Xbox Head Responds to Overwatch Director’s Objection of Mouse-Keyboard Controls on Consoles
Not long ago, Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan voiced his opposition for mouse-and-keyboard controls on consoles. Kaplan cited that the device combo’s superior precision and maneuvering setup would create an unfair multiplayer atmosphere for players who favor controllers. Discussions between Blizzard, Microsoft, and Sony are currently taking place to decide whether or not the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 will support mouse-keyboard setups in the future.
“The Overwatch team objects to the use of mouse-and-keyboard on console.” -Jeff Kaplan
Xbox head Phil Spencer, not shy about making his opinions known, expressed his take on the situation via social media earlier this week. In the Twitter post, the Xboss admits the inherent advantage that traditionally PC controls would provide during console play, but ultimately prefers that creators should have the final say in how their games are experienced.
Clearly in some cases M&K is an advantage. I'm a fan of giving the tools to studios and they'll do what's best for their games.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 7, 2017
Neither Sony’s PlayStation 4 or Microsoft’s Xbox One officially support mouse-keyboard controls as of yet, but that hasn’t stopped players from using them in alternative ways. Among other methods, peripheral converters have made a PC control setup possible on consoles. These conversion devices are one of the topics being discussed between Xbox, PlayStation and Overwatch overlords Blizzard. Jeff Kaplan has stated that the talks are aiming to fix the control problems, and will either result in full prohibition of mouse-keyboard controls or official adoption across their respective systems. One thing is for sure, anything would be better than trying to play Overwatch on one of those tiny controller keyboards.
Do you think Overwatch should allow PC controls on consoles? Would it make playing on controllers impossible to enjoy? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter and Facebook for more instant nerdiness! Check out these other links for more gaming headlines!
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
