Analog thumbsticks have been around for ~20 years, it might be a little soon to assume that they'll never be bested, especially considering what's happened with touch and gyro on mobile. There a fair number of kids out there who've never used a physical controller for any significant amount of time and might never start.
Engadget: We hate Valve's Steam Controller because it's different
- Thread starter Crayon
- Start date
Analog thumbsticks have been around for ~20 years, it might be a little soon to assume that they'll never be bested, especially considering what's happened with touch and gyro on mobile. There a fair number of kids out there who've never used a physical controller for any significant amount of time and might never start.
Affeinvasion
Member
If valve released half life 3 bundled with it, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation. Controllers like this need killer apps.
Crayon
Member
No, no. Sorry I wasn't clear at all there. I gave her the steam controller and she transitioned from a dual analog much easier than I. Like dramatically so. I was struggling for days and it only took her an hour.
Inferring dual analog sticks are the pinnacle of design is a bit rich.. They only work well on consoles due to auto aim/aim assist. Just look at the feedback calling Halo 5's controls trash, and that was due to 343 only reducing auto aim, not eliminating it!
On consoles, sure, dual sticks are fine. But its a different story on PC.
Ah, that makes more sense. My SO had a lot of trouble with dual analog and way preferes mouse and touch.
Real_Madrid
Member
Not really, the controller just isn't there yet. The idea sounds cool (hybrid between M/K and gamepad) but it doesn't deliver on that idea. M/K games can be played with the controller, but playing Civilization on the TV really isn't that fun because the interface is build for a monitor and M/K. I can't really see how they solve this problem really, most M/K exclusive games are just not working good on a TV. And that really is the selling point of the Steam Controller. If you don't deliver on that initial idea, the Steam controller will always be a niche imo.
And even if they had the biggest marketing campaign out there, it still wouldn't be a top seller.
SoulUnison
Banned
I don't think gamer's like change.
Motion controls, gyro aiming, stereoscopic 3D, the tablet...
I guess I'm mostly listing Nintendo attempts at mixing things up, but the consensus seems to be that gamers, as a community, consider anything that isn't exactly what they're already comfortable/familiar with to be "a gimmick."
Motion controls, gyro aiming, stereoscopic 3D, the tablet...
I guess I'm mostly listing Nintendo attempts at mixing things up, but the consensus seems to be that gamers, as a community, consider anything that isn't exactly what they're already comfortable/familiar with to be "a gimmick."
The fact that anyone could consider something used to control games a "pinnacle" is incredibly sad. This medium's diversity is often directly tied to the fact that we have such a wide variety of different control types. Considering any one a pinnacle is misguided, shortsighted, and ridiculous.
I do hope I get to try the steam controller eventually. Looks like it would be great for couch shooters. And if we're lucky we'll get some games that use it in a unique way.
Just dig up the reactions to the Pro Controller not keeping the right stick on the bottom for evidence of that. Some were even upset about the damn lettering.
TheDarkKnight774
Member
Not for me. I pre ordered it because I was curious about it. I wanted to like it but I'm just not a fan so far.
1) the whole build of the controller feels cheap clunky plastic and it feels more awkward to hold.
2) I feel the button placement is too bunched up and I don't have a good location of which button in clicking
3) the constant tweaks needed for each game is pretty tedious.
But there were some moments when I played shattered it did ok. But I'm so happy I can use a DS4 wirelessly with my steam link instead. I use the steam controller as some backup navigation.
1) the whole build of the controller feels cheap clunky plastic and it feels more awkward to hold.
2) I feel the button placement is too bunched up and I don't have a good location of which button in clicking
3) the constant tweaks needed for each game is pretty tedious.
But there were some moments when I played shattered it did ok. But I'm so happy I can use a DS4 wirelessly with my steam link instead. I use the steam controller as some backup navigation.
Marty Chinn
Member
To add to this, those types of games tend not to have UI's that will work well when sitting on a couch. The interface will be harder to read since it wasn't designed to be viewed from a couch.
Comfort Jones
Banned
...but I'd still rather use my mouse and keyboard?
