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[Hopeford]

Goddammit.

If it helps, the steam controller should run like a dream from day 1 or day 2 considering how it's basically a keyboard and mouse, programming wise. No need to wait for actual gamepad support with it.

That was a complete non-article. Is anyone else bothered by this drip-feed of information blatantly designed to inflate IGN traffic?

On one hand, yes, I'm bothered by it. On the other, I love xcom enough that I'm feeling the way everyone else felt about Smash Bros website updates.

 

[Rentahamster]

Makes sense why they went with PC only. One only has so much resources to dedicate to a project. Might as well do it in the most efficient way possible.

 

[Shake Appeal]

That was a complete non-article. Is anyone else bothered by this drip-feed of information blatantly designed to inflate IGN traffic?

Yes. Although the procedural maps one was good, the "trailer rewind" and this taken together contained approximately two nuggets of information that weren't in the initial announce piece.

 

[Tenebrous]

No gamepad support at launch.

And:

Well, Steam controller will work just fine. Already proving its value.

 

[MaLDo]

No gamepad support at launch.

I'm out.

 

[Joco]

So there's a chance it will come to consoles.

Here's hoping.

 

[Shake Appeal]

I'm out.

A Steam controller is $50 if it's that big a deal for you.

 

[PeterVenkman]

Well, Steam controller will work just fine. Already proving its value.

Yup, glad I preordered and hope I get mine in the October shipment

 

[TC McQueen]

I guess I can kludge together a gamepad profile with Pinnacle Profiler or DS4Windows, but it sucks that there's no native support on launch.

 

[Nzyme32]

It's good that Firaxis are so focused on the PC version without making judgements on other platforms yet; making it as great as possible and tailored to the platform rather than making any compromises to suit a console point of view by having to make decisions based on both.

Yup, glad I preordered and hope I get mine in the October shipment

Same here, I'll be either using the Steam Controller or mouse and keyboard depending on where I am / mood I'm in.

 

[Decado]

Have they screwed htc users? No gamepad support sucks, but I can get around that, but tiny text is a no-no. Their assumptions seem pretty stupid given the way steam has been headed for a while now.

Seems to me they are even trying to cut out a good chunk of their PC audience.

 

[Hellsing321]

Steam controller already proving it's worth.

 

[Delta Assault]

No gamepad support at launch.

Very strange, considering the first game played a lot better with gamepad then keyboard and mouse.

 

[dragonfart28]

Just use Xpadder.

That's how I play Enemy Unknown.

 

[Skab]

Very strange, considering the first game played a lot better with gamepad then keyboard and mouse.

Because it was designed for the pad first and KBAM second.

One would assume that this new game is being built for the KBAM first.

 

[epmode]

So there's a chance it will come to consoles.

It doesn't sound like there are compelling technical reasons for the PC exclusivity aside from heavy mod support. It's all about ease of development for a smaller developer. Which is fine! But I expect console ports sometime in the future.

 

[Sijil]

Good interview, very glad that they're focusing their resources on PC to get the best game they can. But man the IGN comment section is vomit inducing.

 

[ItsTheNew]

No gamepad support no purchase. Sorry firaxis I'll wait till the goty edition on consoles.

 

[gillty]

No gamepad support at launch.

Goddammit.

x2

XCOM EU/EW with Long War, was the perfect comfy couch game. No gamepad support, no purchase.

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

No gamepad support no purchase. Sorry firaxis I'll wait till the goty edition on consoles.

Or simply wait for a PC patch, it'll show up sooner than a console version and be cheaper.

You guys don't need to buy games day one, you know.

 

[Funky Papa]

And if it doesn't, somebody will mod it in.

 

[Kinthalis]

Very strange, considering the first game played a lot better with gamepad then keyboard and mouse.

Yeah.. that was sort of an issue. The game was designed aournd gamepads, then ported to mouse and keyboard.

That's not how it shoudl have been done.

 

[petran79]

Very strange, considering the first game played a lot better with gamepad then keyboard and mouse.

While I finished Valkyria Chronicles with gamepad and couldnt stand kb/mouse combo, X-COM felt unplayable with the same controller.
Main issue was the terrain height square inconsistency. There was a high chance your character would climb on the roof of a building or wagon instead of entering inside. In tense situations this proved fatal and I had to reload. Most annoying issue.
At least with a mouse you could control the game more precise

 

[-Snooze-]

I like the screen. Minimalistic and clean, as long as if runs smoothly I'll be a happy camper

 

[Durante]

No gamepad support at launch.

Good, that tells me they will focus on getting the M/KB control scheme right this time around.

Very strange, considering the first game played a lot better with gamepad then keyboard and mouse.

That's indicative of the issue. If both control schemes received equal attention, then for a game like this M/KB would simply be better.

 

[Lingitiz]

Designing strictly for a KB/M interface should be a big upgrade for the entire game, especially the strategy layer of things. They can present a lot more info on screen micromanagement of things more intuitive.

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

There's a gamepad for people who want support day one anyway, it's the new Steam controller. Otherwise just sit tight.

