Keyboard support for console (among other suggestions)

Peekachu99

We've all had a look at the PS4 UI at this point. I think that ZM are missing a few critical points with regards to the console audience. First, these people value simplicity and ease of use over fiddling with hardware, menus and settings. I think that the UI captures some of this ethos, however, my largest concern was the recent--semi stealthy--update from the developer corner that stated that the console UI would NOT come with keyboard (or mouse) support.

This is a major reversal from what has been promised over the past year. Now, the largest concern here is that the only way to reliably make groups in ESO these days seems to be spamming chat. Without the interface to do so, how will people successfully form parties for group combat? Is there an overhaul to the LFG panel coming? Something that has: more options, multiple dungeons that can be selected, and role restrictions? As it stands, with the tools for communication that are being presented, ZM is sending the console version out to die. Especially when each console already has thriving MMORPGs with refined interfaces and easy to use grouping tools (FFXIV, DCUO, Neverwinter).

Developers need to realize that if you hobble the ease of use for a console player, they simply won't play the game. Period. They'll pop over to CoD, any of the MMORPGs that I mentioned or any other lobby based and easy to que for game.

PKMN12

Indifferent

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

besides, they have already said they tried to put it in, for all you know, they were having some problems with it and that is why they gave up.

Also, are you sure they will not have an LFG? not having one seems like you are WANTING the game to fail at this point in MMO history.

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

Bleh, can't edit my post or poll. However, I'd prefer an option #5 with keyboard support AND a working LFG. The LFG is crucial. Console players just won't bother if they're waiting forever. And doing so in silence, I assume? I mean they wouldn't just have open voice chat. That would be an epic cluster-f***

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

Are you kidding me? Log into an actual console MMORPG and you see nothing but LFG spam. I know that for a fact on DCUO and FFXIV. A good deal of console folk that play MMORPGs have standardized the practice of communicating via text. Do you own or play a console MMO?

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

besides, they have already said they tried to put it in, for all you know, they were having some problems with it and that is why they gave up.

Also, are you sure they will not have an LFG? not having one seems like you are WANTING the game to fail at this point in MMO history.

I rather enjoy ESO and rather than white knighting, you may want to pay attention to what hasn't been said. There is an absolute scarcity of information surrounding the console versions, which are due out in less than 2 months. Its not the consumer's job to pester ZM for information regarding their product that they wish to sell us. Transparency is key.

We have a video of a UI that shows nothing of group functionality. We have a ZM representative coming on record to say that KB support AND chat support outside of using text input for auctions and such, is OUT. Period. Questions of how groups are formed in absence of a chat channel and an ability to input communicative text of any kind are therefor raised. What is so hard to understand about that? Please read the PS4 UI thread and responses before continuing to contribute to this discussion.

NewBlacksmurf

No to KB support

I believe it should not be implemented.
Only being able to view the older PS4 UI video from a while back the UI and earlier comments from ZOS about not having a lot of things on the screen to me is what interested me in the game.

Voice chat was a BIG win
Controller support is HUgE

And to those who feel that zone chat is needed...on PC its not used for much other than to recruit, trade, lfg, spam or troll others. That type of stuff takes away from the experience they are trying to provide.

In comparison think of Diablo 3 on PC vs consoles.
Yeah it's a different game but particularly I'm talking about the chat text being removed which creates a better experience

Limiting and even removing zone chat places support for players to use the systems in place like other people, guilds and existing or new relationships which tend to establish and support a better economy overall.

Neverwinter is another example but in reverse on Xbox One
The game tried to offer controller support and text to chat in a zone, multichannel way but on the Xbox one is very seldom my used and extremely inefficient as a controller requires two hands

I believe the right choice is not to have keyboard chat support at all

PKMN12

Indifferent

Peekachu99 wrote: »

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

Are you kidding me? Log into an actual console MMORPG and you see nothing but LFG spam. I know that for a fact on DCUO and FFXIV. A good deal of console folk that play MMORPGs have standardized the practice of communicating via text. Do you own or play a console MMO?

on FF14, the main thing you see is the predetermined words that you can say from a list.