Balmung421
Member
Got both of my steam controllers back in October with my steam link. Excitedly wanted to dig into it, and I did so for the past month. I kept thinking that the controller would be easier to use the more I used it, but that never happened for me despite using it nearly every day since I got it.
Fallout 4 ended up being the final straw for me, because I had to spend as much time configuring the controller as I did my character, and by the time I got to shoot for the first time, no matter how I tweaked the settings, it felt way to imprecise for me to aim correctly.
I quickly grabbed my Titanfall X1 controller for Fallout 4 and felt right at home; hours flew by and I forgot my initial frustrations with my steam controller in this game.
In the end, I wish I hadn't cancelled my X1 Elite controller preorder, and have a lunar white controller with the pc adapter/charge kit coming in tomorrow to help me wait until I can get an order in for one.
The controller worked great when I used it with Undertale through my steam link, and so did rocket league and Hearthstone, but I encountered too many other games that made me wish I was using a K/M or a traditional controller instead.
Excited to see the next revision of this controller though; there is some exciting potential here that I can't wait to see unfold in the future.
Fallout 4 ended up being the final straw for me, because I had to spend as much time configuring the controller as I did my character, and by the time I got to shoot for the first time, no matter how I tweaked the settings, it felt way to imprecise for me to aim correctly.
I quickly grabbed my Titanfall X1 controller for Fallout 4 and felt right at home; hours flew by and I forgot my initial frustrations with my steam controller in this game.
In the end, I wish I hadn't cancelled my X1 Elite controller preorder, and have a lunar white controller with the pc adapter/charge kit coming in tomorrow to help me wait until I can get an order in for one.
The controller worked great when I used it with Undertale through my steam link, and so did rocket league and Hearthstone, but I encountered too many other games that made me wish I was using a K/M or a traditional controller instead.
Excited to see the next revision of this controller though; there is some exciting potential here that I can't wait to see unfold in the future.
Incitemaybe
Member
Hasn't it been obvious for years that there is a crowd of loud people on the web who think the standard Xbox controller is how most games should be played until we have mind control options?
I personally enjoy mixing it up and playing with new forms of control, whether it's needed or not. I look forward to trying out the new Steam controller, while not a giant leap to my mind, I'll enjoy the novelty whether I end up liking it it not after putting it through its paces.
I personally enjoy mixing it up and playing with new forms of control, whether it's needed or not. I look forward to trying out the new Steam controller, while not a giant leap to my mind, I'll enjoy the novelty whether I end up liking it it not after putting it through its paces.
Personally I've always felt very hampered using my Xbox One/DS4 pads on my PC. Most online shooters don't have aim assist on the PC versions so that plus other players using a far more accurate input method (Mouse + Keyboard) can be very frustrating. I'm very capable with mouse and keyboard in those games but my wrist can't take it.
Maybe I've just been forced to give the Steam Controller a fair shake of the stick (have used for upwards of 35 hours) due to my ailment and that's why I love it so much. I think its a testament to the quality of the product that people who have learned to use it are so passionately defending it due to them knowing that if you stick with it it can be amazing.
I still remember that incredibly dramatic post about how the colors and labels of the New 3DS face buttons were an affront to everything good and holy.
PdotMichael
Banned
I don't like that I get called out for the lack of success of a product and or company.
I expect this controller to be shelved by 80% of purchasers in the first three months. Change is not something people are scared of. But presenting a very inferior experience at the get-go is going to halt any form of mainstream adaptation for this controller. If it takes a lot of time to set it up and to get comfortable with it, it's simply not good enough.
I think a big reason that people are going out of their way to defend this thing is a simple one. It has a Valve/Steam logo on the box and some people are still in the mindset that everything Valve touches turns to gold. Can do no wrong, saviours and protectors of PC gaming, king Gaben, etcetera.
If Razer or Steelseries made this controller, people would have laughed them out of the room.
I think a big reason that people are going out of their way to defend this thing is a simple one. It has a Valve/Steam logo on the box and some people are still in the mindset that everything Valve touches turns to gold. Can do no wrong, saviours and protectors of PC gaming, king Gaben, etcetera.
