Why Diablo 3 for PC won't support controllers
One of the new features added to the console version of Diablo 3 is the ability to play with controller. But hey, PC can do that too! So, why won't Blizzard allow PC players to use a controller with that version of the game?
"On PC you're a lot more stationary," Blizzard's Matthew Berger explained. "When you're playing on the PC, you're not really looking at your character as much, you're kind of focusing on the cursor. Whereas on console it's the exact opposite, you're drawn in."
The two versions of the game are very different, as Berger points out that beyond input device, other things have changed: camera, interface, pace, and gameplay. "You can't change one without changing them all--and you can't support both in the same version," Eurogamer said in their write-up.
"It's a bigger issue than just allowing players to use the controller on the PC. Because if I let you use the controller on the PC, then I have to let you use the user interface that goes with it, and if I give you the roll and I haven't throttled the number of enemies attacking you because the mouse-and-keyboard players can handle all those enemies, but with a controller you have too many guys... The games have really been structured to take advantage of their environment and their ecosystem, so in the same way it would not be a good fit to put a mouse and keyboard on the console. It wouldn't work."
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replyAndrew Yoon posted a new article, Why Diablo 3 for PC won't support controllers.
One of the new features added to the console version of Diablo 3 is the ability to play with controller. But hey, PC can do that too! So, why won't...-
I can understand the fundamental argument that there are two different builds of the game, one which is designed for a keyboard and mouse input, and one for a controller input. However, since PCs can use either, why not port the console version back to PC and allow the consumer to choose which version they would like to play? Personally, I would much rather play Diablo 3 on my PC with a controller. While I can appreciate their concern for maintaining the quality of the experience on PC, it seems to be an artificial restriction that they are imposing rather than being based on any sort of technological limitations. The assumption that all PC gamers want to always use a keyboard and mouse, especially in a game that requires almost constant clicking, is antiquated thinking.
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Keeping them separate means they have potential for multiple sales of these games to the same customers. Have multiple versions with different control and ui setups on the same platform just creates confusion.
And having played both versions, I'd much rather use the mouse. Prefer the gameplay and interface a lot more on PC, but I know tons of people don't, but the alternatives exist so why complain about it? Go buy and play the console version instead.
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They *could*, but wouldn't that mean a lot of work only to create a second SKU which would be potentially confusing to buyers.
I get why they're doing what they're doing, but it sure feels like the console version(s) are now the definitive versions of the game, especially with the PS4 getting some exclusive features.
I'll pick up the PS4 version and likely never touch it on PC again.
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Give me a break. Of course they can let people use a console controller on the PC, the only issue would be that they'd get steamrolled and be a general drain on their teammates in multiplayer games.
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I would assume so, it's hard to say for certain without playing them side-by-side, but I figure the lack of precision would be a huge detriment to some classes/abilities. And I imagine that navigating the UI is much slower.
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Kudo's to them but it sounds like gameplay was the main factor.
"and if I give you the roll and I haven't throttled the number of enemies attacking you because the mouse-and-keyboard players can handle all those enemies, but with a controller you have too many guys... The games have really been structured to take advantage of their environment and their ecosystem, so in the same way it would not be a good fit to put a mouse and keyboard on the console. It wouldn't work."
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I'd rather they allow controllers but make no concessions other than maybe twin-stick shooter style controls when you hold position rather than just banning controllers outright.
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