Summary
- Overwatch 2 Executive Producer Jared Neuss acknowledges the ongoing issues with the console versions of the game, including the use of XIM adapters for keyboard and mouse use, which is considered cheating.
- Neuss reveals that Blizzard has been working on a way to detect XIM adapters and prevent their use, but does not provide further details to avoid giving hackers an advantage.
- Blizzard is committed to improving the overall user experience of Overwatch 2 on consoles and recognizes the impact console players have had on the game's success, showing support for this section of the playerbase.
Overwatch 2 Executive Producer Jared Neuss recently went public about a handful of key changes coming to the console versions of the game, specifically pertaining to cheaters and the general user experience. Nuess' comments follow years of issues with the console versions of the Overwatch games, as many fans claim that the competitive shooter plays much better on PC for a number of reasons.
One commonly cited problem with Overwatch 2 on console is the persistent use of XIM adapters. These adapters allow players to link a mouse and keyboard to their Xbox or PlayStation, thus taking advantage of the higher precision and mobility offered by PC controls over traditional gamepads. Since Overwatch and Overwatch 2 don't include any sort of XIM recognition, there's no way to confirm keyboard and mouse use, despite the fact that Overwatch developers consider it cheating. Other than issues related to XIM adapters, many console players have criticized Overwatch for having generally subpar performance and UX design on console.
Neuss recently spoke about Overwatch 2's console problems on the Group Up! Podcast, revealing that fixes are imminent. Specifically, Neuss claimed that Blizzard has been developing a way to detect XIM adapters, though he refrained from going into further detail in an effort to keep potential hackers and exploiters in the dark. He also admitted that the overall "usability" of Overwatch 2 has not been at the level Blizzard wants. Summarizing Blizzard's intentions with Overwatch 2 on console, Neuss stated, "We know where the problems are. I think there are two big categories. One is, are people using devices like XIM, and how do we prevent that, and how do we make the game a great experience on console?"
This apparent commitment to console players follows last year's push for Overwatch 2 to be more console-inclusive by bringing console players into beta testing. These efforts to do better likely come as a breath of fresh air for Overwatch fans on console, as the demographic has been relatively underserved, by Neuss' own admission.
We know where the problems are. I think there are two big categories. One is, are people using devices like XIM, and how do we prevent that, and how do we make the game a great experience on console?
Moreover, Blizzard's attempts at making Overwatch 2 a more console-friendly game speak to the impact console players have had on the game's success. As a strategic hero shooter, Overwatch very well could have been relegated to the PC market, which would have limited its reach and influence. But console players helped make the franchise one of Blizzard's biggest IPs, so supporting that section of the playerbase seems like a good move.
Overwatch 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 65%
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
