Riot Games has recently announced the availability of an open console beta for their popular hero shooter, Valorant. Originally released for PC in 2020, the game has finally made its way to current-gen console systems through closed playtests.
The open beta is currently limited to players in Brazil, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the US. While console players can team up with friends on other consoles, crossplay with PC players is not available at the moment. Riot Games has mentioned that they want to maintain competitive integrity by keeping the experience fair and consistent for players on both platforms.
One of the exciting features of the open beta is that PC players will have access to their full collection of skins and cosmetics on both PC and consoles. All progress made during the beta, including battle pass progression, unlocked agents, and skins, will be saved on players’ accounts even after the beta period ends. Additionally, players do not need a subscription to services like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to participate in the beta.
Interestingly, Riot Games has not specified an end date for the beta period. The beta will only be closed when Riot Games feels confident about the state of the game. This decision gives the developers the flexibility to make necessary changes and improvements based on player feedback.
Riot Games has also been proactive in addressing player behavior in Valorant. Anna Donlon, the head of Riot Games, recently discussed upcoming changes aimed at creating a better community environment within the game. This effort is part of Riot’s ongoing initiative to combat toxicity and unacceptable behaviors among players. In a move towards this goal, Riot Games started collecting in-game voice communications in North America in July 2022.
Overall, the open console beta for Valorant presents an exciting opportunity for console players to experience the popular hero shooter. With features like cross-platform play, skin and cosmetic access, and a focus on community well-being, Riot Games is working to create an inclusive and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. The indefinite beta period allows for continuous improvements and adjustments to ensure the game meets players’ expectations.