Please submit your feedback on controller support for PC

pecheckler

Hi folks,

I wanted to make players aware that they can submit feedback through a channel besides these forums regarding the topic of controller and controller UI support for the PC version of ESO. It feels like these forums are generally ignored or unacknowledged by the development team so if you feel strongly about this topic like I do, please contribute feedback. If you go to the ESO support article linked below and select no regarding the helpfulness of the article, you'll be prompted to fill out a feedback form. Now I don't know where the feedback goes from there, but i'm hopeful it lands up in someone's inbox, which seems like it would be more effective than a thread lost in these forums.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26769/kw/controller%20support

I have suggested via this feedback form that I would be willing to pay extra to have native gamepad support with the same user interface which will be available on the consoles. I think that is preferable to transferring my account to a console and then having to deal with all the inadequacies of these systems compared to PC (inferior graphics, longer loading times, no add-ons, lack of player communication due to most players not using keyboards, etc), all just to be able to relax on the couch playing on the television. What would be even worse is if players switch to a console, being to enjoy playing with a controller, and then controller support is added to the PC version but we are not provided with the means to transfer back to PC.

Sylveria_Relden

I'm actually kind of glad they ignore feedback regarding "controllers on PC" because PC's weren't originally designed with controllers in mind for input until much, much later.

EA/Bioware screwed over PC players with their foremost focus on controllers with Inquisition (and it shows when you play with mouse and keyboard) and I've no interest whatsoever in ZOS making a mess of THIS game by doing so, either.

Keep the controllers on the consoles where the belong. *drops in 2 septims*

FYI this isn't about "PC Master Race"- when I see being able to use a keyboard and mouse to play on consoles become a thing- then I'll agree with your opinion... so far all I've seen is the opposite.

pecheckler

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

I'm actually kind of glad they ignore feedback regarding "controllers on PC" because PC's weren't originally designed with controllers in mind for input until much, much later.

EA/Bioware screwed over PC players with their foremost focus on controllers with Inquisition (and it shows when you play with mouse and keyboard) and I've no interest whatsoever in ZOS making a mess of THIS game by doing so, either.

Keep the controllers on the consoles where the belong. *drops in 2 septims*

FYI this isn't about "PC Master Race"- when I see being able to use a keyboard and mouse to play on consoles become a thing- then I'll agree with your opinion... so far all I've seen is the opposite.

The reason Bioware focused on controller gameplay for Inquisition was because of all the complains about no PC controller support for Mass Effect 1/2/3. Bioware stated this last year. Inquisition clearly plays better with a controller because it was designed that way from the ground-up, ignoring origins grand control scheme. That's unfortunate. But ESO already has established mouse and keyboard controls. Myself and others are merely asking for something on top of what we have now, something extra, so controller support will be the afterthought in this case.

Now let me ask you. How does the addition of controller support and appropriate UI options to ESO PC negatively affect you? All I can see is that players who have slower reaction time using controller may be partnered with you in-game, but that would be up to you to play with them. Also, these players would have the option of using a mouse and keyboard any time they chose. I personally would never run difficult group content or enter Cyrodiil using a controller. Myself and others just want to relax and do solo questing with a controller. Chilling on the couch or recliner, in front of a big television. How does this impact you?

With the new wave of low power small form factor gaming computers designed for living rooms, the release of the new steam controller this year, and of course virtual reality displays, adding controller support to ESO has never made more sense.

Sitting at a computer desk is not as comfortable as the living room. This is the most common explanation provided in defense of console gaming. There's no reason not to bring that comfort to the PC platform for all games.

Sylveria_Relden

To answer your question- it doesn't "negatively" affect me (or anyone else for that matter) if controller support is added, *however* if it interferes with the current controls for keyboards and mice on a PC (forcing them to go through some obscure emulation layer, like Inquisition does) then we'll definitely have a problem. My point is, if it ain't "broke" don't "fix" it.

So here's my question- why can't you wait for the console version to be released then just play it with a controller on the console? Why does the PC version *have* to be modified for controllers now? Why is it always about adding controller support to PC's but never the opposite?

Some like their coffee black, some like it with cream and sugar. Some prefer tea. Why can't there just be different platforms and that be OK?

pecheckler

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

To answer your question- it doesn't "negatively" affect me (or anyone else for that matter) if controller support is added, *however* if it interferes with the current controls for keyboards and mice on a PC (forcing them to go through some obscure emulation layer, like Inquisition does) then we'll definitely have a problem. My point is, if it ain't "broke" don't "fix" it.

