Does That Mean Former PC-Exclusives Will Come to Console?
It’s no secret that Microsoft has been trying to eliminate the difference between console and PC. That goal may be closer to realized when Scorpio arrives. But, before then, we could see those lines blur with the arrival of full mouse and keyboard support for the Xbox One.
Starting with GDC 2017, Microsoft announced the Xbox Live Creators Program. Its primary purpose is to allow devs to bring Windows features to Xbox One. Among these is full keyboard support. Senior Program Manager Andrew Parsons even said it will specifically benefit developers of real-time strategy games. Thus, the program could lead to PC-exclusive games eventually releasing for console. The reverse is already happening with first-party titles like Halo Wars 2.
Contradictorily, Microsoft engineer James Yarrow said that mouse support is not possible for the Xbox One. Nevertheless, that’s not going to stop Microsoft from trying.
The other upside to the Xbox Live Creators program is the non-stop development of indie titles for Xbox One and Windows 10. As seems obvious by this point, Microsoft is working to deliver as many games as possible to their console and PC platforms. And if they deliver enough quality games, they might make their Xbox Play Anywhere program that much more appealing. Time will tell where the move leads.
What are your thoughts on mouse and keyboard support for Xbox One? Do you agree that devs can benefit? Let us know in the comments below.