Greetings,
I am Xog, a moderator from the XIM forums. I noticed a lot of misinformation about this product. I'd also like to share my experiences with you.
- The XIM device falls squarely within the Terms of Service that Microsoft has everyone agree to on the Xbox360. Your account cannot be banned from Xbox Live. Also, it is impossible for Microsoft or the Xbox to determine if you are using the product, as the xbox is just receiving controller signals.
- It is not a hack. It is not a mod. It simply translates keyboard, Sony Nav, and Mouse movements into the same movements and signals a controller makes.
- The XIM helps people from various categories, ranging from disabled gamers, to PC gamers who have more friends on Xbox than on PC (which is an ever growing problem). For me, I chose the XIM because it allowed me to play online with my real life friends. I'd rather spend $80 to play with them rather than have all of my friends spend hundreds of dollars on computer hardware to play with me.
- The XIM doesn't allow you to move your crosshairs faster than a controller could. On consoles, there are what's called a "turn speed cap," as I'm sure many of you are aware of.
The controller was developed to market the gaming consoles. It helps provide easy access through the gaming peripheral. It was designed for easy, basic functions that anyone can use in their livingroom.
Console gaming has evolved over time, and as you are aware, many things like modded controllers (against the ToS), to Scuf controllers, even the Kontrol Freakz or whatever, all designed to help you play better.
Those products were aimed at those who played in their living rooms, but wanted to play competitively, or have an edge in their gameplay. They all received controversy. "But that gives him an unfair advantage!"
How many of you hardcore gamers use a scuf controller, or one of those thumbstick extender kontrol freekz things? Yet you bash the XIM as if it were a spawn of Satan. (**pets xim**)
I come from a pretty competitive PC gaming background. When my friends were all on xbox, I was mashing away on my PC, using a mouse and keyboard, all by myself, without my friends. Why didn't I pick up a controller?
I have. I played with a controller for quite a while, actually. I hate the controller. If you have the experience of a PC gamer, the control of a mouse is exquisite compared to a thumbstick. It felt sickening, and it was maddening that I was being restricted by such a device. The xbox controller is the spawn of Satan, not the XIM.
If you want to play better, then use a better peripheral. It's not illegal. Yes, Treyarch has pandered to those who whine, to those who don't understand. They have stated that if you use a keyboard and mouse to play their game on consoles, you'll receive a ban - They also said that for Black Ops 1. Nobody's EVER been banned by Treyarch for using this device, not a single time.
The controller is not the superior device to game with. I would absolutely not mind if I played against only other mouse and keyboard users on the xbox. I would be perfectly fine with that - as long as I was able to play with my friends at the same time. I do not use the XIM to get an edge over controller players - I use it for my own sanity. No restrictions, other than the console's turn speed limit. I use the XIM because it's my preferred device to game with - the one that should only be used to game with if you're trying to win - the XIM Edge.
I'm also the owner of the official partnered TeamXIM livestream channel on TwitchTV, as advertised on the front page of the XIM website. We have a team of streamers playing games, having fun, advertising the XIM on pretty much a daily basis.
Anyways, I hope I shed some light on the discussion. Enjoy your gaming, and enjoy smashing your controllers on the floor like I did because it didnt give me the flexibility I really needed.
-Xog