So here's my question- why can't you wait for the console version to be released then just play it with a controller on the console? Why does the PC version *have* to be modified for controllers now? Why is it always about adding controller support to PC's but never the opposite?

Some like their coffee black, some like it with cream and sugar. Some prefer tea. Why can't there just be different platforms and that be OK?

I already answered that question about not wanting to switch to consoles. Read my post. (inferior graphics, longer loading times, no add-ons, lack of player communication due to most players not using keyboards, etc

Also, if there was controller emulation used for keyboard and mouse controls, or vice versa, keyboard and mouse controls used for controller emulation, well.... Zenimax would just be dumb. Very very dumb. There are hundreds of PC games with NATIVE support for multiple inputs types, with unique user interfaces for both. I very much doubt that would happen. And if it did, it would be the mouse and keyboard which is emulated. I think you have nothing to fear there.

Ourorboros

pecheckler wrote: »

Hi folks,

I wanted to make players aware that they can submit feedback through a channel besides these forums regarding the topic of controller and controller UI support for the PC version of ESO. It feels like these forums are generally ignored or unacknowledged by the development team so if you feel strongly about this topic like I do, please contribute feedback. If you go to the ESO support article linked below and select no regarding the helpfulness of the article, you'll be prompted to fill out a feedback form. Now I don't know where the feedback goes from there, but i'm hopeful it lands up in someone's inbox, which seems like it would be more effective than a thread lost in these forums.

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26769/kw/controller%20support

I have suggested via this feedback form that I would be willing to pay extra to have native gamepad support with the same user interface which will be available on the consoles. I think that is preferable to transferring my account to a console and then having to deal with all the inadequacies of these systems compared to PC (inferior graphics, longer loading times, no add-ons, lack of player communication due to most players not using keyboards, etc), all just to be able to relax on the couch playing on the television. What would be even worse is if players switch to a console, being to enjoy playing with a controller, and then controller support is added to the PC version but we are not provided with the means to transfer back to PC.

Ok, I gave them an earful, for what it's worth.

Sylveria_Relden

pecheckler wrote: »

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

To answer your question- it doesn't "negatively" affect me (or anyone else for that matter) if controller support is added, *however* if it interferes with the current controls for keyboards and mice on a PC (forcing them to go through some obscure emulation layer, like Inquisition does) then we'll definitely have a problem. My point is, if it ain't "broke" don't "fix" it.

So here's my question- why can't you wait for the console version to be released then just play it with a controller on the console? Why does the PC version *have* to be modified for controllers now? Why is it always about adding controller support to PC's but never the opposite?

Some like their coffee black, some like it with cream and sugar. Some prefer tea. Why can't there just be different platforms and that be OK?

I already answered that question about not wanting to switch to consoles. Read my post. (inferior graphics, longer loading times, no add-ons, lack of player communication due to most players not using keyboards, etc

Also, if there was controller emulation used for keyboard and mouse controls, or vice versa, keyboard and mouse controls used for controller emulation, well.... Zenimax would just be dumb. Very very dumb. There are hundreds of PC games with NATIVE support for multiple inputs types, with unique user interfaces for both. I very much doubt that would happen. And if it did, it would be the mouse and keyboard which is emulated. I think you have nothing to fear there.

OK, I'll concede with your points- only if they retain the current system without dumbing down the UI, stripping features, or forcing an input emulation system in order to accommodate such controls.

Sure it would be stupid- but not unthinkable, as I made in my point regarding Inquisition. The reason they can't "fix" controls in that game is because they lied about programming for PC and instead made it more responsive with controllers- k/m support was added on as an afterthought (how many developer vids have you seen with them using keyboards and mice to play?) and they got caught at it. Not trying to derail the thread here- just making sure you understand why I'm so adamantly opposed to changing things for controllers when it already "works" just fine on PC the way it is.

I'm all for variety- what I'm not for is the current console pidgeonholing that's going on (which is why SkyUI ended up being developed for Skyrim, etc.) and I'm going to fight THAT tooth and nail.

Chuggernaut

Skyrim, Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas have great controller or keyboard+mouse play options. I get that some older players are married to the keyboard+mouse combo (a bunch of the people I play with), and if they add controller support you wont have to cheat on them if you don't want too.

I guess the main thing that would be nice is if Zeni released what they are thinking for this update?

pecheckler

Chuggernaut wrote: »

I guess the main thing that would be nice is if Zeni released what they are thinking for this update?

That would be nice, but I think estimated release dates are equally important. That way players can decide which platform they select for long-term play.

