 2022, a job listing hinted at VALORANT’s move to consoles, but official information has been scarce since then. The primary challenge for Riot in this transition is to balance controller gameplay, including aspects like auto-aim, and potentially enabling cross-play with PC players, a feature popularized by games like Fortnite.
VALORANT’s Bold Leap: Embracing Crossplay and Expanding to Consoles in 2024
2024 could be a landmark year for VALORANT, as it potentially embraces crossplay and expands its presence to PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. This expansion could significantly increase the player base and further solidify VALORANT’s position in the shooter genre.