Game director Jeffrey Kaplan has spoken: The Overwatch team "objects" to players using a keyboard and mouse setup on the PS4 and Xbox One.
Now, using such peripherals on the console version of the game isn't exactly breaking any hard rules, but as everyone can imagine, it gives users an unfair advantage over those who are equipped with only a native controller.
Either Everyone Gets To Use A Keyboard-Mouse Combo Or No One Does
Addressing the issue, Kaplan makes it clear how the developers feel about it in a Battle.net forum thread.
"The Overwatch team objects to the use of mouse and keyboard on console. We have contacted both first-party console manufacturers and expressed our concern about the use of mouse and keyboard and input conversion devices," he says.
He continues to say that he and his team have been urging "first-party console manufacturers" — or in this case, Sony for the PS4 and Microsoft for the Xbox One — to either restrict "mouse and keyboard and input conversion devices" or go all out and provide mouse and keyboard support to all the players.
That said, disabling the mouse, keyboard, and converters could be directed specifically at Sony, considering there's the TAC Pro for the PS4. Meanwhile, the bit about openly supporting keyboard and mouse might be aimed at Microsoft.
Overwatch Players Get Unfair Advantage With Keyboards And Mice
Almost any FPS player will probably agree that it's a lot easier to aim with a mouse rather than a controller's analog stick, especially when using snipers such as Hanzo, Ana, and Widowmaker.
The thing is, not everyone can just jump on board the keyboard-mouse bandwagon since it's going to cost them extra to do so. A similar line of argument can be used on specialized controllers such as the Xbox Elite, but that's a whole different story.
Regardless, console gamers are reporting that the top players on their platform are resorting to keyboards and mice.
"Having played many hours on console (over 1,000 hours), it is evident that the majority of high-level players are using mouse and keyboard on console. I know this as I have discussed this with many of these players. I believe this is unfair. However, I wish to ask your official stance on the matter," a user says.
Interestingly enough, they also point out the XIM4, which could be the most used converter in the business, and how the problem is hardly a small thing, as proven by a XIM4 dedicated thread that has been viewed more than 100,000 times.
The Bottom Line
Blizzard didn't really say that using a keyboard and mouse setup to play the PS4 and Xbox One version of Overwatch is cheating, but the company did make it clear that it doesn't approve of it, pressing Sony and Microsoft to resolve the issue.
As such, the game's balance on the console is harder to keep, and as evidence to that, the developers had to nerf Torbjörn last year.
With all said and done, what do you think about the Overwatch players who use the peripherals on the console? Feel free to drop by our comments section below and let us know.
