How come console FPS games don't include Mouse and Keyboard support?

[Allthingsspectacular]

oh god. I have NO IDEA. If they're worried about balancing MP, why don't they just include the option to make controller-only and keyboard-only games? UT3 did this. Counter-Strike will probably do this when it's released. The lack of keyboard/mouse support on consoles is so stupid it hurts me.

That's splitting the community, I'm afraid.

To bring another genre into this: Fighting games.

In fighting games, there an option for people to use arcade pads. As someone who plays fighting games frequently, I can tell you that arcade pads, at least the high quality ones, are FAR superior to using a gamepad. And not just because I am used to it. They have tighter controls and better ergonomics and spacial placement of buttons for fighting games.

People who use arcade pads tend to do better against people who use default game pads.

Yet they aren't banned from fighting games.

 

[Skops]

You can really see a difference when playing Portal 2 with a PS3 and PC player together. If they both know what they're doing, the PC player has clearly the quicker and more precise controls being able to spin in all directions in less than a 3rd of a second. The PS3 player looks slow and looks like he's just taking his time.

Portal 2 despite being co-op, shows the heavy advantage of the mouse vs. thumbstick.

 

[Epona]

Well, because in most cases they don't want to include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it.

You might be right about "dominating with mouse and keyboard", I personally would never use a controller when playing FPS.

However, your argument itself does not hold as most developers which release multiplatform games on PC (obviously) include mouse and keyboard support but ALSO support a controller. I know a lot of people that use an Xbox 360 controller on PC.

So they DO include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it. Just not on consoles for some reason. Perhaps there's another reason?

PC gamers like options console gamers like stuff to work as is.

Most PC gamers play on consoles too. More and more PC gamers are using their 360 controller on their PC.

On another note, does the 360 even support a mouse?

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

Well, because in most cases they don't want to include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it.

You might be right about "dominating with mouse and keyboard", I personally would never use a controller when playing FPS.

However, your argument itself does not hold as most developers which release multiplatform games on PC (obviously) include mouse and keyboard support but ALSO support a controller. I know a lot of people that use an Xbox 360 controller on PC.

So they DO include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it. Just not on consoles for some reason. Perhaps there's another reason?

PC gamers like options console gamers like stuff to work as is.

Most PC gamers play on consoles too. More and more PC gamers are using their 360 controller on their PC.

On another note, does the 360 even support a mouse?

That still doesn't change my point and in fact reinforces it. Just because a PC gamer plays on consoles doesn't have anything to do with the fact that one of the biggest selling points of the PC is flexibility and options at the cost of reliability while consoles offer an inflexible static option as the will work as is option. As far as I know the 360 does not have native mouse support but then again I haven't extensively looked into it so I could easily by wrong there.

 

[Epona]

Well, because in most cases they don't want to include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it.

You might be right about "dominating with mouse and keyboard", I personally would never use a controller when playing FPS.

However, your argument itself does not hold as most developers which release multiplatform games on PC (obviously) include mouse and keyboard support but ALSO support a controller. I know a lot of people that use an Xbox 360 controller on PC.

So they DO include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it. Just not on consoles for some reason. Perhaps there's another reason?

PC gamers like options console gamers like stuff to work as is.

Most PC gamers play on consoles too. More and more PC gamers are using their 360 controller on their PC.

On another note, does the 360 even support a mouse?

That still doesn't change my point and in fact reinforces it. Just because a PC gamer plays on consoles doesn't have anything to do with the fact that one of the biggest selling points of the PC is flexibility and options at the cost of reliability while consoles offer an inflexible static option as the will work as is option. As far as I know the 360 does not have native mouse support but then again I haven't extensively looked into it so I could easily by wrong there.

Maybe you missed the part where I said more and more people are using controllers for PC. Modern PC gamepad controls are plug n play. In fact, another option PC gamers are choosing is to play on the couch, that's where the controller comes in.

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

Well, because in most cases they don't want to include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it.

You might be right about "dominating with mouse and keyboard", I personally would never use a controller when playing FPS.

However, your argument itself does not hold as most developers which release multiplatform games on PC (obviously) include mouse and keyboard support but ALSO support a controller. I know a lot of people that use an Xbox 360 controller on PC.

So they DO include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it. Just not on consoles for some reason. Perhaps there's another reason?

PC gamers like options console gamers like stuff to work as is.

Most PC gamers play on consoles too. More and more PC gamers are using their 360 controller on their PC.

On another note, does the 360 even support a mouse?

That still doesn't change my point and in fact reinforces it. Just because a PC gamer plays on consoles doesn't have anything to do with the fact that one of the biggest selling points of the PC is flexibility and options at the cost of reliability while consoles offer an inflexible static option as the will work as is option. As far as I know the 360 does not have native mouse support but then again I haven't extensively looked into it so I could easily by wrong there.

