Valve's Controller Usage Surges Among Steam Gamers

Valve's latest report highlights a notable increase in the number of gamers choosing controllers for playing their favorite Steam games. Since 2018, the daily average of controller usage has risen from around 5% to 15%, indicating a growing trend away from traditional mouse and keyboard setups.

The data reveals that among controller users, Xbox controllers are the most popular choice, accounting for 59% of controller sessions. PlayStation controllers follow at 26%, while Steam Decks are used in 10% of sessions. Additionally, nearly half of all controller sessions, 46%, utilize Valve's controller-friendly service, Steam Input.

To meet the rising demand for controller gameplay, Valve has introduced various new features and enhancements. These include improvements to the Big Picture interface, a new controller configurator, enhanced gyroscopic aiming, virtual menus, and expanded support for a range of PlayStation and Xbox controllers. The company has also announced upcoming support for the Steam HORIPAD, scheduled for release in Japan later this summer.

While Valve's report did not provide specific figures on controller usage compared to mouse and keyboard preferences, the company's focus on controller support for PC gaming has been underscored by the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022. Despite receiving a 7/10 rating in reviews, Valve's history in this area includes the now-discontinued Steam Controller, released in 2015 and discontinued around four years later. Valve has hinted at the possibility of revisiting the development of its own controller in the future.

Valve's latest findings indicate a significant shift towards controller usage among Steam gamers, with Xbox controllers leading the way. The company's commitment to enhancing the controller gaming experience through new features and upcoming support for additional controllers demonstrates its dedication to meeting the evolving preferences of its user base.