Microsoft to Design FPS Friendly Xbox 360 Controller?
Rober Walker, the hardware unit manager for Microsoft, took the stage at Gamefest to discuss some upcoming goodies for the Xbox consoles.
In his discussion, he touched on the subject of FPS games, and how they suck are not as good on a console as on a PC.
While Microsoft won’t be creating an Xbox 360 keyboard any time soon (never say never), Walker revealed that they’re looking at “redefining the right analog for greater precision” in FPS play. Unfortunately, everything is in “we’ll see” mode and nothing is concrete.
IGN seems to think that Microsoft might have its eye on the BodiLobus Reflex Control prototype that made the rounds at E3. According to IGN, the controller “offered a new level of precision in console FPS”.
Since I’m no FPSpert, is this something that excites the masses or is it a pointless endeavor?
Via | IGN
5 opinions for Microsoft to Design FPS Friendly Xbox 360 Controller?
Matt
Aug 17, 2006 at 12:50 am
While I’m obviously not a fan of consoles this does seem to be a good move on their part. FPS games are a big seller and to finally get a way (other than keyboard and mouse) to better play the games would be a huge boon. I could definitely see a lot of FPS gamers on consoles getting excited about this.
Aaron
Aug 17, 2006 at 12:58 am
Interestingly, that photo is a PS2 (maybe 3?) controller, no X360
Matt
Aug 17, 2006 at 3:48 am
Yeah, but if Sony can steal the Wii “6 degrees of motion” thing than I’m sure they won’t mind if Microsoft steals the trackball as a thumbstick idea ;)
poul
Aug 17, 2006 at 3:26 pm
SONY ..DELL..the future…
Kamyar
Aug 18, 2006 at 10:55 am
I think it’s pointless - I’ve played FPS games on both the PC and console. No matter how precise you can make a gamepad, nothing will ever come close to the keyboard + mouse combination.
Your right hand will need to be pushing the shoot buttons on the controller to fire. By the time you aim with the right analog stick and try to switch to shooting, the target has already moved. Furthermore, you won’t be able to shoot and aim at the same time.
Only three things will ever help a FPS on the console without a keyboard + mouse combo.
1) If the shoot capability was built into the analog stick somehow (like how you can aim and shoot with a mouse)
2) If FPS games started utilizing lock-on modes so that you always shoot at your target.
3) You grow a third arm.
The second point will meet protest from some FPS fans as they’ll argue that lock-on mode will take away from the fun and challenge of an FPS. Also, games like counter-strike will become too easy as your ability to kill someone depends on where you hit them on the body armor.
The third point is physically impossible, but, seeing as how cows and chickens are stuffed full of hormones before becoming consumable, it may not be too far off.
That leaves with the first point. The right analog stick must be built in a way where you can aim and shoot with the same stick. If not, then we shouldn’t expect a surge of demand for FPS on the console.
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