Blizzard Issues Warning To Overwatch Console Players

Blizzard issues a warning for the use of keyboard and mouse

[freshslicepizza]

the option to use them should be there but there should also be the option to not have to play with them because it can be an unfair advantage.

[Princess_Pilfer]

No. If you want to use an input device that's demonstably inferior (for first person shooters at least) that's your concern. Don't try to segregate the player base to accomodate your decision.

[CyrusLemont]

I strongly disagree. That logic makes sense on PC as K&M are primary, but consoles are first and foremost a controller based platform. That's how they're sold, marketed and played.

Considering that to use a mouse and keyboard on console is adding a peripheral to give an advantage from the base platform, then it should be perfectly reasonable to provide a matchmaking filter to ensure you're competing on a level playing field as intended and designed for the console.

[rdgneoz3]

"is adding a peripheral to give an advantage from the base platform"

And what are the pro controllers? A minor upgrade from the base controllers, but still an upgrade and allowed.

[Cmv38]

Why do you have a desire to play with people without keyboards and mice? I don't see the issue.

[Princess_Pilfer]

@CyrusLemont

What you're doing is the equivilant of claiming that people shouldn't be allowed to use (or should be segregated because they use) fight sticks or flight sticks or steering wheels for their respective genres.. If anything, there is a *stronger* case to be made against those because they're more expensive, a KB/M run like 15 bucks.

They also don't require a work around. In fact there are officially liscenced mouse controls for the PS4. If you live in the US you have to import them from Europe but you can just buy a mouse/joystick combo that plugs into the PS4.
https://world.splitfish.com...

[Aenea]

If KB+M play in shooters on consoles will work well and be allowed I will stop playing shooters on console.

I don't mind playing with a mouse, I hate the keyboard part, never really got into it when I played on PC, besides, I couldn't play on the couch with KB+M, so no, either disallow it or segregate them....

[Liqu1d]

If you want to use a keyboard and mouse then get a PC.

[Princess_Pilfer]

I have a PC. I want a control scheme that doesn't require large amounts of auto aim to be precise enough to be what I'd call playable. For shooters, thats a mouse. (I don't actually play anything with a keyboard, I have a joystick in my off hand)

Also, yes you can play with a keyboard/mouse on a couch. It's called a desk. or an end table. or a cardboard box. Or a stack of books. Really anything that gets you a flat surface. If you want to spend a bit of extra money it can even be wireless. (mine is)

[madforaday]

@Crotaaa

Not all console games have aim-assist.... You can leave Socom out on that list, thank you

[SolidStoner]

I play BF4 with regular controller on PS4 and I'm 1st no problem, while my fiends and many other players use mouse there! I see no reason to worry, its really a fact that if you practice enough (and have good working hands and reactions) you can easy beat mouse players with regular ps4 controller, but only 5% could do that at max, so there should be no worries from mouse players, and about mouse players, I see no reasonable advantage for mouse players in a run and gun type shooter with small maps.. mouse could and is better with sniper rifles on long distances when you need that little touch of precision, and I have to admit that in close quarters controller is better for those sneaky knife kills or smg's hip fire, not to mention that controller is like almost a real flying simulator thing, it has sticks and its perfect for helicopters and planes, in the end you can do even more crazy stunts because all buttons are just right there where you need them! it needs practice if you master your controller or mouse you can be great on both of them, and each has advantages....

[donthate]

I believe the vast majority chose controllers instead of the clunky mouse/kb and hence is on console. If people want to use the clunky m/kb they can go to PC where it is accepted.

[frostypants]

So we shouldn't have the CHOICE of a defined and level playing field, and force everyone into the same arena, just so you can enjoy your advantage? How selfish.

Why are you afraid of choice?

[frostypants]

@rdgneoz3, the "advantage" introduced by the Pro controllers borders on nil. It's a huge stretch to propose that as even remotely analogous to a M&K.

[Kleptic]

@solidstoner

The statistics you posted are shaky at best...You're able to beat a handful of people that 'you know' are using an m/k, on a console version of a game with built in aim assist, deviation reductions, and recoil adjustments augmented for controller use...with none of us really knowing how that version of bf4 handles m/k support (is it built in, OS wide, etc.? serious question, i have no idea)...

this is a common argument, regardless. 'm/k isn't better because I do fine on the console version'...play the PC version of BF4, without any of that controller assistance built in...with a controller...against typical m/k users...it'll be a different situation entirely. On the PC version you can spot controller users a mile away. BF4DB actually had a stat running a while ago that would show you how many times you were killed by a controller user, and some big threads running about who had the highest percentage...the average was in the .75% range, and 90+% of that average was from people killing you from a vehicle...the infantry stats for controller kills were undeniably bad, again, because the game wasn't doing any of the work for them.

