But it’ll be up to developers on whether they choose to offer keyboard and mouse input for their games. Microsoft is going to first test the feature on the game Warframe in the coming weeks through the Xbox Insider program.
Microsoft is opening the door for Xbox One developers to offer mouse and keyboard support for their games.
On Tuesday, the company said it’s going to enable mouse and keyboard input on the Xbox One for its Insider Program, which gives owners early access to the latest development builds for the console.
The first game to take advantage of the support will be Warframe, a third-person sci-fi shooter. Xbox One Insider members will be able to play the title with a keyboard and mouse in the coming weeks.
“At Xbox, we’re committed to bringing gamers more choice in what they play, who they play with and how they play,” said Xbox platform director Jason Ronald in a post. However, it’ll be up to gaming developers to determine whether they want to back the new peripheral support or simply stick with the standard gaming controller.
“It’s important to note that mouse and keyboard support for games is added on a title-by-title basis, entirely at developer’s discretion,” Ronald added. “For all other titles, nothing changes. Mouse and keyboard input is not enabled by default for games.”
Nevertheless, the company plans on announcing more games that’ll support the peripherals on Nov. 10.
Most wired and wireless USB keyboards and mice will be able to work on an Xbox One. But Microsoft has also enlisted Razer to develop new mouse and keyboard hardware specifically designed for the console. On Tuesday, Razer gave a hint to what the gear might look like in a tweet.
?? WAITING FOR SOMETHING EPIC? Be sure to tune in to the November edition of #InsideXbox to find out what’s on the horizon. #Xbox #Razer???? pic.twitter.com/D1ZiuMWl4R
Reaction to the news hasn’t been entirely positive. The keyboard and mouse support will certainly make it easier to play real-time strategy games over the console. However, some Xbox fans fear the change will ruin competition over multiplayer shooter games. Players who use a keyboard and mouse can usually respond more quickly, giving them an unfair advantage over players who stick with the standard control pad.
However, Xbox vice president Mike Ybarra said that developers will have the choice to enable keyboard and mouse support for certain multiplayer modes, and turn it off for others, to ensure fairness in online matches.
You can learn how to join the Xbox Insider Program here .
