Competitive Playlist matchmaking based on Wired & Wireless input modes – Console
It’s been years now that many players who are at the top have been using Mnk, Cronus Strike packs, Zen and other third-party mods to gain an advantage over a user that is playing legit. The fact is that most of these mods rely on USB powered input devices.
The problem with these devices and competitive integrity, is that it’s only going to get worse as more and more players realize that these devices cannot be detected and start using it themselves. The mentality being fight fire with fire or if you can’t beat them join them.
Developers of many games that include Apex also claim it’s near impossible to detect these devices on console and could lead to false bans etc. so I thought I would suggest a solution that does not require massive rework on the developer’s side.
Competitive matchmaking should silently match wired players with other wired players to test the impact it has on the player base. (Can be tested in PUBS to see how well it works since the player base is bigger)
Controllers that are wireless usually have specific hardware, firmware version identifiers that are stored in the console device manager log. Developers can use these hardware identification logs along with a firmware version stamp (Both PS & Xbox) to confirm that the Bluetooth / Wireless controllers connected are indeed a genuine certified controllers issued by the console manufacturer, connected wirelessly to the console.
Work with the console manufacturers to get that certified controller list / firmware versions.
Fact is wireless controllers have lower / similar input latency as compared to wired controllers on console, so no this will not be a disadvantage by any means to most players.
There are currently no mods that intercept Bluetooth connectivity between the console and the controller.
Implementing this method of matchmaking will discourage 99% of the mod users from playing the game since they are the minority that ruin the experience for the majority and the matchmaking would make it quite difficult for them to get ranked match in the first place.
It would be great if developers would take the time to test this out, possibly a playtest to get a reaction from the community, while I understand that there are players who prefer wired but like I said in the beginning of this post, it's going to get worse over time to a point where most players would give up playing the game entirely (which will hurt EA's profits eventually). So if we have to sacrifice a little input lag so bet it, as it would take a few hours to get used to the latency. End of the day, it would be fair for all, keep competitive gaming a healthy environment and give the purest form of ranked gameplay there is.
We know that console manufacturers will no do anything about this because of licenses issued to third party manufacturers for usb controllers. However if a mod manufacturer tampers with a Bluetooth controller that's made my Sony or Microsoft, they can be sued legally, making it not worth the risk.
If there are any other solutions you think that would make a difference, please suggest.
