(FOREWORD FOR MODERATORS): This is a post about unused controller buttons for console gamers with “weapon wheel” talking points brought up simply for context.)
Hello. Good news/bad news about the new “weapon” wheel (I put “weapon” in quotes because I’d rather call it an “item” wheel - firearms should have stayed where they were IMHO):
Good news: Console players asked for a wheel for quicker access to items and the devs gave us one.
Bad news: The need for a wheel for console gamers was misunderstood by the developers, it doesn’t really allow quick access to MORE items because firearms must go there as well, and it sounds like the devs are a bit sore at the reception it received and refuse to work on it anymore or assess any damage that has been done to the console gaming experience as a result. (Not cool.) How else can you explain controller buttons that don’t even serve a purpose anymore? Sounds like dev payback for putting them through hell for a feature that, in the end, didn’t quite turn out as expected. Passive aggressive much? lol.
The “item wheel” can be saved a bit if the devs would allow console gamers to utilize the now-dead controller buttons and D-pad. Why on earth are these not used? Make one a quick heal button. Get those binoculars off the wheel and bind it to one of these dead buttons. Anything! Console gamers don’t have a keyboard for quick access to multiple items. On top of this we now have controller buttons that are not used at all? That makes no sense at all.
My proposal: Add the option for console gamers to map these “dead” controller buttons as they see fit in game. That way the devs can wipe their hands clean of us pesky console gamers for good and we will finally leave them alone because quick item access will finally be efficient and intuitive. It’s a win-win suggestion. I hope other console gamers agree.
Thank you for reading. Cheers.
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Unfortunately I think you are on the spot with your analysis of how the feedback from the console/controller players has been taken by the devs!
This has also been manifested in the streams where “critical” responses about the wheel implementation has been ignored but the one positive mention during the third stream was read and commented with “Yes, we have seen a lot of positive feedback…”
And as you pointed out there are unused buttons, let us make use of them!
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While I’m not sure it was entirely a passive aggressive response from the devs (I prefer to think they weren’t prepared for the backlash, and so weren’t mentally able to recognise that it was an implementation issue, rather than a “we gamers fear change and don’t know what we want” issue. I genuinely think they are hoping that we’ll all get used to it, because the PC Master Race are having a lovely time with it, so why aren’t the console peasants?), I do completely agree with all your other points. Maybe I’m being too nice to the devs though.
I’ve even raised an issue that the Item Wheel is actually a step backwards regarding accessibility for disabled players (a buddy of mine with fine motor control issues in his right hand had to quit the game entirely because he couldn’t use the weapon wheel). Just heard back from one of the moderators, so HOPEFULLY his/my suggestions will get implemented to at least some extent (we basically asked for similar things that you’re asking for).
I do think moving the weapons onto the same wheel as the items was a misstep. If anything, it’s just encouraged me to never take any items other than the same three guns (although now I carry a bazooka rather than a pistol) and medkits, as I can never be bothered risking switching to other items like flares mid-fight, and I can use my right hand perfectly fine (until I get arthritis or carpal-tunnel syndrome!)
Basically, there’s no reason, other than time and effort, for them not to enable remapping in this game, particularly given the accessibility concerns and the unnecessary limitations this puts on disabled console players.
I’m hoping it’s a simple case that the devs simply haven’t thought about it in those terms before.
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