If Razer or Steelseries made this controller, people would have laughed them out of the room.
Real_Madrid
Member
Well, you have to show why something is better or more fun. Motions controls for example never really showed why hardcore gamers should care.
SmoothRunningGun
Member
Sometimes change is bad. I would like to try one though.
Hardly. Its because it works and offers a far superior experience to any other controller available. By you logic consoles offer a superior experience because they are plug and play?
If that was the case people would be shelving their PCs too as they take effort on part of the user to tweak and customize settings.
See, the problem is that you just invalidated an otherwise ok point by saying that people MAINLY like it because Valve made it. You know, maybe some people are just having a good time with it and feel like it's the first fresh input in nearly 20 years?
Also, it reminds me of people playing fps games with a trackball in the 90s, so there's that as well.
I do agree that the configuration is a large hurdle for new users, though. I just think this type of dismissive attitude is exactly what this article is talking about.
I remember people hating the analog stick on the N64 because it didn't "feel right" when playing what they were accustomed to playing: side scrolling games.
I think once upon a time the steam controller could have gotten a better reception, but for console gaming, the acceptance of controller evolution has faded. Gamers have been extremely resistant to change in console controllers for a loooooooong while now. These days a console comes out and you dont really get anything new, and the new stuff you do get is ignored.
I think once upon a time the steam controller could have gotten a better reception, but for console gaming, the acceptance of controller evolution has faded. Gamers have been extremely resistant to change in console controllers for a loooooooong while now. These days a console comes out and you dont really get anything new, and the new stuff you do get is ignored.
Denton
Member
It is in this case though. Like the gaming enjoyment is greater once player actually learns how to use it. For any kind of aiming or camera control, sticks will always be the worst available option.
Balmung421
Member
Regardless of the wide range of opinions on this, I highly recommend that everyone at least gives it a shot. How many times do you get the chance to try a whole new method to control games?
Massive Duck. C.M.
Banned
It hasn't clicked with me, but I honestly haven't messed with the configuration much. Maybe there's a sweet spot.
For aiming definitely, but I think it feels very weird with analog movement. It also makes the analog stick on the controller redundant, so it's always better to use the left pad as an dpad.
Heart of Black
Member
Most people fear the "new". And yet they crave newness.
My issue with the controller is that it appears to be a solution looking for a problem. As far as I can tell it's a bunch of features thrown on a controller form factor that attempt to emulate or replicate other tried and true controlling methods. It looks neither as good as a mouse and keyboard nor as good a dedicated controller like the 360 controller. This squarely places it in a no man's land where I can't even see a point where I'd even use it if I owned it. I don't hate it, and I would buy it if it was offering me an improvement over what I already have. As it stands it appears to exist purely for people that demand to play mouse and keyboard games using a controller form factor.
Sadly, many don't agree with your opinion. There's plenty of people in this thread even that have mentioned their dissatisfaction with the Steam controller. Far superior? Yeah no.
Comfort Jones
Banned
Yeah it's some bullshit. It's like a comedian telling you it's your fault people don't find him funny.
So tired of this weird anti consumer agenda the gaming media seems to be on, between this and calling people "entitled". Sell your shit properly and make something people want, we're entitled to that if you want our money.
CountAntonius
Member
It was never meant to replace a traditional pad. It was made so game without conteollwr configurations can be played on a comfy couch. It's supposed to be niche I think.
I count 3 people who said they actually have it and don't like it..The others seem to be based off no experience with the controller, unless i'm counting wrong. 3 people out of 87 posts is hardly many.
Mine should be at home now, so I'm excited to fiddle with it later. All I want is a controller to play KB/M games from my bed, when I don't feel like sitting at a desk (which is often nowadays). I don't really need it to be the penultimate input device. If I end up not needing it for gamepad games, and find myself still breaking out the 360 pad, that's cool. Hopefully this jack of all trades, master of none, will serve me well.
Real_Madrid
Member
Well, that's really personal, I was a M/K gamer my whole youth, then I won a PS3 and now I'm a gamepad only gamer. Is aiming with sticks worse than M/K and probably the steam controller, well definitely, do I care? Not really.
