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WebXR Gamepads Module - Level 1

Category
Device
Type
New or changed feature
Status
Enabled by default (Chrome 79)
Intent stage
Evaluate readiness to ship

Summary

The WebXR Gamepad Module defines how the Gamepad API integrates with WebXR to communicate the state of various physical inputs (such as buttons, touch pads, and triggers) of an XRInputSource. Previously the Gamepad API was used in conjunction with the deprecated WebVR API, and was adopted by WebXR with additional ergonomic improvements to support it's input needs. It is being shipped as a module rather than part of the WebXR core API to allow it to evolve more flexibly.

Motivation

This API enables developers to address VR controllers by understanding and responding to the various buttons and other physical inputs as they differ from controller to controller. Web developers will be able to make their sites respond reasonably and as-desired from interactions with various controllers' buttons/touchpads/triggers thanks to this API.

Standards & signals

Docs: go/webxr-vrc-dd (Design doc for WebXR Device API, which includes materials for the Gamepads module).

Samples: See the "Controller State" demo from this page: https://immersive-web.github.io/webxr-samples/

Explainers: https://github.com/immersive-web/webxr-gamepads-module/blob/master/gamepads-module-explainer.md

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