Also, ever hear of random dungeon grouping, you know, the thing that EVERY decent MMO in EXISTENCE has........

Kalifas

Yes to KB support

PKMN12 wrote: »

Peekachu99 wrote: »

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

Are you kidding me? Log into an actual console MMORPG and you see nothing but LFG spam. I know that for a fact on DCUO and FFXIV. A good deal of console folk that play MMORPGs have standardized the practice of communicating via text. Do you own or play a console MMO?

on FF14, the main thing you see is the predetermined words that you can say from a list.

Also, ever hear of random dungeon grouping, you know, the thing that EVERY decent MMO in EXISTENCE has........

Yeah and ARR has random grouping in addition to invite grouping too.

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

PKMN12 wrote: »

Peekachu99 wrote: »

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

Are you kidding me? Log into an actual console MMORPG and you see nothing but LFG spam. I know that for a fact on DCUO and FFXIV. A good deal of console folk that play MMORPGs have standardized the practice of communicating via text. Do you own or play a console MMO?

on FF14, the main thing you see is the predetermined words that you can say from a list.

Also, ever hear of random dungeon grouping, you know, the thing that EVERY decent MMO in EXISTENCE has........

FFXIV has a flawlessly working Party Finder, that groups by ilvl and role. ESO has some antiquated, spastic I-don't-know-what-to-call-it. Other than "bad". ESO needs either a chat interface, or a grouping system that works. Even Destiny, which has limited chatting, has a pretty slick grouping tool for (non raid, but still 4 man and PVP) parties.

Heromofo

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

I don't know any console users who would even consider using keyboards and mouses. I personally prefer controller over all even with a 3000 dollar tower i just prefer controllers. So i think we will be fine as long as the lfg is fixed and done properly.

Audigy

Yes to KB support

I find it weird and pretty much unplayable without a mouse or keyboard. How is someone supposed to aim properly, how to communicate with strangers or join guilds?
If someone meets someone, how do they communicate? Not everyone has TS or in the console versions these communication devices, so this seems like a horrible experience to me.

That said, consoles for me only play a role in sports & fun games - but anything besides that seems misplaced, no offence to the console guys

originalbars

Yes to KB support

PKMN12 wrote: »

um, sorry to burst your bubble, but most console players do not even have a keyboard EVER connected to their console, let alone believe it to be a must.

besides, they have already said they tried to put it in, for all you know, they were having some problems with it and that is why they gave up.

Also, are you sure they will not have an LFG? not having one seems like you are WANTING the game to fail at this point in MMO history.

Maybe the majority of console players dont have a keyboard hooked up (PS4 sold over 20 million to use as example) However the majority of FFXIV players on PS4/PS3 that share their game with the PC have keybpards hooked up.

Why would we cater to the total install base of the PS4 instead of the people that buy ESO/MMOs? Ofcourse Call of Duty players wont have keyboards, but people serious about MMO's would.

The first part of your reply is an assumption at best, as most of my friends and clan mates do in fact have or have used USB keyboards in various games before, some even to send PSN messages.

Maldrix

Yes to KB support

I'm a little confused about the situation.
Is it that the console version of ESO does not support keyboards for typing, or that there is NO text chat at all?

If there is text chat but using the ps4's/xbones build in on screen keyboard I am fine with that, a little disappointed because I DO prefer typing with a keyboard, but as long as I could still type to talk to people I would be fine.

No text chat as all Would be REALLY silly for an mmo, when so many situations call for it when trying to talk over long distances or to so many people that voice chat wouldn't work.

I can understand if they don't want keyboard and mouse for general play to keep everyone on a level playing field, but I'm sure me and many others would appreciate being able to use it for something like zone chat....If zone chat is even in, I'm so confused...

