Mouse and keyboard adaptation for console

Subject: Controller Support Feedback - Frustrations and Suggestions for Improvement
Dear Grinding Gear Games Developers,
I'm writing to express my feedback regarding controller support in Path of Exile. While I appreciate the effort put into implementing controller functionality, I've found the current experience to be significantly frustrating and ultimately less enjoyable than playing with mouse and keyboard. I understand that Path of Exile is primarily designed with M&K in mind, but I believe with some key improvements, controller support could be a viable and enjoyable option for a wider player base.
My primary frustrations stem from the following issues:
* Skill Targeting: Precisely targeting skills, especially those requiring pinpoint accuracy or targeting specific enemies within a pack, feels clunky and imprecise with a controller. The auto-targeting system often prioritizes less important enemies or struggles with enemies at varying distances. This makes certain builds, particularly those reliant on projectile skills or area-of-effect abilities, feel significantly less effective.
* Inventory Management and UI Navigation: Navigating the inventory, stash, and various menus is a cumbersome and time-consuming process with a controller. Sorting, comparing items, and managing gems feels significantly slower and more tedious than with a mouse. The radial menus, while a good concept, often feel limited and awkward to use for frequently accessed functions.
* Flask Management: While the flask system is functional with a controller, it lacks the speed and responsiveness of keyboard shortcuts. In the heat of combat, trying to select the correct flask with the controller can be a life-or-death struggle, often leading to unnecessary deaths.
* Movement and Positioning: While movement itself is generally fine, fine-grained control for precise positioning, especially in tight situations or when dodging complex boss mechanics, feels less responsive compared to mouse and keyboard.
* Build Viability: Many builds, especially those requiring quick and precise input or complex skill rotations, feel significantly less viable or require substantial modifications to be playable with a controller. This limits build diversity for controller users.
I understand that completely replicating the precision of mouse and keyboard might be challenging, but I believe the following improvements could significantly enhance the controller experience:
* Improved Targeting System: Allowing for more manual targeting options, perhaps with a toggleable "lock-on" system or a more customizable auto-targeting priority system, would greatly improve skill usage.
* Streamlined UI/Inventory Management: Consider a dedicated controller UI overhaul, perhaps with more intuitive inventory navigation, quicker access to frequently used functions, and improved item comparison tools.
* Customizable Flask System: Allow for more customization of flask usage, perhaps with customizable button combinations or a more intuitive selection method.
* Enhanced Aim Assist: A more robust aim assist, especially for projectile skills, could help bridge the gap in precision between mouse and keyboard.
* Community Feedback Integration: Actively engaging with the community regarding controller feedback and implementing suggested improvements would be invaluable.
I sincerely hope you will consider these points and continue to improve controller support in Path of Exile. I believe that with the right changes, controller support could open up the game to a wider audience and provide a truly enjoyable alternative playstyle.
Thank you for your time and consideration.