I agree, though, in that when playing a console version of a title with all that assistance in tact...an m/k won't make a huge difference because the game does about 25+% of the work for you in any situation involving input...if that same layer of assistance is applied to an m/k, though, you're back down where you started.

objectively; there is a huge advantage to an m/k over a controller. The resolution your entire arm has with freedom of movement and precision compared to a thumb when it comes to just aiming, isn't arguable. There are plenty that don't like it, or would rather lay back and use a controller, etc., but those aren't objective arguments against an m/k. The 'buttons are right there' kind of stuff is subjective too, but even that is ridiculous in that a keyboard has 3x more buttons 'right there' to begin with

[ServerBOT]

These days console gaming is pretty unfair with losers using kb/m or modded controls for an advantage over gamepad users.
it all started with rapid fire controllers.

I remember when COD4 first came out, everyone seem to be on an even playing field.
These days you can tell who using what.

[OoglyBoogly]

What about the official "Pro" controllers? How is someone using a Xbox Elite controller different from someone using some other performance enhancing peripheral like a modded controller or keyboard and mouse?

[opinionated]

@oogly
Are you asking for the difference between a pro controller and a mouse? The pro controller has paddles and extra buttons. It helps with jumping and stuff but when it comes to aiming it's at just as much of a disadvantage as a regular controller. I don't care what anyone uses personally but to say using a pro controller isn't any different than a mouse is false lol. Mouse is miles beyond any thumb peripheral when it comes to aiming. It's just science..

[Princess_Pilfer]

It's not any more unfair that any other control method. There are (officially liscenced) pro controllers and attachments that provide access to more of the buttons without taking your thumbs off the controlls and fight sticks and flight sticks and steering wheels and probably more. Sony officially lisences a keyboard/mouse setup on their freaking home page for "use with all games."

Some inputs are better for some things. While I wouldn't say the keyboard is better for movement, the mouse is better for aiming. Either take the game seriously and get the specialized input, or don't, but either way you've made your choice.

[MRMagoo123]

from what I remember, a lot of console players apparently own k/m on pc when they play against them using a controller........at least that's what they say , usually something like "I played on pc in COD and I use a controller and get a 20/1 kdr" so this is slightly confusing.

[agent4532]

How about making lobbies for KB and m users only. I am confused due to Xbox Live crossplay. The feature were PC gamers play against Xbox gamers in games like Gears of War 4. My question is, how is Microsoft approaching say crossplay feature between PC gamers using keyboard and mouse vs Xbox gamers using gamepads?

[TankCrossing]

Gears initially only supported crossplay in co-op modes. I think very recently they enabled crossplay in the casual vs modes (because the PC audience is fairly non-existant), but it is still disabled for competitive/ranked matches.

[Christopher]

The problem is that the game doesn't turn off Aim Assist on console users who use K&M. It's something the game should detect and disable, IMHO. But, I'm guessing it would be difficult considering it could inadvertently detect legit 3rd party controller users since I doubt it can detect more than whether you're using a normally connected device or an emulated device through a third-party plug-in.

This has absolutely nothing to do with your choice in play, but has to do with the fact that Blizzard doesn't turn off Aim Assist (and might not be able to do so).

[StormLegend]

Man they'll ban you over anything in this game. Surprised so many people still play this crap. Every article I hear about OW someone's getting banned.

[Silly gameAr]

I really don't get the Overwatch phenomenon. I mean, it's fun to play with friends, but even that gets boring. And, the community....

[Rachel_Alucard]

It's a skinner box that rewards players with loot boxes for playing alot. People like opening them, over playing the game. Before the leveling changes you'd have people who'd quit for a while around level 99 and come back during a holiday event to get a bunch of loot boxes with next to barely any EXP required. If people liked the game so much they wouldn't be quitting until a holiday event started.

[Silly gameAr]

I'm glad you enjoy it infected, just for me though, I don't really see the long term appeal.

[constantine_man]

You hear about bans all the time in OW because Koreans have an issue with cheating. You don't get banned for any old thing. Kaplan at no point said he would ban people for KB+M. He just said that he frowns upon the action and hopes manufacturers prevent it using them in the future.

[il-JumperMT]

But they do not ban people using Silent Aim since launch because it cannot be detected.

[S-Word]

http://i.imgur.com/P5BPh1x....

[Mrveryodd]

This is the only 10 sec I will give this game .... Dickheads ... That will do...times up

[Elda]

I just started playing & really getting into this game & it's pretty fun.

[Majin-vegeta]

You think that will stop.me??😂😂
28514;

[italkgame]

Probably some spiteful people who reported on your article and made you go the route of the credit URL.
Now I get to wade through the forum post on battle.net to research the story. Great /s

On topic: No warning has been issued towards Overwatch console gamers who use a mouse and keyboard

[alfcrippinjr]

people play on keyboard on the ps3 with bad company 2
which do have a lot over the competitions
aiming and jumping

the joy-pad is for us people who can not be bother to use a keyboard
we want the lazy way out

but saying a ban would happen would be total crazy as your not cheating

overwatch would be a good game if they made it offline play
like what they did with starwars which i love

[yomfweeee]

I don't see any warning? Did I miss something?

[MetroidFREAK21]

GTFO, let people use what control scheme they want...

[DillyDilly]

Whats next players get a warning for going to the bathroom ?

[Rachel_Alucard]

Thats why you get kicked after 30 seconds of idling.

[Kokyu]

Wait wait Blizzard is telling people what controller input they can use now? WTF.