The example I gave of switching to console (via account-copy service) so players could enjoy controller support, and then being unable to switch back to PC once PC gets the same UI and controller support options would be a horrible place to be in. Since accounts are not cross-platform, and there's no service to switch from console to PC, those players would be stuck.

darthbelanb14_ESO

Another horse that just won't die.

There are plenty of bugs and issues that need to be worked on before they even think about adding unnecessary controller support for the PC.

Wintersage

Been playing with a controller since day 1. Badly.

I figured out many moons ago that there was never going to be any native controller support for the PC (despite many and persistant rumors to the contrary) so I've been debating about playing on the xbox for a while, now. The two real sticking points are the people I've met here, and no addons.

Chuggernaut wrote: »

I get that some older players are married to the keyboard+mouse combo

This made me giggle. Being old enough to remember gaming in days before the controller, I won't ever go back to keyboard gaming.

Valymer

If the game required more strategery, the mouse/keyboard combo would be required.

As it is primarily a button mashfest a la Dynasty Warriors, a controller is plenty good enough. If you are used to using a controller, there is absolutely nothing that you cannot currently do in game without one.

Well, except chat of course. And I generally use the mouse for crafting, selling, etc. It's just faster.

pecheckler

darthbelanb14_ESO wrote: »

Another horse that just won't die.

There are plenty of bugs and issues that need to be worked on before they even think about adding unnecessary controller support for the PC.

How can you say that knowing controller support and an appropriate UI has been in development for a year for consoles? The amount of effort to add it to PC would be minimal at this point. And Zenimax has already gone as far to state "they are exploring options for adding controller support to the PC", which means they are long past thinking about it. Please take your negativity elsewhere. You don't speak for the many PC players who want for this feature, most of whom do not want to switch to a console platform.

Varicite

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

I'm actually kind of glad they ignore feedback regarding "controllers on PC" because PC's weren't originally designed with controllers in mind for input until much, much later.

EA/Bioware screwed over PC players with their foremost focus on controllers with Inquisition (and it shows when you play with mouse and keyboard) and I've no interest whatsoever in ZOS making a mess of THIS game by doing so, either.

Keep the controllers on the consoles where the belong. *drops in 2 septims*

FYI this isn't about "PC Master Race"- when I see being able to use a keyboard and mouse to play on consoles become a thing- then I'll agree with your opinion... so far all I've seen is the opposite.

Um, there is clearly already a working keyboard / mouse scheme for ESO.

I think the OP is just asking for controller support, which the devs have said they'd like to do in the past, not to take away your kb/m...

I can never understand the people who permeate this forum w/ their "I like to play this way, so EVERYBODY ELSE MUST ALSO PLAY THIS WAY" attitude. Get over yourself...

StaticWax

Would be nice for those of us with the Nvidia Shield.

Seriously, why is this not a thing?

Celless

I think if I could make the interface to work via keyboard commands alone, would be okay with emulating gamepad controls. As someone said, selling / inventory management does take more time by comparison.

darthbelanb14_ESO wrote: »

Another horse that just won't die.

There are plenty of bugs and issues that need to be worked on before they even think about adding unnecessary controller support for the PC.

Dread the day where your body can't use keyboard and mouse for an hour with your former dominant hand. Where no surgery or brace will help you. And an ergonomic workstation can extend your time, but it won't make the discomfort go away (not just a 'gaming mouse' but the whole setup. But you still want to play a PC game with PC only features, preferably without being in pain at the end of the session or all night.

liammozzb16_ESO

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

I'm actually kind of glad they ignore feedback regarding "controllers on PC" because PC's weren't originally designed with controllers in mind for input until much, much later.

EA/Bioware screwed over PC players with their foremost focus on controllers with Inquisition (and it shows when you play with mouse and keyboard) and I've no interest whatsoever in ZOS making a mess of THIS game by doing so, either.

Keep the controllers on the consoles where the belong. *drops in 2 septims*

FYI this isn't about "PC Master Race"- when I see being able to use a keyboard and mouse to play on consoles become a thing- then I'll agree with your opinion... so far all I've seen is the opposite.

On the ps4 war thunder, DCUO and Final Fantasy online all have mouse and keyboard options.

Varicite

liammozzb16_ESO wrote: »

Sylveria_Relden wrote: »

I'm actually kind of glad they ignore feedback regarding "controllers on PC" because PC's weren't originally designed with controllers in mind for input until much, much later.

