Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan has previously stated the development team's objection on players using keyboard and mouse controls for the console version of the popular multiplayer shooter.
Kaplan called for Sony and Microsoft to restrict keyboard and mouse controllers, in addition to other input conversion devices, on the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. However, such a move will cut off an entire demographic from playing Overwatch.
Kaplan's Objection Against Input Conversion Devices
According to Kaplan, the usage on consoles of input conversion devices, including keyboard and mouse controllers, provides gamers with an unfair advantage over others who are using the traditional controller.
Most players will agree that it is much easier to aim with a mouse compared to using the analog sticks of traditional PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers. While using a mouse and keyboard for the multiplayer shooter does not break any hard rules, it becomes a problem because some players are cut off from the option due to the cost of such devices.
The development team knows that it is more difficult to aim using analog sticks, and as such, reduced the damage dealt by the turrets of Symmetra and Torbjörn through a patch released to consoles in July of last year. The turret nerf was meant to compensate for the lower accuracy of console players, a trait that is bypassed by those who use mouse and keyboard controllers.
Disabled Gamer Voices Opinions
Kaplan is calling to have Sony and Microsoft either provide keyboard and mouse options to all players, or restrict the usage of such input conversion devices. However, AbleGamers Charity COO Steven Spohn took issue with the statement.
Spohn, one of an entire demographic of disabled gamers, utilizes an alternative input device to be able to play Overwatch and other games on consoles. In a series of tweets, he reveals that he uses a device known as the TrackIR, which allows him to move his head as an alternative to pressing keyboard buttons.
"While I have a lot of love for Jeff Kaplan, requesting manufacturers BAN the ability to use alternative input devices is dangerous for us," Spohn tweeted, adding that any form of restriction on input conversion devices will knock out several assistive technologies.
Spohn admitted that using a mouse and keyboard offers more precision to gamers, especially when aiming with the skills of heroes such as Widowmaker, Ana, and Hanzo. However, he added that the line between consoles and PCs are starting to blur in the video game industry. Sony has started selling accessories for the PlayStation 4, such as the TAC Pro, which features a mouse and a mini-keyboard that contains only the keys needed for playing games, and Microsoft has launched multi-platform cross-play for the Xbox One.
Spohn said that Kaplan and the development team have previously been receptive in making Overwatch more accessible to disabled gamers. However, while the team has done a lot of things right, there are still some things being left out such as visual cues to help deaf gamers know when a hero has launched a skill that has audio cues, such as Hanzo's ultimate Dragonstrike.
It seems that Kaplan's calls to restrict alternative input devices is another wrong move.