Please please PLEASE tell me I am reading it wrong and there is still text chat just with the console onscreen keyboard, I would be super shocked and annoyed at their choice if there isn't.

Dragnelus

When I had a ps4 and destiny I formed groups on the official for raids added alot of friends. /w them or voice chat invt for when I needed help. Raids we always did with voicechat.

Ser Lobo

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

My typical experience at the moment with forming groups for raid content in Destiny, or dungeons in Neverwinter.

- Grab anybody on my friends list who's playing, invite to party, ask them if they want to do a run.
- If we're still short, one of us takes the job of farming a pick-up, usually using Reddit or some other third-party site like DestinyLFG, where players list what they want to do and what level they are, experience, etc.
- Invite the potential pick-up to party. If they don't have a mic, kick them. If they do have a mic, launch the raid.
- If they do well and we had fun, invite them to friends list to raid with some other day.

With our individual lists of friends, most times I can invite one or two of my friends, and they have one or two on that I don't know but that they vouch for. We all talk and communicate via voice, though on rare occasions with broken mics someone may listen and message. Raids and dungeons go smoothly, often take at most 20 minutes to form, and we have good fun.

Never is a keyboard involved, and rarely is the on-screen keyboard used. I will admit that microphone and voice chat seems to be more of a focus on Xbox One than maybe it is on PlayStation, which would explain why PS users may feel more reliant on a keyboard. But that's just me guessing. I can only really tell you my experiences.



The grouping/queueing mechanics in this game are, in my opinion, the absolute worst part of the game. They are so bad they actually ruin an otherwise great experience, from groups bugging out to a rarely used LFG tool, to no queue options for pick-up content (read low level dungeons, etc). Its a serious failing in an otherwise great game.

Expanding and growing that would REALLY help ESO. Especially if they implemented pick-up group queuing to simplify players getting into content, and made the entire menu a matter of easily selecting the features from an on-screen menu ... instead of relying on spaming local chat.

ZOS taking a moment to see what other CONSOLE games do with grouping and mimicing some of those features would probably go a long way to the accessibilty and ease of use of the game as a whole.

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

Maldrix wrote: »

I'm a little confused about the situation.
Is it that the console version of ESO does not support keyboards for typing, or that there is NO text chat at all?

If there is text chat but using the ps4's/xbones build in on screen keyboard I am fine with that, a little disappointed because I DO prefer typing with a keyboard, but as long as I could still type to talk to people I would be fine.

No text chat as all Would be REALLY silly for an mmo, when so many situations call for it when trying to talk over long distances or to so many people that voice chat wouldn't work.

I can understand if they don't want keyboard and mouse for general play to keep everyone on a level playing field, but I'm sure me and many others would appreciate being able to use it for something like zone chat....If zone chat is even in, I'm so confused...

Please please PLEASE tell me I am reading it wrong and there is still text chat just with the console onscreen keyboard, I would be super shocked and annoyed at their choice if there isn't.

There is no chat or text interface at all, anywhere, for communication purposes. As of yet, we have no idea how groups are formed other than through the current--horrid and borderline unusable--LFG panel. This game is not Diablo or a lobby based multiplayer game like Destiny. Its competing with FFXIV, Neverwinter and DCUO all of which have fully functional LFG tools AND the ability to communicate with others in game via a text input panel.

ESO needs at least one of the aforementioned, or the console versions are DoA. I understand the need for developers to keep a certain "feel" or minimalist theme to their design, however, as its 2015, certain conveniences and expectations just exist for MMORPGs. Struggling to group and communicating with limited tools does not seem like something with which players should have to contend. Why make your game less accessible? Who does that serve?

Maldrix

Yes to KB support

Peekachu99 wrote: »

There is no chat or text interface at all, anywhere, for communication purposes.

Yeah see, thats silly, I have seen people comparing this to things like GTA Online and Destiny when they are REALLY nothing alike.

