Clearly, Fortnite means business: Initial reports are emerging that players are having difficulties when using mouse and keyboard while pretending to play with a controller by using programs like XIM on Xbox One.
This is what XIM does: Input devices like “XIM” or Hori allow players on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 to use a mouse and keyboard. The input devices are then simulated to appear as if the players are using a controller.
This allows players using a mouse and keyboard to compete against other players using a controller.
These emulators are somewhat frowned upon in the console gaming community. There is a prevailing view that anyone who wants to play with mouse and keyboard should play on PC.
Controller players feel disadvantaged when their opponents use a mouse and keyboard. It is assumed that this can allow for higher precision.
Fortnite wants separation: In one of the recent patches, Fortnite introduced “controller-based” matchmaking.
That means:
- Players using mouse and keyboard on consoles belong to the “PC players” pool and compete against them
- Players using controllers on consoles belong to the console players’ pool
Can Epic detect who is using XIM? Apparently yes
The problem: While fans welcomed this change, they said it was pointless as long as players resorted to tools like “XIM”.
There was uncertainty about whether Fortnite really had measures to act against XIM. The prevalent opinion was that no one could determine whether someone is using XIM or actually playing with a controller.
But apparently, developers are indeed able to do that.
This is what happened: A XIM user has now reported (via reddit) that he is having problems on Xbox One. It had worked all the time until now, but now he is being kicked from matches.
Then the message appears that he is using a “different input” method. Even when he restarts the game, he has trouble logging in.
On reddit, he is met with ridicule and mockery for his problems.
XIM struggles with new changes
XIM is facing issues: In the XIM forum, it’s noted that some players are having these problems. Apparently, Epic can determine if a controller user is actually playing with a controller or with a mouse and keyboard based on their movements.
It seems that Epic exposes XIM users when they run too straight.
According to the folks at XIM, the developers of the PS4 tool “Hori” are experiencing similar issues now as well.
Apparently, XIM is currently working on addressing these issues and has changed the firmware.
However, users are now complaining that the controls feel wrong. And players cannot build anymore – the controls are no longer precise enough.
Ironically, the control for controllers in Fortnite was just improved in the latest patch on Tuesday.