Maybe you missed the part where I said more and more people are using controllers for PC. Modern PC gamepad controls are plug n play. In fact, another option PC gamers are choosing is to play on the couch, that's where the controller comes in.

Which is flexibility and not reliability without the hassle. Being able to plug in a device without having to manually install or use a TV is not new. PC will never be as simple as consoles are in the near future as there is no trouble shooting or system specs among others of which to take care.

 

[snyper101]

The first person shooter and the PC just works so well together with the aiming accuracy of the mouse which, I think, is so much better than analog sticks. The first person shooters of old were always on the PC until Goldeneye came by. I'm not a big fan of FPS's I must say but when one does come out and I yearn to play it, I buy it for my PC. If Half-Life episode 3 comes out, you can be sure I'm getting it on the PC

 

[michael87cn]

What? It would be unfair?? That's the reason we've gone for like nearly 2 decades with gamepad only consoles?

You can afford a $300-700 dollar console but not a $5 mouse and 10 dollar keyboard? For that matter, gamepads cost WAY more than a mouse and keyboard combined, at least double the price. .

Simply put, you cannot deny that for some people Mouse+Keyboard gaming would be the pinnacle of PC gaming fun with the reliability (to not bug out, crash need patches, etc) and affordability of consoles.

"It would take development time and money" hardly... and besides, many developers are hopping on the kinect wagon, if they can afford THAT abomination, they can afford to program for a bloody mouse and keyboard, their QA team would thank them that's for freaking sure.

In short, I don't think any of these 'reasons' are correct, I believe it's all about MONEY.

Sad, but true. If you could game on a console with mouse and kb, a lot less Personal Computers would be getting sold. They gotta keep those Operating System numbers going up. Personally, I'm holding out for Windows 20 Deluxe Extra Decade Edition of Saucy Deliciousness.

Okay, I'm ceasing to make sense. Mike out! *jumps out of a window*

 

[Vrach]

Ever since reading up on the fact that the upcoming CCP shooter Dust 514 (Which, I might add, is PS3 exclusive) will include full support for Mouse and Keyboard controls, it really begs the question: Why not offer a mouse and keyboard control scheme for console shooters?

Are we really going to dismiss preferences? Almost everyone I know has a mouse and keyboard. No reason not to offer one really.

Because it's not really much of a preference, it's a crystal clear advantage, very obvious from the fact console shooters have to throw in autoaim to compensate for the inferiority of a controller (don't get me wrong - if you prefer playing with a controller, that's fine; but it doesn't change the fact it's far less efficient).

And if you're thinking "so, if you want the advantage, get the keyboard/mouse", that's not how it works. If they allow it, they're practically forcing it on people, particularly the more competitive ones. And if they wanted to play with a mouse and a keyboard, they'd do it on PC (which begs the question, why don't you?). This would drive a lot of the players away as they wouldn't want to be at a disadvantage or be forced to buy extra peripherals that they likely don't enjoy using when playing on a console.

 

[TrevHead]

As someone who prefers m&k fps games, the main reason they aren't popular on consoles is because you cant relax on the sofa with them. Thats why i'm intrested in the wii's touchpad as a good alternative to m&k

 

[Clearing the Eye]

Because keyboards and mice belong to the glorious PC Master Race!

What? It would be unfair?? That's the reason we've gone for like nearly 2 decades with gamepad only consoles?

You can afford a $300-700 dollar console but not a $5 mouse and 10 dollar keyboard? For that matter, gamepads cost WAY more than a mouse and keyboard combined, at least double the price. .

Simply put, you cannot deny that for some people Mouse+Keyboard gaming would be the pinnacle of PC gaming fun with the reliability (to not bug out, crash need patches, etc) and affordability of consoles.

"It would take development time and money" hardly... and besides, many developers are hopping on the kinect wagon, if they can afford THAT abomination, they can afford to program for a bloody mouse and keyboard, their QA team would thank them that's for freaking sure.

In short, I don't think any of these 'reasons' are correct, I believe it's all about MONEY.

Sad, but true. If you could game on a console with mouse and kb, a lot less Personal Computers would be getting sold. They gotta keep those Operating System numbers going up. Personally, I'm holding out for Windows 20 Deluxe Extra Decade Edition of Saucy Deliciousness.

Okay, I'm ceasing to make sense. Mike out! *jumps out of a window*

Don't land on my car! I just had it waxed.

 

[HigherTomorrow]

Yet they aren't banned from fighting games.

That's because fighting games are a niche genre. Fighting games don't sell all that relatively well. A big chunk of the consumer base for fighting games are core players- the kind of competitive types, whether they're online warriors or tournament winners- who generally use nothing but arcade sticks and would outright refuse a game that barred use of it.

I for one love my arcade stick, and use it for arcade games that I download from XBLA.

 

[Xanadu84]

Well, because in most cases they don't want to include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it.

You might be right about "dominating with mouse and keyboard", I personally would never use a controller when playing FPS.