I don't know if this is Zenimax attempt to sell the game to console players as a single player Elder Scrolls Gme with some optional group missions or what.
It REALLY seems like thats what they are trying to do to me, but they shouldn't, they should embrace the fact that its an mmo.
Like I said above I don't even care if they don't have keyboard support for it, but I still want to have the OPTION to type in chat, the ps4's onscreen keyboard would be fine, works in the other mmo's on the system.

Headset out of battery, selling something, mute, shy, looking to quickly grab someone for some group content, need help with a world boss, a quick question, text chat helps with all these things and whether you use it or not helps BUILD the community.
I don't know if the people saying an mmo is fine without something like zone chat have never played an mmo or what, but even if you personally don't like it for whatever reason, it should still be there for the (what I'm sure is many more) players you do. That makes everyone happy, those who like it can use it, those who don't can switch it off.

Its just a super odd choice and I really hope they hear the feedback and change it, and also address why they are doing it like this in the first place.

Ser Lobo

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

A single player game with group content?

Hahaha .. that's exactly what I'm hoping ESO on consoles will be. Considering how buggered their group mechanics are as far as phasing restrictions and the lack of difficulty in most content, it might work beautifully that way.

Considering that I remember ZOS talking about their ideals for the game since before beta began, and how they were trying to avoid the MMO mindset with no cooldowns or scrolling numbers, etc? I think we might see a clearer, purer version of their game.

I like the bridge between the great single-player series and the multiplayer world. I can't really admit that I'm looking forward to another MMO, even though I feel MMO's have a perfect environment on consoles if players can hurdle the different in hardware and socialization requirements.

Just my opinion. As you can guess, I've got high hopes that ESO is NOT an MMO. I used to love MMO's, but after all the spam, guild infighting, friends migrating and disappearing in other games, recruitment drives, pro-raid mindsets, etc? MMO's just aren't as fun or entertaining as they once were. Now they are more or less tedious, and far too akin to the day job I do every day.

NewBlacksmurf

No to KB support

Peekachu99 wrote: »

Maldrix wrote: »

I'm a little confused about the situation.
Is it that the console version of ESO does not support keyboards for typing, or that there is NO text chat at all?

If there is text chat but using the ps4's/xbones build in on screen keyboard I am fine with that, a little disappointed because I DO prefer typing with a keyboard, but as long as I could still type to talk to people I would be fine.

No text chat as all Would be REALLY silly for an mmo, when so many situations call for it when trying to talk over long distances or to so many people that voice chat wouldn't work.

I can understand if they don't want keyboard and mouse for general play to keep everyone on a level playing field, but I'm sure me and many others would appreciate being able to use it for something like zone chat....If zone chat is even in, I'm so confused...

Please please PLEASE tell me I am reading it wrong and there is still text chat just with the console onscreen keyboard, I would be super shocked and annoyed at their choice if there isn't.

There is no chat or text interface at all, anywhere, for communication purposes. As of yet, we have no idea how groups are formed other than through the current--horrid and borderline unusable--LFG panel. This game is not Diablo or a lobby based multiplayer game like Destiny. Its competing with FFXIV, Neverwinter and DCUO all of which have fully functional LFG tools AND the ability to communicate with others in game via a text input panel.

ESO needs at least one of the aforementioned, or the console versions are DoA. I understand the need for developers to keep a certain "feel" or minimalist theme to their design, however, as its 2015, certain conveniences and expectations just exist for MMORPGs. Struggling to group and communicating with limited tools does not seem like something with which players should have to contend. Why make your game less accessible? Who does that serve?

Don't make assumptions as that was not confirmed. It was only confirmed that a keyboard is not supported for use as text to chat but it then does confirm a keyboard does work for text entry fields.

