Marvel Rivalshas officially banned the use of keyboard and mouse controls for console players. The literal hero shooter has caused quite a buzz, quickly rising to the near-top of the most-played chart on Steam. With the first season currently in progress, andfurther updates coming soon toMarvel Rivals, it’s only looking to get better. But some players have cried foul at the use of keyboard and mouse controls by console players, claiming it provides players with an unfair advantage.
Things got a little fairer today withMarvel Rivals' official announcement that it was banning the use of keyboard and mouse on consoles. Developer NetEase claims it’ll be using a detection tool, along with the “human eyes” of moderators, to determine whether console players are using a keyboard and mouse. Players found violating the ban may be punished with “temporary or permanent account suspensions, or other punishments depending on the circumstances.”
Why Banning Keyboard & Mouse For Console Matters
An Unfair Advantage
In a Reddit thread discussing the changes, userLost-Mongoose-8962rejoiced, calling the ban"such a W for console gamers." Thousands of players agreed, sharing their experiences of playing against users they believed to be “ximming,” a common term for the use of mouse and keyboard controls on consoles derived from the XIM brand of gaming input devices. Among others,Lost-Mongoose-8962 referred to ximming as an unfair advantage, tantamount to hacking when combined withMarvel Rivals' aim assist for console players.
Marvel Rivalsis available on both PC and consoles - the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, to be specific - and although crossplay is possible in unranked, players on PC can’t match with players on consoles, and vice versa, inMarvel Rivals' competitive mode. This is becauseplaying with a keyboard and mouse is believed to grant a player a significant advantage, making it easier to aim with precision. It’s not the onlyissueMarvel Rivalshas with balance, but if the Reddit comments above are any indication, it’s one many console players were frustrated by.
Our Take: Leveling The Playing Field Is Definitely A W
With One Caveat
Although I personally prefer to playMarvel Rivalson PC, I’ve dabbled in the console version, soI can see why console players are so excited about the keyboard and mouse ban. I’ve experienced the pitfalls of ximming in bothMarvel Rivalsand similar games, likeOverwatch 2, so I know firsthand just how frustrating it can be to play against someone with an unfair advantage.
“Nobody Wants To Tank”: Marvel Rivals Fans Claim Vanguard Mains Are Few & Far Between, Asking NetEase To Prioritize Tanks
Fans of Marvel Rivals are noticing a trend when it comes to matches, as players seem to want to DPS or Heal rather than tank, causing a bit of chaos.
I do, however, have concerns abouthow NetEase’s detection system will respond to players using adaptive controllers. Unofficial input devices like those made by XIM aren’t just for nefarious cheaters - for many players, they’re simply a means of access. There is a chance that the new rule could falsely flag players with disabilities using ximming devices as cheaters - it all depends on howMarvel Rivals' system of detection, review, and appeals works, which we can’t know just yet.
Still, I’ll give the system the benefit of the doubt until we fully understand what makes it tick. I’m all for leveling the playing field, and although it’s early days yet,Marvel Rivalsdefinitely seems to be taking the right steps towards countering unfair advantages.