 

[Poodlestrike]

No gamepad support at launch is kind of a bummer, but if I'm being totally honest I doubt I'd use it on my PC anyway; I don't have a desktop, I just use my laptop on a lap desk. Comfy, but not really conducive to PC controller usage

It'll probably get patched (or modded, if they really go nuts in terms of support and transparency), but for now I'm happy with MKB.

ALSO: super excited to see the custom stuff for Veterans; I remember reading that that was something they were had to scrap for EU, and I remember thinking how damn cool it sounded. Hoping it's procedural, so the customization that pops up depends on what your squaddie's been doing, so if they've (for instance) killed a giant pile of Sectoids they'll end up with one of their shrunken heads attached to their belt. Or something less morbid, but in the same vein

 

[BronsonLee]

Good

You're going down, Durante! *pinwheels*

 

[Vaporak]

Excited to hear about no gamepad support, XCOM 2 sounds like it's shaping up to be a great game.

 

[Remachinate]

I'm amazed that gamepad support is a dealbreaker for so many people. It's a strategy game; KB/M is much better than a controller for map scrolling, shortcuts, and flipping through menus, even on a couch. I'm not saying they should force players to use KB/M, but why choose the inferior input?

 

[molnizzle]

Extremely disappointed that there's no gamepad functionality. I refuse to support any PC game that doesn't have it. It's 2015, there's no excuse. Especially when the last game played wonderfully on a pad.

The Steam controller might end up working but I don't like how the devs are saying that they're designing the UI under the assumption that players will be able to read super small text since they'll be sitting up close to their monitors. Ugh. Fucking archaic design philosophy.

I'm amazed that gamepad support is a dealbreaker for so many people. It's a strategy game; KB/M is much better than a controller for map scrolling, shortcuts, and flipping through menus, even on a couch. I'm not saying they should force players to use KB/M, but why choose the inferior input?

There's no comfortable way to use KB/M from the couch. Not hard to understand.

 

[MaLDo]

A Steam controller is $50 if it's that big a deal for you.

Steam controller is a great pad by itself. But works as a workaround for games without native support. I mean, is the best way to controll a cursor if you have to, but X-COM had perfect native support. I want it again before paying for the game. That's all.

 

[bigboss370]

Played EU with Kb/M anyways from the get-go and it was great. And since pad-support is confirmed to be coming i'm sure everyone will be pleased.

Makes sense why they went with PC only. One only has so much resources to dedicate to a project. Might as well do it in the most efficient way possible.

Yup. And I still remember getting EU from you ~3 years ago, such an amazing game

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

The Steam controller might end up working but I don't like how the devs are saying that they're designing the UI under the assumption that players will be able to read super small text since they'll be sitting up close to their monitors. Ugh. Fucking archaic design philosophy.

If "modern" ui design philosophy is what leads to the monstrosities that were Oblivion's and Skyrim's PC interface, I'm perfectly happy staying archaic. The two biggest advantages PC gaming has over console are the keyboard/mouse interface, and the ability to put lots of info on screen without obscuring the view. Why bother developing for PC if you're just going to discard those advantages?

 

[molnizzle]

If "modern" ui design philosophy is what leads to the monstrosities that were Oblivion's and Skyrim's PC interface, I'm perfectly happy staying archaic. The two biggest advantages PC gaming has over console are the keyboard/mouse interface, and the ability to put lots of info on screen without obscuring the view. Why bother developing for PC if you're just going to discard those advantages?

It's archaic design because less and less people are playing PC games from desks. The two "advantages" you cited don't exist if you play your games from a comfy couch, and the percentage of PC gamers who are playing that way is increasing exponentially. Especially this fall with all of Valve's hardware initiatives.

I know there are still a bunch of dinosaurs here on GAF who play their video games while hunched over their desks, but that's not the direction our hobby is heading. Thankfully. We used to play PC games like that because we had to... now we don't.

 

[Armaros]

It's archaic design because less and less people are playing PC games from desks. The two "advantages" you cited don't exist if you play your games from a comfy couch, and the percentage of PC gamers who are playing that way is increasing exponentially. Especially this fall with all of Valve's hardware initiatives.

I know there are still a bunch of dinosaurs here on GAF who play their video games while hunched over their desks, but that's not the direction our hobby is heading. Thankfully. We used to play PC games like that because we had to... now we don't.

The largest games on the planet are PC games played on laptops and desktops.

You have no idea what you are talking about

 

[Bregor]

It's archaic design because less and less people are playing PC games from desks. The two "advantages" you cited don't exist if you play your games from a comfy couch, and the percentage of PC gamers who are playing that way is increasing exponentially. Especially this fall with all of Valve's hardware initiatives.

I know there are still a bunch of dinosaurs here on GAF who play their video games while hunched over their desks, but that's not the direction our hobby is heading. Thankfully. We used to play PC games like that because we had to... now we don't.

As much as you wish this to be true, it isn't on the PC. And especially not in the strategy genre.

 

[molnizzle]

The largest games on the planet are PC games played on laptops and desktops.

Perhaps, but I'll be absolutely shocked if that's still the case in 5 years.

 

[Vaporak]

Perhaps, but I'll be absolutely shocked if that's still the case in 5 years.

