The highly anticipated launch of Diablo 4 has arrived, but it seems that some players are disappointed to discover the absence of WASD support, a control scheme commonly used in PC gaming. While the developers of Diablo 4 aimed to provide gamers with the option to play with a controller, the decision to exclude WASD support has caused significant changes for those who are accustomed to traditional keyboard controls.
Leading up to the launch, the creators of Diablo 4 expressed their confidence in the game and assured players that they had addressed various issues and made necessary adjustments based on feedback. Art director John Mueller and associate game director Joe Piepiora emphasized their meticulous attention to detail to ensure a successful launch. However, the lack of WASD support has raised eyebrows among the player base. It is worth noting that the previous installment in the series, Diablo 3, also did not include WASD support, while the upcoming mobile game, Diablo Immortal, features it.
Multiple sources have confirmed the absence of WASD support in Diablo 4, including a recent confirmation by Rod Ferguson, the executive producer of the Diablo franchise. In response to a player’s query, Ferguson acknowledged the feedback and suggested that players facing accessibility issues should consider trying controller support instead. The lack of WASD support has sparked passionate discussions within the gaming community, with some players emphasizing the need for keyboard controls due to accessibility concerns, as mouse control can be challenging or even impossible for certain individuals. While a controller can be helpful, it still requires specific movements that may present difficulties for some players. On the other hand, there are gamers who prefer the simplicity of WASD control, finding it the easiest way to navigate in an RPG.
Certainly, there are many players who are enthusiastic supporters of controller support and prefer to play Diablo games using this input method exclusively. Some players even enjoy the game using only a mouse. However, the omission of WASD support has left a portion of the fan base puzzled. Based on Ferguson’s response, it appears likely that Blizzard intends to introduce WASD support in the future, as he used the phrase “in the meantime” when recommending controller support.
Given the considerable number of players who have expressed their concerns to Blizzard regarding the lack of keyboard controls, it is expected that the company will make efforts to address the issue promptly. Until a solution is implemented, players are encouraged to enjoy Diablo 4 with a controller, and hopefully, the addition of WASD support will be available in the near future, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive gaming experience.