If you've played NeverWinter on Xbox One this is the same thing

Naivefanboi

Yes to KB support

Just want clear up 1 thing, zone chat is still gonna be there.
Yes thats right zone chat with no usb keyboard support, gotta type it on gamepad cause .... #logic
They also should just add mouse support while they are at it, nothing wrong with a back up plan, FF can do it, eso can too lol
Heres an email from support zone chat will still be in the game. Which is good cause thats where i buy/sell everything and
Form groups for trials/pledges
Thank you for contacting The Elder Scrolls team with your query regarding using the function /zone on console.

As far as we know, this function should be available, though I guess it will take some time to type your message through the notepad. Did you know there will be some voice command as well?
There will be further announcement on the specificities and function available for console closer to launch. Please remember to check our site on regular basis:

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

A single player game with group content?

Hahaha .. that's exactly what I'm hoping ESO on consoles will be. Considering how buggered their group mechanics are as far as phasing restrictions and the lack of difficulty in most content, it might work beautifully that way.

Considering that I remember ZOS talking about their ideals for the game since before beta began, and how they were trying to avoid the MMO mindset with no cooldowns or scrolling numbers, etc? I think we might see a clearer, purer version of their game.

I like the bridge between the great single-player series and the multiplayer world. I can't really admit that I'm looking forward to another MMO, even though I feel MMO's have a perfect environment on consoles if players can hurdle the different in hardware and socialization requirements.

Just my opinion. As you can guess, I've got high hopes that ESO is NOT an MMO. I used to love MMO's, but after all the spam, guild infighting, friends migrating and disappearing in other games, recruitment drives, pro-raid mindsets, etc? MMO's just aren't as fun or entertaining as they once were. Now they are more or less tedious, and far too akin to the day job I do every day.

Zone chat is still there also the main storyline is only for 1 player, because story characters fill your party.
It is an mmo they have raiding, trading, and pvp. Hopfully you can get over the chat log, u can toggle it off.enjoy eso.

Maldrix

Yes to KB support

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

A single player game with group content?

Hahaha .. that's exactly what I'm hoping ESO on consoles will be. Considering how buggered their group mechanics are as far as phasing restrictions and the lack of difficulty in most content, it might work beautifully that way.

Considering that I remember ZOS talking about their ideals for the game since before beta began, and how they were trying to avoid the MMO mindset with no cooldowns or scrolling numbers, etc? I think we might see a clearer, purer version of their game.

I like the bridge between the great single-player series and the multiplayer world. I can't really admit that I'm looking forward to another MMO, even though I feel MMO's have a perfect environment on consoles if players can hurdle the different in hardware and socialization requirements.

Just my opinion. As you can guess, I've got high hopes that ESO is NOT an MMO. I used to love MMO's, but after all the spam, guild infighting, friends migrating and disappearing in other games, recruitment drives, pro-raid mindsets, etc? MMO's just aren't as fun or entertaining as they once were. Now they are more or less tedious, and far too akin to the day job I do every day.

But thats the thing, it IS an mmo.
It may move away from some of the more "classic" MMO mechanics like clicking an enemy, standing still and going through a certain rotation till it dies, which is good, MMO's SHOULD move away from this and become more action orientated, and plenty already have, but just like those other games, at the end of the day its still an MMO, and it should accommodate as such.

Its not like its some big outlandish ask, some impossible task that would be inconceivable on console hardware.
It's just text chat, something that should be in an MMO, something that IS currently in this MMO, just seemingly being removed for no reason.
If there are those like yourself who seem to not want it, then the option to turn it off will be there, nothing is lost for you, bot to those who like myself do want it, its a big loss, something that most of us would consider a standard and heavily used function from the game, for no purpose.


Anyway, I don't know if we are getting ahead of ourselves or not, although it TOTALLY looks like there is no text chat at all, there seems to be enough doubt that this may just be a big misunderstanding, hopefully one that is cleared up once and for all soon.

NewBlacksmurf

No to KB support

There is a quote seemingly from a player contacting customer service...