EA/Bioware screwed over PC players with their foremost focus on controllers with Inquisition (and it shows when you play with mouse and keyboard) and I've no interest whatsoever in ZOS making a mess of THIS game by doing so, either.

Keep the controllers on the consoles where the belong. *drops in 2 septims*

FYI this isn't about "PC Master Race"- when I see being able to use a keyboard and mouse to play on consoles become a thing- then I'll agree with your opinion... so far all I've seen is the opposite.

On the ps4 war thunder, DCUO and Final Fantasy online all have mouse and keyboard options.

I played FFXI on console and PS2 for about 6 years. It's definitely doable if a game is set up for it.

And FFXI UI was, well, terrible.. so if it can work there....

Zeri

i would very much like to see controller support. im an 'old' gamer and im used to a controller. plus im a lefty and keyboards just are not set up for me. everything is backwards. even when i change the keybinds to the other side, things are kinda awkward. i think my reaction time would be better as well. im tend to stumble around the keyboard sometimes, trying to remember what buttons do what lol

liammozzb16_ESO

Zeri wrote: »

i would very much like to see controller support. im an 'old' gamer and im used to a controller. plus im a lefty and keyboards just are not set up for me. everything is backwards. even when i change the keybinds to the other side, things are kinda awkward. i think my reaction time would be better as well. im tend to stumble around the keyboard sometimes, trying to remember what buttons do what lol

That's how I feel people say M&K is so much better but to me it's not.

If I had a penny every time I press 3 instead of 2 and turn my armour spell I would be a millionaire and don't get me started on the frustration of using my ultimate instead of looting because I pressed R instead of E.

I never have those problems with a pad.

Nyghthowler

liammozzb16_ESO wrote: »

Zeri wrote: »

i would very much like to see controller support. im an 'old' gamer and im used to a controller. plus im a lefty and keyboards just are not set up for me. everything is backwards. even when i change the keybinds to the other side, things are kinda awkward. i think my reaction time would be better as well. im tend to stumble around the keyboard sometimes, trying to remember what buttons do what lol

That's how I feel people say M&K is so much better but to me it's not.

If I had a penny every time I press 3 instead of 2 and turn my armour spell I would be a millionaire and don't get me started on the frustration of using my ultimate instead of looting because I pressed R instead of E.

I never have those problems with a pad.

I remapped my Ultimate to the 6 key to avoid doing that.

Deheart

For me,
If there is a game on pc without native controller support, and a version on console, I find the console version easier to play.

No matter what people say, the classic pc keyboard/mouse combo were not originally designed for the type of functions that gaming requires. I'm talking about the keyboard layout vs hand placements,. For me the W A S D keys which are usually used for movement on most modern games, are misaligned and in an awkward position on the keyboard. Then there is the whole trying to move while simultaneously hitting number buttons.

People say, get a gaming mouse/keyboard and program it the way you want instead of complaining about lack of controller support. I say, if you want to get one, that is great, you are able to use something comfortably that even after several years, still feels awkward to me for gaming. Adding more buttons or the ability to program the mouse/keyboard doesn't change anything for me, it is still a keyboard and mouse.

That is why I personally want controller support. Once it comes out on PS4 I probably will basically abandon the PC/mac version unless the PC/Mac version gets controller support.

Valymer

Deheart wrote: »

For me,
If there is a game on pc without native controller support, and a version on console, I find the console version easier to play.

No matter what people say, the classic pc keyboard/mouse combo were not originally designed for the type of functions that gaming requires. I'm talking about the keyboard layout vs hand placements,. For me the W A S D keys which are usually used for movement on most modern games, are misaligned and in an awkward position on the keyboard. Then there is the whole trying to move while simultaneously hitting number buttons.

People say, get a gaming mouse/keyboard and program it the way you want instead of complaining about lack of controller support. I say, if you want to get one, that is great, you are able to use something comfortably that even after several years, still feels awkward to me for gaming. Adding more buttons or the ability to program the mouse/keyboard doesn't change anything for me, it is still a keyboard and mouse.

That is why I personally want controller support. Once it comes out on PS4 I probably will basically abandon the PC/mac version unless the PC/Mac version gets controller support.

You can already get all the support you need from a $10 program. (there may even be a free one out there)

I'd still like native support, too, but there is no reason to switch to console just so that you can use a console controller. You can already do that. If you want to switch for other reasons as well, then that is a different story.

Deheart

Oh, forgot to mention those, I have Controller Mate for mac, its a mess trying to get it to work with ESO since there are no proper profiles out there for my PS3 controller.

Also I can tell the difference between native controller support and simulated external controller support, and the simulated mouse controller that all those programs have are almost always clumsy.

