[dev1097] Newly Added Control Config.

[Alhanelem]

I would love to see a survey. I have serious doubts about any significant number of players using keyboard / mouse only.

I don't need a survey to tell you that a majority players not on a console use the keyboard. And part of it doesn't even have anything to do with the merits of one or the other but to do with the simple fact that essentially every PC has a mouse and keyboard. A gamepad is an accessory, to be purchased if you so desire- It is not necessary or required, therefore people will only get a gamepad for a PC if they really want one.

PC gamers almost always use the mouse and keyboard. Gamepads and other more specialized devices are typically used when you want to go for the "couch experience" (though I personally have no problem using a keyboard on the couch- get a nice wireless one for this)

One of the games I still play regularly on my Wii is Monster Hunter 3. This is an online action-RPGish type game with some MMOish features. Because it actually has unrestricted chat I plug a USB keyboard into my Wii for chat- So believe me when I tell you I have experience with trying to play a game with chat with a controller and also trying to type on the keyboard- You just can't do it in a heated situation. You either need your controls to be on the keyboard or you get your arse handed to you while you type.

Is it hard to move and do macros at the same time?

Nope. Thumb on the alt key and use left pinky, fore or index finger to press 1234, right hand for the rest, while middle finger remains on the WAS or D keys (using the "compact" layout, which IMHO is far superior to FFXI's default keyboard controls- but that's just my personal taste, which comes from playing FPS/action games where WASD controls are most common). Just like playing with a controller, its something you get used to. I have a Logitech G15 keyboard with 18 macro keys on the left side, I just tap these for most of my macros instead of haivng to use a key combo- makes PUP maneuvers and pet commands a breeze. There are many other keyboards out there designed for gaming as well. You don't NEED one but the extra keys can be useful, particularly if a game binds necessary controls to unusual positions.

[FrankReynolds]

I don't need a survey to tell you that a majority players not on a console use the keyboard. And part of it doesn't even have anything to do with the merits of one or the other but to do with the simple fact that essentially every PC has a mouse and keyboard.

You do actually need a survey. This is not every other computer game. It was designed to work with a game pad and in my opinion works better with one. If you don't believe me, go look at the numerous "let's get rid of PS2/3 support" discussions and see how many people want to use a keyboard/mouse. I have friends who are literally professional gamers. Meaning that they actually make a living (albeit relatively meager IMO) off of winning lan parties and competitions etc. and feel absolutely disgusted by the idea of gaming with a clunky piece of crap controller. One of the biggest gripes I hear from them is that this game is so much easier to play with a controller. I'm talking about super geeks like this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ltORkYAdVk

A gamepad is an accessory, to be purchased if you so desire- It is not necessary or required, therefore people will only get a gamepad for a PC if they really want one.

If I had to venture a guess, I would estimate that probably 90% of all the PC players already own(ed) an xbox360 or ps2 or ps3 controller, so that's really not much of an issue. I mean even my mom has a 360 just for watching videos etc. I would hardly consider owning a game pad a FFXI specific purchase.

One of the games I still play regularly on my Wii is Monster Hunter 3. This is an online action-RPGish type game with some MMOish features. Because it actually has unrestricted chat I plug a USB keyboard into my Wii for chat- So believe me when I tell you I have experience with trying to play a game with chat with a controller and also trying to type on the keyboard- You just can't do it in a heated situation. You either need your controls to be on the keyboard or you get your arse handed to you while you type.

Imagine how fun dual-boxing would be with two keyboards on your lap.