It sounds like the assumption of no keyboard to text chat is not a confirmation that zone chat will not exist.
It also sounds like there are some form of voice commands so let's all just wait for the announcement details.

Naivefanboi

Yes to KB support

Maldrix wrote: »

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

A single player game with group content?

Hahaha .. that's exactly what I'm hoping ESO on consoles will be. Considering how buggered their group mechanics are as far as phasing restrictions and the lack of difficulty in most content, it might work beautifully that way.

Considering that I remember ZOS talking about their ideals for the game since before beta began, and how they were trying to avoid the MMO mindset with no cooldowns or scrolling numbers, etc? I think we might see a clearer, purer version of their game.

I like the bridge between the great single-player series and the multiplayer world. I can't really admit that I'm looking forward to another MMO, even though I feel MMO's have a perfect environment on consoles if players can hurdle the different in hardware and socialization requirements.

Just my opinion. As you can guess, I've got high hopes that ESO is NOT an MMO. I used to love MMO's, but after all the spam, guild infighting, friends migrating and disappearing in other games, recruitment drives, pro-raid mindsets, etc? MMO's just aren't as fun or entertaining as they once were. Now they are more or less tedious, and far too akin to the day job I do every day.

But thats the thing, it IS an mmo.
It may move away from some of the more "classic" MMO mechanics like clicking an enemy, standing still and going through a certain rotation till it dies, which is good, MMO's SHOULD move away from this and become more action orientated, and plenty already have, but just like those other games, at the end of the day its still an MMO, and it should accommodate as such.

Its not like its some big outlandish ask, some impossible task that would be inconceivable on console hardware.
It's just text chat, something that should be in an MMO, something that IS currently in this MMO, just seemingly being removed for no reason.
If there are those like yourself who seem to not want it, then the option to turn it off will be there, nothing is lost for you, bot to those who like myself do want it, its a big loss, something that most of us would consider a standard and heavily used function from the game, for no purpose.


Anyway, I don't know if we are getting ahead of ourselves or not, although it TOTALLY looks like there is no text chat at all, there seems to be enough doubt that this may just be a big misunderstanding, hopefully one that is cleared up once and for all soon.

Thank you for contacting The Elder Scrolls team with your query regarding using the function /zone on console.

As far as we know, this function should be available, though I guess it will take some time to type your message through the notepad. Did you know there will be some voice command as well?
There will be further announcement on the specificities and function available for console closer to launch. Please remember to check our site on regular basis:

Zone chat has not been removed.

Ser Lobo

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

What would we define an MMO as? Ahh, that's a very old debate. I'll clarify my opinion on how I feel ESO should differ itself from other MMO's on the market.

- Control scheme: Most MMO's from the age of UO till today have relied on keyboards and mice to function. This doesn't just include combat, but also socialization and many system commands. /Slash commands make up a huge variety of functions. But an MMO does not have to be limited to just using a keyboard and slash commands. Recent games and console games have shown that controllers, voice commands and pop-up radial menu's can give the player a wealth of control at their fingertips.

ESO has already limited their power rotation and availability with controllers in mind. Support for radial-menu emote lists, voice commands, and even radial-menu character callouts (select an option, and your character says short phrases like 'heal me', etc) would further expand the capabilities of playing the game without a single backslash outside of breaking macro-user abusers.

- Communication: As mentioned, most MMO's provide even the most basic chat functions using text entry and keyboard, though support for dedicated voice communication has been often overlooked. Some may attribute this to customers preferring to use third-party programs such as TeamSpeak or Ventrillo, programs that allow cross-game communcation and are developed by independent companies ... freeing the MMO developer from the burden of development. Both PC and console games, on the other hand, have shown over the last decade that voice communication is often faster and superior to game-by-text.

ESO has a chance, at least with Xbox One, to show that voice communication either through local area game chat, zone chat options, or the dedicated party chat system, will allow players a unified means of communcation that is fast and dependable.

