Call of Duty: Warzone is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world, with millions of players competing on different platforms and input devices. However, not everyone agrees on which input device is better or fairer for the game. Recently, Warzone streamer and Complexity co-owner Dennis “Cloakzy” Lepore jokingly said that mouse and keyboard (MnK) players do not belong in Call of Duty, sparking a heated debate among the Warzone community.
The controversy started when Cloakzy tweeted on December 28, 2023, “MnK doesn’t belong in CoD. Change my mind.” He followed up with another tweet, saying, “I’m just trolling btw. I love all my MnK brothers and sisters.” However, his tweets did not go unnoticed by the Warzone community, who had mixed reactions to his statements. Some agreed with him, saying that Call of Duty was designed for controllers and that MnK players have an unfair advantage in terms of precision and movement. Others disagreed, saying that MnK players are at a disadvantage due to the strong aim assist that controller players have, and that Cloakzy was being hypocritical since he himself used to play on MnK before switching to controller.
The ongoing debate over input devices in Warzone
Cloakzy’s tweets are not the first time that the Warzone community has debated over the merits and drawbacks of different input devices. Since Warzone supports cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, players can choose to play with either a mouse and keyboard or a controller, regardless of their platform. However, this also means that players can encounter opponents who use a different input device than them, which can create a perceived imbalance in the game.
Many MnK players argue that controller players have an unfair advantage due to the aim assist feature, which helps them lock on to targets and track them more easily. They claim that aim assist is too strong and that it compensates for the lack of precision and control that controller players have. They also point out that controller players can use features like auto-sprint and slide canceling, which give them more mobility and fluidity in the game.
On the other hand, many controller players argue that MnK players have an unfair advantage due to the higher accuracy and responsiveness that MnK provides. They claim that MnK players can snap to targets faster and more accurately, and that they have more options for keybinds and settings. They also point out that MnK players can use features like FOV slider and NVIDIA Reflex, which give them more visibility and performance in the game.
The possible solutions for input balance in Warzone
The debate over input devices in Warzone is unlikely to end anytime soon, as both sides have valid arguments and preferences. However, some possible solutions have been suggested by the Warzone community to address the issue of input balance in the game. Some of these solutions are:
- Input-based matchmaking: This would allow players to match with other players who use the same input device as them, or to opt out of cross-play if they prefer. This would eliminate the possibility of encountering players who use a different input device, and would create a more level playing field for everyone.
- Aim assist adjustment: This would involve tweaking the aim assist feature for controller players, to make it more balanced and consistent. This could include reducing the strength or range of aim assist, or adding different levels or modes of aim assist for players to choose from. This would reduce the frustration and resentment that MnK players have towards controller players, and would make the game more fair and skill-based.
- Input-specific settings: This would involve adding more settings and options for players to customize their input device, to suit their preferences and needs. This could include adding an FOV slider and NVIDIA Reflex for console players, or adding auto-sprint and slide canceling for MnK players. This would increase the accessibility and enjoyment of the game for everyone, and would allow players to have more control and flexibility over their input device.
The future of input devices in Warzone
Warzone is a game that appeals to a wide and diverse audience, who have different preferences and opinions on how to play the game. Input devices are one of the most important and controversial aspects of the game, as they can affect the gameplay and experience of the players. While Cloakzy’s tweets were meant to be humorous and lighthearted, they also highlighted the ongoing debate and divide among the Warzone community over input devices. Whether Activision and Raven Software will implement any changes or solutions to address the issue of input balance in Warzone remains to be seen, but it is clear that the input device debate will continue to be a hot topic among Warzone players.
