Keyboard/chatpad pack-in bundle really needed for PS3/PS4 users.

[Malakhim]

I apologize if this has been brought up in previous threads, but I guess the level of threads on the matter would highlight a critical issue.

I don't consider myself to be an elitist by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a serious problem that really needs to be addressed if we are to actually incorporate console users of the game into the in-game community in any meaningful way: Lack of effective means of communication.

Earlier today and indeed on several occasions over the past month, I have been on many dungeon and other group runs(Brayflox Longstop in today's case) where I have run into players that strangely remain silent. These players(usually tanks) wouldn't be a problem if they knew what they were doing, but that isn't the case for the most part. I am fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Japanese, and I usually try to reach out to players in multiple languages before jumping to the conclusion that they might be some kind of bot, at which point I give them an ultimatum that I will drop from the group if they don't respond in a certain amount of time. The issue however is that often times(including today's instance), these are console players that don't have the means to communicate for whatever reason, so I am essentially accidentally ruining someone else' experience... Or at least that's what it could be seen as.

This problem however should be unacceptable. We are talking about playing a game that is dependent on social interaction and above all else, group cohesion and communication. As it stands, it is impossible to foment a healthy cross-platform community being that a large portion of the user-base simply can't(or won't) communicate during group content.

Like many different peripherals used in many consoles, the solution many console makers have used to guarantee that everyone actually has said input device(or at least operate on said assumption) is to pack it in with whatever they're selling. Does that mean they'll use it? No, but then the burden shifts to the user and not the developer. As such, I really think that Square-Enix should consider a physical bundle of the console versions of the game to include some kind of chatpad, maybe even FFXIV-branded, to try to mitigate this issue. As far as I can see with the PS4 version on the horizon becoming the most cost-effective way to play the game the way it was meant to be played, this problem is only going to be exacerbated further.

[Lawless]

The little keyboard that attaches to the ps3 controller works very well. It is also only around $25, so everyone on ps3 should pick one of those up. Its very convenient.

[Macka]

I am a console player and I had no problem with buying a keyboard. I tried to explain to other console players the benefit of having a keyboard, not only communication but the text commands and easy access to the auto translate. With that being said some just tell me they dont need a keyboard to play the game and so far I only ran into one console players that hindered my game play because of lack of a keyboard. So, I dont think SE should supply a bundle with a keyboard or chatpad when Sony supplies a bundle already with a Mic and chatpad only 19.99 usd not only that you can get a cheap keyboard cheaping then that. I would also like to point out that not one console MMO supplied you with a keyboard neither did PCs games. So, why should they start now?

The little keyboard that attaches to the ps3 controller works very well. It is also only around $25, so everyone on ps3 should pick one of those up. Its very convenient.

That chatpad is not convenient I highly recommend a real Keyboard for the full benefit.

[Zumi]

I mainly play the game on PC but I bought the game for PS3 for the times I want to play from my bed. Only do stuff like ifrit or garuda hm or casturm which doesn't require me to say anything. It is excessively annoying to type with a controller.

Problem is games on PS3 you use your headset and not type.

[Lawless]

So where do you put the keyboard when you play? On your lap? You put the controller down and switch back and forth when you want to use the keyboard? I'd rather just have it all in my hand at once.

[Malakhim]

You're right about MMO devs never having bundled console or PC versions with input devices like keyboards and such, but Square-Enix DID bundle the PS2 version of FFXI with the HDD required to play on said console. In fact I'm not sure, but I think that WAS the only way to actually get the HDD back then(someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). They could be the first to bundle that stuff in, though. From what I've heard from different sources, the PS3 chatpad isn't particularly convenient, but any solution is better than no solution in my book.

I really don't mind when players don't speak when they actually know what they're doing and can listen, but when it's the other way around, I really hate being that guy, but it's nigh impossible to play with a group under those circumstances.

[Motic]

Just go to wal-mart and buy a 19.99 wireless keyboard... If you join an FC everyone is on voice anyways.

[oda]

During my FFXI days most everyone had both a controller and a USB keyboard for the PS2. I agree that playing an MMO without a reliable way to communicate with other players borders on being neglectful and is surely irresponsible.

[Macka]

So where do you put the keyboard when you play? On your lap? You put the controller down and switch back and forth when you want to use the keyboard? I'd rather just have it all in my hand at once.

Or I could be using the keyboard to play the game and say screw the controller, also with my macros and my fast typing no one even notices Im not even holding the controller.

[necrosis]

Or I could be using the keyboard to play the game and say screw the controller, also with my macros and my fast typing no one even notices Im not even holding the controller.

Can't. Keyboard can only be used for text input into the chat box on PS3.