- Population Control: MMO's have traditionally gravitated to 'more players is better', either in public spaces or in group content extending to 24 man instances or over 1000 ships on the battlefield. This has given developers numerous problems in lag and server strain managing communications between so many users over so many varied hardward and internet infrastructers, that modern MMO's rarely run any better than MMO's of 20 years prior. There are more players present, but the actual practical qualtiy of gameplay has stayed the same.

With minor changes, ESO could easily embrace what many developers from other gametypes have begun to realize: less is often more. Not only is system performance easier to manage (adding better visuals and more graphical fidelity), but so is player interactions. Players who are disruptive to other peoples game environment, either through spamming abilities or trolling or hateful acts, are not as prevalent as they seem. But due to MMO's putting so many players in the same environment, the likelyhood of experiencing negative behavior is far higher.

How many players are necessary in a public space for the individual to feel like there are a lot of people in game? I feel that ESO could limit populations to a dozen in a city, and maybe four or five in a public dungeon or overworld environment, and would gain much more in performance, player satisfaction, and overall pleasure in the game.

- Grouping Mechanics: The standard MMO practice of typing /lfg in zone chat is not only outdated, it's very ineffecient. Many games use queue systems or streamline the grouping process with lobbies, taking out the middleman. The simple fact is that MMO's have tried for years to encourage socialization between players by forcing communication and initiative to be the hallmarks of group design, and while this is by no means a bad goal, games from other genre's have shown probably just as much social interaction through pick-up content being more accessible.

ESO is relying on this old-fashioned design, drawing so heavily from the golden age of MMO's. But by making content faster and more accessible, they may be more likely to encourage grouping and socialization than zone chat communication ever could. A dedicated screen and menu system, not just for looking for groups, but also for teleportation to content and quick group building, would go along way to breaking down that /lfg social barrier.



In the end, I will most likely minimize the chat box (if I can). But that's because I feel voice chat will suit me just fine. And I'm not particularly interested in ZOS removing the chat box, or keyboard functionality, simply because I'm not interested in it.

I do feel that PC players who migrate over may be sorely disappointed and feel that the game is 'empty' and nobody socializes, simply because few others may end up using zone chat while so many just walk on by talking with friends over voice. But that's probably going to happen no matter what ZOS decides, as the mentality between console gamers and pc gamers is pretty strongly divergent on the issue of communications.

JamilaRaj

No to KB support

I think keyboards should be removed from PCs as well. They are very dangerous devices, often used for hacking, posting criticism, defamatory comments or disseminating the truth. Modern computing machines therefore tend not to have any, instead they have typically touch screens that allow to interact with software only in predefined and controlled ways.

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

Naivefanboi wrote: »

Just want clear up 1 thing, zone chat is still gonna be there.
Yes thats right zone chat with no usb keyboard support, gotta type it on gamepad cause .... #logic
They also should just add mouse support while they are at it, nothing wrong with a back up plan, FF can do it, eso can too lol
Heres an email from support zone chat will still be in the game. Which is good cause thats where i buy/sell everything and
Form groups for trials/pledges
Thank you for contacting The Elder Scrolls team with your query regarding using the function /zone on console.

As far as we know, this function should be available, though I guess it will take some time to type your message through the notepad. Did you know there will be some voice command as well?
There will be further announcement on the specificities and function available for console closer to launch. Please remember to check our site on regular basis:

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

A single player game with group content?

Hahaha .. that's exactly what I'm hoping ESO on consoles will be. Considering how buggered their group mechanics are as far as phasing restrictions and the lack of difficulty in most content, it might work beautifully that way.

Considering that I remember ZOS talking about their ideals for the game since before beta began, and how they were trying to avoid the MMO mindset with no cooldowns or scrolling numbers, etc? I think we might see a clearer, purer version of their game.

I like the bridge between the great single-player series and the multiplayer world. I can't really admit that I'm looking forward to another MMO, even though I feel MMO's have a perfect environment on consoles if players can hurdle the different in hardware and socialization requirements.

