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SteamVR Input allows for accessibility, more controller support

The system, now in beta, lets users and developers create their own controller configurations

Valve is making virtual reality friendlier for gamers with accessibility issues, as well as those who are just very particular about controller configurations. Today, the company announced the first beta for its Steam VR Input, which lets users and developers alike configure controller bindings to suit their needs.

By opting into the beta via Steam's Properties menu, users can customize controller configurations on a game-by-game basis using a similar interface to the existing one for controller set-up. Developers can enable support in their SteamVR games and can use the feature to create default and alternate controller configurations without having to tinker with the game itself.

SteamVR Input opens the door for greater controller support, so that users don't have to worry if a certain controller will work sensibly with a SteamVR game or not. Controller configurations can be created for games even if the controller had not yet been released when the game came out, and will support future controllers that have not yet been released. User-created controller configurations for games can be shared via the Steam Workshop.

In particular, SteamVR Input is a win for accessibility. Controller configurations can be easily adjusted or adapted in any SteamVR game for users with disabilities where an alternate controller configuration would be preferable.

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Rebekah Valentine

Senior Staff Writer

Rebekah arrived at GamesIndustry in 2018 after four years of freelance writing and editing across multiple gaming and tech sites. When she's not recreating video game foods in a real life kitchen, she's happily imagining herself as an Animal Crossing character.