Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft’s game streaming service, looks like it is going to give PC players the one thing the service has been missing, keyboard and mouse support.
Forget aim support, ditch the controller. According to a talk during XFest 22, a developer conference by Microsoft, the game streaming service will now get the unexpected peripheral update. Most of the presentation focused on reducing latency, using Microsoft’s APi to better enhance the experience for different devices, and making games feel responsive. However, Xbox Engineer Morgan Brown went on to diversify beyond simply make game go faster. We also got a solid confirmation that keyboard and mouse support is coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
This is the first time we’ve had definitive confirmation that keyboard warriors can officially enter the arena and mice will finally have a place alongside the analog stick. We don’t, however, have any details on exactly when this will land on the streaming service, although we don’t expect it to be too long now the news is out. During the conference, developers were encouraged to add the feature into games, so we can’t imagine this will sit on the side for too much longer.
More than just allowing us to use those expensive, or value focused, desktop peripherals, the addition of keyboard and mouse support will likely have some benefits beyond personal preference. Gamers without the spare cash to go out and pick up extra controllers, whether they be the official deal or something more affordable, will be able to fall back on their keyboard as a primary or secondary controller. Laptop games are likely to benefit too, with limited bag space, I don’t always like throwing a top end controller into my overpacked satchel and hoping it comes out in one piece.
Until then, you’ll have to just keep hold of that controller while using Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. If you’re looking to take a look at what’s on offer across Microsoft’s hugely diverse portfolio of online gaming, then check out more about Xbox Cloud Gaming at the official website.