And I think many people with me. It isn't because something is better, it's more fun.
I was very interested in the Steam Controller, to finally play the civilization games on the coach etc. That was and is the selling point of the controller, not better aiming imo.
I think I'll wait on this version of the controller then. The idea in theory is sound and I think there's really something with the trackpads that can be superior over analog. But its going to take time for devs and the community to find the right go-to bindings for games. It's not something that's going to be better than configurations that have been tweaked for so many years right out of the box.
In a few years once Valve and other manufacturers have figured it out, I could see a newer version accomplishing what they're setting out to do here.
In a few years once Valve and other manufacturers have figured it out, I could see a newer version accomplishing what they're setting out to do here.
His point is mapping. Not just the Gyro. It takes hours to find a mapping you're comfortable with in the Steam controller. Certain genres aren't covered by the controller's three "pre-set" keyboard-and-mouse-emulated defaults.
randomengine
Banned
Valve is no Nintendo. They should come out with something that is intuitive and easy to use and understand, but hard to master.
Robert at Zeboyd Games
Banned
The Wii remote was designed to be simpler & easier to use than traditional controllers. It was very intuitive - point at the screen + a few buttons (and if the game required more control, you could attach the nunchuk).
Like others have mentioned, the Steam Controller feels like a solution to a problem few people have. I've been playing games for a while - I'm experienced with both the typical console controller & a KB&M setup and enjoy using either. I use whichever setup I think will be most enjoyable for the game I'm playing. I have no desire to play KB&M games on the couch (and in fact, now that I think of it, I'd love to switch my consoles to a desk setup) & don't want to spend months relearning control schemes just to use an all-in-one solution. The controller is too complicated for casual players, while experienced players are too set in their ways.
TyrantGuardian
Member
Not all products have mass market appeal. That doesn't make them failures. Do people think 10 minutes configuring a config for each game is too much? Then the Steam Controllers isn't for them. Maybe Valve will solve this issue, and they damn well better if they WERE aiming for mass market appeal. But for those of us who don't mind tweaking stuff the Steam Controllers is mind-blowingly amazing. *goes back to playing MMOs on the couch*
tiebreaker
Member
I'm fine with Keyboard/mouse or a 360 gamepad. I would rather shell money on games rather than another peripheral.
Besides, I don't intend to play kbm games on a couch. It's hard enough to read the texts in Witcher 3, moreso in strategy games like Civilization.
Besides, I don't intend to play kbm games on a couch. It's hard enough to read the texts in Witcher 3, moreso in strategy games like Civilization.
I just got mine in today. I love it so far, and am getting used to the track pad aspect of it, but I'm adapting to it much better than I thought I would. Community configurations are a godsend for this thing.
I've been playing a lot of Fallout 4 with it, and aiming gave me trouble at first, but I'm getting more and more used to it. I also still occasionally have this problem where I try to reach for the X button and hit Y instead. It's something I'm still getting used to though.
I think it takes a little bit of patience, but the payoff is so worth it.
Also the typing in Big Picture mode threw me for a loop for a bit, but I've gotten accustomed to it and am speeding up with how fast I type with it.
I've been playing a lot of Fallout 4 with it, and aiming gave me trouble at first, but I'm getting more and more used to it. I also still occasionally have this problem where I try to reach for the X button and hit Y instead. It's something I'm still getting used to though.
I think it takes a little bit of patience, but the payoff is so worth it.
Also the typing in Big Picture mode threw me for a loop for a bit, but I've gotten accustomed to it and am speeding up with how fast I type with it.
I could see the controller being easier to pick up than a dual stick controller or kb+m for someone who has been mostly/only mobile gaming in the future with its touch+gyro, plus games that are probably similar to what they are used too. People I've seen learning an analogue controller or kb+m tend to have the same habits when starting out: not moving and looking at the same time with both sticks at first, picking up the mouse a bunch when moving it, etc. Maybe it could be a bigger deal to newcomers, than to people who have been using a regular controller or kb+m.