Why, because you like playing with a gamepad? KB&M has more players now than dual analog, and has more now than it did 5 years ago. You are projecting your own mind onto the world and imagining a trend that doesn't exist.

 

[Shake Appeal]

I know there are still a bunch of dinosaurs here on GAF who play their video games while hunched over their desks, but that's not the direction our hobby is heading. Thankfully. We used to play PC games like that because we had to... now we don't.

A lot of people are going to continue to choose to, though, because they like it. Millions upon millions of people. They're the ones who support titles like this, so it's fitting they are its primary audience.

 

[molnizzle]

Why, because you like playing with a gamepad? KB&M has more players now than dual analog, and has more now than it did 5 years ago. You are projecting your own mind onto the world and imagining a trend that doesn't exist.

No, I can just see the writing on the wall. I think that the Steam hardware stuff is going to be a really big deal over the next few years. The majority of PC gamers right now might be using KB/M, but that market is a fraction of what could be achieved with console-like hardware. The fact that we still have consoles that still sell way higher quantities of software is proof of this.

I'm not the one projecting my own mind onto the world here. You guys just don't seem to realize that you're not going to be the largest and most important customer base on PC for much longer. ;-)

 

[Armaros]

Perhaps, but I'll be absolutely shocked if that's still the case in 5 years.

So in 5 years, league of legends, dota and the majority of MMOs will become controller centric?

Do you even know what makes up the majority of the PC gaming market?

It is assuredly not controller based games and I hope you don't use GAF to determine what is in PC gaming future when GAF is mainly a console gaming forum.

 

[Norns]

No, I can just see the writing on the wall. I think that the Steam hardware stuff is going to be a really big deal over the next few years. The majority of PC gamers right now might be using KB/M, but that market is a fraction of what could be achieved with console-like hardware. The fact that we still have consoles that still sell way higher quantities of software is proof of this.

I'm not the one projecting my own mind onto the world here. You guys just don't seem to realize that you're not going to be the largest and most important customer base on PC for much longer. ;-)

You're crazy if you think controllers are going to overtake keyboard and mouse on PC anytime soon.

 

[molnizzle]

So in 5 years, league of legends, dota and the majority of MMOs will become controller centric?

Do you even know what makes up the majority of the PC gaming market?

It is assuredly not controller based games.

I've been playing PC games for over two decades now, I get it. I had to install my first PC game (LucasArts' Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) from a set of 5.25" floppies. I grew to love playing with KB/M in CS 1.5/1.6 and especially over many years of MMO's. Yes, I get it.

The potential market for consoles is just astronomically higher. I don't really care what the "majority of the PC gaming market" currently wants, because I think that market's about to be turned on its head over the next few years. Valve is positioning themselves to compete with the home console market here.

And yes, the majority of MMO's will become controller centric. As for MOBA's, the first company to put one out that works well with a controller will likely take over. It probably won't be played from the traditional RTS perspective though.

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

It's archaic design because less and less people are playing PC games from desks. The two "advantages" you cited don't exist if you play your games from a comfy couch, and the percentage of PC gamers who are playing that way is increasing exponentially. Especially this fall with all of Valve's hardware initiatives.

I know there are still a bunch of dinosaurs here on GAF who play their video games while hunched over their desks, but that's not the direction our hobby is heading. Thankfully. We used to play PC games like that because we had to... now we don't.

The problem here isn't the interface that doesn't support that setup, the problem is in that setup itself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy playing on my couch. I play plenty of console games and streaming from my gaming PC to my HTPC is the only way I play the Batman games. But expecting every game to accommodate that setup, especially simulation and strategy games, is needlessly limiting.

 

[Falk]

Perhaps, but I'll be absolutely shocked if that's still the case in 5 years.

DotA, LoL and CS:GO confirmed dead in 5 years.

edit: I've been beaten like a drum!

 

[Shake Appeal]

When someone invents a device with the precision (and ease of precision) of a mouse and keyboard, that device will replace our mice and keyboards. Until then, a mouse and keyboard is going to remain the best way to play whole swathes and entire genres of videogames, including strategy games like XCOM.

Any other argument is hot air.

 

[molnizzle]

The problem here isn't the interface that doesn't support that setup, the problem is in that setup itself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy playing on my couch. I play plenty of console games and streaming from my gaming PC to my HTPC is the only way I play the Batman games. But expecting every game to accommodate that setup, especially simulation and strategy games, is needlessly limiting.

For real-time stuff I absolutely agree. Especially if it's competitive. I'm not asking for controller support in StarCraft 2 or Dota here.

XCOM is turn-based though... and the last game already had flawless controller support.

When someone invents a device with the precision (and ease of precision) of a mouse and keyboard, that device will replace our mice and keyboards. Until then, a mouse and keyboard is going to remain the best way to play whole swathes and entire genres of videogames, including strategy games like XCOM.

The same thing was said about hardware keyboards on smartphones.

To the masses, having most precise input setup isn't as important as convenience and comfort.

 

[Rentahamster]

Yup. And I still remember getting EU from you ~3 years ago, such an amazing game

I'm glad it went to a person who could really appreciate it