[AnubisG]

Next up; you can only play certain games with logitech peoducts or BANHAMMER!! Haha, are they joking with this stupidity?

[lio_convoy]

I only use a dualshock4, but on Sony's official website, they provide a link to a mouse and keyboard. The first this it says is it's for games. So whiners stop whining. It's available for everybody and Sony promotes it. If you wanna buy it for yourself, go here.

https://www.playstation.com...

[_LarZen_]

PlayStation is advertising for keyboard & mouse accessories on their homepage. It's something they openly support on PlayStation 4.

I don't know how much clearer Blizzard needs it to be...?

[holdmyown83]

Now I want a K&M.

[opinionated]

lol I have never seen so many crybaby whiners since overwatch came around. They are so pathetic they have come up with new terms to make excuses for their shortcomings. "Smurfing" lmao. And blizzard appeases these people. Quite a thing to see from the outside..

[madpuppy]

Go ahead, Keep pushing Blizzard, If you do, they will make EVERY character in Overwatch a Trump Supporter just to piss you off. :P

[ONESHOTV2]

M&k should be allowed because Sony has there own third party m&k that they support so why not let the others do the same.

[RedPill86]

It doesn't violate TOS to use a XIM4 on Xbox or Playstation. On Playstation it's irrelevant as they ALREADY have a product for people who'd like to use mouse and keyboard.

Dear Blizzard. Your game has a dozen issues that keep it from being competitive or balanced (from a long time competitive gamer who's always excelled at the games he plays competitively). Keyboard and mouse isn't cheating, neither company is against it, one has a product for it, the other is working on full blown support for it (which could come soon considering their fascination with PC as of late).

I need this thing. Boxing plus working in sub par environments has left me with fairly messed up hands. Controllers are incredibly hard to hold for more than a half hour. You have zero right, nor business telling me or anyone else what controller we can play with. Especially when we still play within the confines of the controller limitations.

Blow me, Blizzard. Fix your damn game and quit telling me how to play it.

[DethWish]

Ban wheels in racing games too...? Silly

[weissmuller]

I wish Sony could do something about this instead of the individual developer. But if Blizzard makes a stand maybe others will follow. There are quite a lot Youtube videos with Xim4 players shredding their oponents and still claiming they don't have an advantage.

[quent]

This is why crossplay will always be an issue

[windblowsagain]

Seriously someone using a controller has no chance against a m/k.

Should be seperate servers that cater to those players.

[agent4532]

This does not make any sense to me. Blizzard is against the idea of console gamers using keyboard and mouse. My god what is this the nineties. It should not matter what input device a gamer uses. It's like Blizzard Entertainment telling PC gamers not to use a controller while playing Overwatch. Yes, I am one of those PC gamers that uses a controller.

[ufo8mycat]

Shame shame shame for those people who have to use keyboard/mouse because they don't have the skill to aim with the controller, so they resort to an alternative which requires much less skill.

Where's the satisfaction in killing someone when you use a mouse, which requires little skill to aim?

If you have little to no skill in aiming go play on PC.

[SinkingSage]

Are you mentally challenged? A mouse is much more precise than a controller, the controller requires 0 skill, seeing as every shooting game on console uses auto-aim to compensate.

[C-H-E-F]

lOl, this is insane, i've met gamers that play far better than keyboard and mouse gamers with controllers on PC and I've seen vice versa. If you suck or are getting owned, get better. People find any and everything to complain about when they are getting their head cracked.

[italkgame]

Facts: NO warning has been issued by Blizzard

[rocketpanda]

Let's be honest, they aren't going to ban anyone when Sony directly have licensed kb/m from Hori. Also I can't see how they can detect players who use Xim as it emulating your plugged in controller.

Scuff controllers are advantageous over standard controllers, fightsticks better than standard controllers for fighting games. Blizzard is well late to the party regarding this. Meanwhile, there is direct cheating happening in Overwatch with Korean accounts in the 1000s that they need to fix.

[senorfartcushion]

Mouse and key shouldn't be allowed. Consoles are built with couches in mind and though mine can equip mouse and key, i want a fair playing field. I.e. i want to win fairly :D

[PlatinumGX]

Lol at people using controllers on FPS games and then crying when they get rekt.

[rezzah]

PhucSeeker:

"Is using steering wheels in racing games fair? Is using fight stick for fighting games fair?"

[opinionated]

Steering wheels are harder to use than a controller. It's not an advantage, it's personal preference. A fight stick isn't much of an advantage either, some guy won EVO with a modded ps1 controller lol. If you put the best gamepad players up against the best mouse players they would get destroyed every time. A mouse can't be compared to the other inputs. It is better, your wrist moves faster and is more precise than your thumbs, it's fact.

[Chinkyinc18]

There was no warning issued; only an advisory statement to contact first-party KB+M manufacturers. Also, who would of ever thunk it that in a competitive game, players will look for a better edge to give them an advantage. I mean, they should ban training session in sports because it gives them an unfair advantage against people who are too busy to train...

[GreenUp]

I bet they don't say shit about users with gamepads for fighting games like Street Fighter, or racing wheels for racing games.