Riot’s popular tactical shooter, Valorant, has been a PC-exclusive title since its launch in 2020. However, recent developments have indicated that this will soon change, with the introduction of a console version of the game. This shift opens up new possibilities for players who prefer gaming on consoles rather than PCs.
Console Beta Details
The console version of Valorant will be available in a limited beta on the PS5 and Xbox Series X / S starting on June 14th. This limited beta will initially be open to players in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Japan, with plans for a global rollout in the near future. It is worth noting that a full launch date for the console version has not been confirmed by Riot as of yet.
Riot has emphasized that the console versions of Valorant will feature “custom-built gameplay.” One key detail to note is that crossplay between console and PC will not be available, citing competitive reasons for this decision. However, the game will support cross-progression, meaning that players can seamlessly transition between playing on PC and console while retaining their skins and progression.
Arnar Hrafn Gylfason, the production director of Valorant, expressed the team’s commitment to ensuring that the core competitive gameplay of Valorant feels natural on a controller. Gylfason stated, “We were adamant that Valorant’s core, competitive gameplay must feel natural on a controller. And – if we couldn’t deliver on that gameplay promise – we had to be prepared to walk away from it. We hope we nailed it, but ultimately, our players will have the final say.” This dedication to maintaining the integrity of Valorant’s gameplay mechanics across platforms is commendable.
In addition to the console version, Riot also announced plans for a mobile version of Valorant in 2021. However, there have been limited updates on this project since the initial announcement. Fans of the game are eagerly anticipating more information on the mobile version and how it will translate Valorant’s gameplay to a mobile platform.
The expansion of Valorant to console platforms and the inclusion of cross-progression are significant steps towards making the game more accessible to a wider audience. Riot’s careful consideration of maintaining the competitive integrity of the game across different platforms is commendable and shows their dedication to providing an optimal gaming experience for players.
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