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[DrDerekDoctors]

So, how bad a thing d'you think it is to design a PC game's control scheme around the user having to use a controller? Is it a reasonable ask? I mean I fully plan on supporting keyboard controls but there's stuff I'm thinking about which *really* lends itself to a controller - partly stuff about analogue aiming, but also about using left right bumpers&triggers to control the use of the item in the left/right hand.

D'you think it's too much of a barrier to entry on PC?

[JWK5]

If you were going to make a Guitar Hero style game you could support keyboard controls, but if the game is meant to be played with the Guitar peripheral then does it make much sense to tack on the keyboard controls too?

It's true some players may not have controllers (or ones with analogs) or that some may not prefer them, but the question is are you making this game for those players or are you making it for the players who do have the peripheral you are intending it for?

[DrDerekDoctors]

That's very true, I suppose a healthy dose of "sod 'em" wouldn't go amiss. There's no reason to hobble a design just to cater for the lowest common denominator. After all, I'm sure twin-stick shooters still enjoy a fair degree of popularity on PC despite being largely unplayable without a control (assuming they don't offer a mouse option, that is).

[Tumetsu]

I think you could go Super Meatboy style and have splash telling players they are stupid if they don't use controller while still offering keyboard controls. Personally I wouldn't mind if it were intended to be played with controlled. Some "PC the master-race" people might disagree though.

But please, have support for other controllers than just X360 one. I'm sick of having to use different mapping programs only because I happen to have logitech and PS3 and developers though that every controller is X360.

[Nix]

I like how Super Meat Boy basically said "If you use the keyboard you will suck at this game, but whatever" and tried to encourage the use of a controller without requiring it.

Edit: Ninja'd

[DrDerekDoctors]

But please, have support for other controllers than just X360 one. I'm sick of having to use different mapping programs only because I happen to have logitech and PS3 and developers though that every controller is X360.

Yup, even though I will be developing with a Xbox 360 one, the idea of not having definable controls is utterly alien to me. Especially as if people use keyboard they'll need to redefine it because there's no way MY default layout will be their desired one.

And I agree with you and Nix, I'll adopt SMB's line of approach.

[alastair]

Computer has the largest selection of controller inputs, so its best to support as many as you can and not just a single brand.

[Graham.]

Say, "Experience better with a Gamepad or similar accessory" on boot-up. That's it. Then support everything.

Note:
If you want to be really boss, you could have "keyboard mode" and "gamepad mode," and tweak your mechanics independently for each. If you have leader boards or whatever, put each mode in its own category. Players can switch in the middle of a campaign whenever they want. If they're in keyboard mode, they can see the gamepad scores beside theirs. Or maybe that's just you being a dick.

[moi]

This is PC, 75% of people will insist to play on a keyboard, so definitely keep a keyboard option in there, even if the experience is altered, some people will be too lazy to even pick up their pad and plug it in.

[DrDerekDoctors]

This is true. I'm certainly that lazy and I'm developing the game. :\

[st33d]

I like how Super Meat Boy basically said "If you use the keyboard you will suck at this game, but whatever" and tried to encourage the use of a controller without requiring it.

Edit: Ninja'd

Yeah, and I still can't play it on a Mac because they completely fucked up the gamepad support. I have to press down on the d-pad to jump for fuck's sake. And then it tells me to plug in a gamepad everytime I play instead of using the fucking retarded keyboard controls that you have to edit a file to reconfigure.

Not happy with Team Meat.

Go with whatever control scheme you think works best. Just allow the player to customise it please.

[cskau]

[..] telling players they are stupid [..]

Winning strategy anywhere in life.

My vote is also for informing people nicely, allowing anything, and make it customizable.

[Petethegoat]

Having tried playing Super Meat Boy with an 360 pad, I'm glad they didn't force me to use a shittier input device.
It really is completely useless compared to playing on keyboard.

There's no reason to leave out keyboard support. If you do, you're cutting out a portion of your audience.

[Danmark]

Please make it configurable enough to use both. Analogue stick on one hand for movement, and a mouse on the other for shooting, is ideal.

[st33d]

I must confess that you are in a minority sir. More than one HID at a time is a sin.

Say three Hail Marys.