However, your argument itself does not hold as most developers which release multiplatform games on PC (obviously) include mouse and keyboard support but ALSO support a controller. I know a lot of people that use an Xbox 360 controller on PC.

So they DO include a control option that would allow some people to dominate others who don't use it. Just not on consoles for some reason. Perhaps there's another reason?

On PC, mouse and keyboard are default. Most people use them. It's no problem to let a few people who are more comfortable and have more fun with a controller handicap themselves.

On a console, most people use a controller. Allowing a mouse and keyboard gives a small group an unfair advantage, upsetting the game balance, and encouraging serious players to invest in a peripheral hey find less fun

Mouse and keyboard improves performance, but raw performance does not a fun game make.

 

[Waaghpowa]

Ever since reading up on the fact that the upcoming CCP shooter Dust 514 (Which, I might add, is PS3 exclusive)

What?! Really?! I might actually play this game now! I can't stand controllers and I was disappointed that I couldn't play his on my PC. No controller? You bet I'll play it.

To answer your question.

You can afford a $300-700 dollar console but not a $5 mouse and 10 dollar keyboard? For that matter, gamepads cost WAY more than a mouse and keyboard combined, at least double the price

More or less this in regards to the money argument. Of course manufacturers are going to want you to use their controllers, because they cost so fucking much. Although, there is the possibility that there is an unfair advantage, but there are good and bad players with both control options so it wont necessarily be unfair all the time. I suspect it's the "better safe than sorry" approach.

Also, I've met, as well as read posts on this site, from console gamers who have a hard on for using a controller and using some "natural" or "feels good in my hands" (slightly erotic) reasons for using controllers. I've seen people get defensive about it, it's strange.

Also on a side note, remember when Valve announced that CS:GO would be cross platform with PC and PS3? Well if you've been living under a rock, they canned that most likely because of the frequency Valve updates their games, and trying to update two versions of the game to keep them playable would've been a huge hassle. Steam forums were going a bit nuts over it with people saying they wanted to stomp "console tards" and a whole lot of defensive positions going back and forth. It was amusing.

 

[Nalgas D. Lemur]

See, the reason console FPS's have auto-aim and aim assist functions and PC games don't is because it's much easier to get precise aim with a keyboard and mouse than with a controller.

Or the cynical version of that would be that the reason console games have auto-aim and aim assist and PC games also have auto-aim and aim assist is because of the same thing you said, but also because the PC versions are lazy, half-assed ports, and if you're lucky you can disable auto-aim and mouse acceleration in a config file somewhere. If you're not, you're stuck waiting indefinitely for a patch that may never come. Heh.

 

[Savo]

As many others have stated, it would create an unfair advantage for the players using mice and keyboards.

I'm not even sure many people would want the feature anyway even if you could iron out the kinks. With a controller you can lounge around any way you want on a couch or whatever; a keyboard and mouse are significantly harder to place in many living rooms.

You just can't beat laying around like a slob playing console games

Also, if they allowed you to plug in random mice and keyboards, they couldn't sell you overexpensive controllers that are rigged to break.

Not sure if you are being serious or or not, but I have never heard of controllers being rigged to break; most are hard enough to break as is.

 

[Allthingsspectacular]

Ever since reading up on the fact that the upcoming CCP shooter Dust 514 (Which, I might add, is PS3 exclusive)

What?! Really?! I might actually play this game now! I can't stand controllers and I was disappointed that I couldn't play his on my PC. No controller? You bet I'll play it.

Which really begs the question of why they aren't releasing it on PC too.

Okay, it begs a rhetorical question. Since I know the answer. (Because CCP wanted to break into consoles and Sony doesn't want to compete with themselves with Planetside 2.)

 

[stockfire]

I know this thread is a bit old, but it popped up in a related search and I always feel I MUST comment when this topic comes up. Until a console supports m&k support for fps, I will NEVER buy an fps on console. Don't get me wrong I really really really want to play fps games on console, but I absolutely can not use a gamepad for fps gaming. I'm an older guy (31 this year) and have been playing fps' since the original Doom days and my brain is wired for m&k. A controller is has a completely different aiming format (understandably so). Let me paint the picture for you (wait for it....). Say you are a famous painter (get it lol), and you make loads of money painting, but you paint because you love it. Are you with me? Ok now chop off your dominant hand and paint with the other one. That's how playing fps with a controller I imagine feels for me. I would pay over $100 just to have the mouse on console, I can do without the keyboard, a joystick would be fine. But I NEED a mouse for aiming. This must be achieved for me to come over to console fps. I truly don't get that no consoles are doing this.

 

[Lunar Templar]

Not everyone owns a USB mouse and keyboard,

aren't those standard now though? last i checked they didn't come another way

 

[Smooth Operator]

Same reason they don't include 90% of the options a normal PC game comes with, because console gamers just aren't raising the bar for standards high enough.

Start demanding these things from devs and they will respond.