About 6-7 months ago I did have a program working on my roommates desktop that was pretty good that I programmed the settings my self, but he moved out and I forgot to save the settings and forgot which program. And the Pinnical program layout just sucked when I tried it about a month and a half ago.

Valymer

Deheart wrote: »

Oh, forgot to mention those, I have Controller Mate for mac, its a mess trying to get it to work with ESO since there are no proper profiles out there for my PS3 controller.

Also I can tell the difference between native controller support and simulated external controller support, and the simulated mouse controller that all those programs have are almost always clumsy.

About 6-7 months ago I did have a program working on my roommates desktop that was pretty good that I programmed the settings my self, but he moved out and I forgot to save the settings and forgot which program. And the Pinnical program layout just sucked when I tried it about a month and a half ago.

Mac huh...disregard what I said then

Xpadder works like a dream for me on Windows 7.

pecheckler

Deheart wrote: »

Oh, forgot to mention those, I have Controller Mate for mac, its a mess trying to get it to work with ESO since there are no proper profiles out there for my PS3 controller.

Also I can tell the difference between native controller support and simulated external controller support, and the simulated mouse controller that all those programs have are almost always clumsy.

About 6-7 months ago I did have a program working on my roommates desktop that was pretty good that I programmed the settings my self, but he moved out and I forgot to save the settings and forgot which program. And the Pinnical program layout just sucked when I tried it about a month and a half ago.

Clumsy is an understatement when it comes to mouse and keyboard emulation possible with ESO. I'm an expert at pinnacle profile creation, having submitted a couple dozen highly rated profiles to the pinnacle community. The most similar is guild wars 2. I started with my GW2 profile, adapted it for ESO, and used the StrateJacket Controller Support add-on (with custom bindings). Spent about 20 hours on the setup , then a few weeks playing with it, starting with a new character. It was simply an unsatisfactory experience.

I cannot wait to see how the console version of ESO handles with a controller. There's a lot of potential there for a more comfortable gameplay experience than what we have on PC. Doesn't mean i'll switch to console, but I may if I don't see gamepad support for PC before the deadline for account-copy service to the console version.

liammozzb16_ESO

pecheckler wrote: »

Deheart wrote: »

Oh, forgot to mention those, I have Controller Mate for mac, its a mess trying to get it to work with ESO since there are no proper profiles out there for my PS3 controller.

Also I can tell the difference between native controller support and simulated external controller support, and the simulated mouse controller that all those programs have are almost always clumsy.

About 6-7 months ago I did have a program working on my roommates desktop that was pretty good that I programmed the settings my self, but he moved out and I forgot to save the settings and forgot which program. And the Pinnical program layout just sucked when I tried it about a month and a half ago.

Clumsy is an understatement when it comes to mouse and keyboard emulation possible with ESO. I'm an expert at pinnacle profile creation, having submitted a couple dozen highly rated profiles to the pinnacle community. The most similar is guild wars 2. I started with my GW2 profile, adapted it for ESO, and used the StrateJacket Controller Support add-on (with custom bindings). Spent about 20 hours on the setup , then a few weeks playing with it, starting with a new character. It was simply an unsatisfactory experience.

I cannot wait to see how the console version of ESO handles with a controller. There's a lot of potential there for a more comfortable gameplay experience than what we have on PC. Doesn't mean i'll switch to console, but I may if I don't see gamepad support for PC before the deadline for account-copy service to the console version.

The mouse pad on the ps4 will make things a lot easier for them.

tonyglissonb14_ESO

Pinnacle Game Profiler FTW.

I would rather they did not implement controller use as i much prefer my mapping that I made using pinnacle.

Do not want what I have setup messed with.

Valymer

tonyglissonb14_ESO wrote: »

Pinnacle Game Profiler FTW.

I would rather they did not implement controller use as i much prefer my mapping that I made using pinnacle.

Do not want what I have setup messed with.

Why would their implementation interfere with your third-party solution? That doesn't make sense at all.

tonyglissonb14_ESO

It has happened, mainly in shooters tho Call of duty advanced warfare was the last offender to deal with.

pecheckler

tonyglissonb14_ESO wrote: »

Pinnacle Game Profiler FTW.

I would rather they did not implement controller use as i much prefer my mapping that I made using pinnacle.

Do not want what I have setup messed with.

You've gotta be the tenth person I've seen a similar response from. Why on Earth do folks expect the addition of an additional control scheme and UI to interfere with how the game currently runs for everyone?