Just my opinion. As you can guess, I've got high hopes that ESO is NOT an MMO. I used to love MMO's, but after all the spam, guild infighting, friends migrating and disappearing in other games, recruitment drives, pro-raid mindsets, etc? MMO's just aren't as fun or entertaining as they once were. Now they are more or less tedious, and far too akin to the day job I do every day.

Zone chat is still there also the main storyline is only for 1 player, because story characters fill your party.
It is an mmo they have raiding, trading, and pvp. Hopfully you can get over the chat log, u can toggle it off.enjoy eso.

I know that PS4 recognizes any bluetooth or USB KB as an input device, and just supplants the controller input with whatever you type. So I guess that's something. IF its actually confirmed. I'm not convinced that ZM are clear on the details themselves.

Why haven't we see A.) What these versions look like? B.) The title's various functionality and performance? The bloody game is out in just over a month on consoles.

PKMN12

Indifferent

they have already said NO, to keyoboard support, thus no matter how much you whine about it, it is not coming.

Peekachu99

Fine if a fully featured LFG panel is implemented

PKMN12 wrote: »

they have already said NO, to keyoboard support, thus no matter how much you whine about it, it is not coming.

Thank you for your constructive and courteous feedback. If you don't care for console versions or support at all, why keep wasting everyone's time and mental energy by posting in this thread? They have not emphatically said "no". If you were paying attention ZoS's responses are confusing, waffling and all over the place. A CSR just said something different on the matter today, implying that zone chat was "in." Idk wtf is happening to be honest. Neither do you, nor the developers, apparently.

Developers backpedal, redact and change features of their game constantly. The best time for them to do so is in the beta stage, which the console versions are now entering. Proposing either a functioning chat interface or a much needed, better, LFG interface (which benefits PC users, too), is not "whining".

NewBlacksmurf

No to KB support

Everyone read this link
https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26768/kw/Xbox one


WHAT CHAT SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAYERS ON CONSOLES?
Updated 04/17/2015 06:37 PM Published 01/28/2015 11:24 AM
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited will support voice chat.

Console versions of the game will also provide limited input by USB-connected keyboards for features not already supported by voice chat or controller input.

Aynesworth

Yes to KB support

I would like keyboard support on console but only for text chat / text fields. I would not like to have keyboard or mouse support for combat purposes on consoles, as it would take away from the gaming experience of those who use the more fluent & reliable analog controller.

Snowstrider

Yes to KB support

Copied from comment i made in several threads

For all anti text chat people out there,Why cant we have both? You act like if text chat gets in the game you are forced to use it,You couldnt be more wrong,WE The pro-text chat people are being forced to use voice chat,I like the voice chat but i would never remove text chat if it was my choice. We could have both,It enchances the experience and give us more options,People dont want a dumbed down version of ESO. I hope we get alot of the options that the PC has,There are people who have been looking forward to this game for a long time now and they dont want to have a inferiour versions with not enough options like the pc one.

People who payed for the game should get what they deserve,The versions shouldnt be much different from eachother,it will just create massive rage and it seems like it already has..
It splits the community even more,More then not having everyone being able to play on the same server (even if you are on different platforms like final fantasy)

I really hope ZoS listens to our feedback and realise that they just cant ignore people who maybe cant speak,cant hear good and so on,And some people may be easier talking to using text,maybe they have a accent you dont understand well,maybe they can read and write english better then they can speak ( i am one of them ) maybe some people are a little bit shy,And it will cause problems with the guild,trading and pvp chats. It will be harder to find people to group up with,Voice chat is awesome once people are in a group (if they even have headset plugged in and feel like speaking ) Oh also i forget about the RPers,It will be harder without text chat and i bet more people would just ruin their experience if they indeed try to rp with voice chat.

So ZoS Please listen to us,We just want the game to be as good as possible A good game should have plenty of options to suit peoples needs