Guild Wars 2

This is my 1st post (my apologies if I filed incorrectly)

I am requesting ArenaNet add a feature to the Options menu: “Disable Windows Key”.

You would not believe the amount of times I go to hit the Ctrl or Alt key, only to accidentally press the Windows key. When this happens during a crucial time (ie. about to die) it can be incredibly frustrating.

I’ve seen this option available in MOBAs, and it’s been a life-saver.

I’d rather not hack the registry or anything of that nature, I prefer to keep my computer clean.

So….. please please please! Could you add this feature to Guild Wars 2?

Thank You!!

Since this was always a problem for me, never implemented in GW2, I made a keyboard remap for Autohotkey some time ago to ignore the left Windows key.

Install Autohotkey, copy the following text into notepad and save as “gw2nowin.ahk” and double click it from Explorer. Can be put into Windows autostart, because remap is only active while GW2 is running and the foreground app. Works for 32-bit and 64-bit GW2.

#Warn
#SingleInstance, Force
#NoEnv

GroupAdd prog, ahk_exe gw2.exe
GroupAdd prog, ahk_exe Gw2-64.exe

#IfWinActive ahk_group prog

; ignore left Windows key
LWin::return

Alternately, pop the windows key off your keyboard. It’s what I’ve done with the past 3 keyboards I’ve owned. MOST desktop PC keyboards allow you to simply pop any key off with a flat screwdriver or a butter knife.

My keyboard has a “gaming” setting for that, which is pretty nifty. But I think there is also a setting within Windows to disable it afaik?

EDIT: Just kidding. I googled it and found you have to edit the registry. I could have sworn Windows XP had a setting. But it looks like there are some free programs you can use, I guess at your own risk.

I think that adding this feature would be of benefit to everyone. I game on my iMac (Boot Camp mode) so removing the key isn’t an option (thankfully) on a Mac keyboard. I understand the appeal of using a third party tool to disable that key during gameplay, but it is SO MUCH cleaner when the option is simply available in game. I see that other people have made the request in various channels, and I’m super surprised it hasn’t been implemented yet, given the amount of years since the initial requests were made. I can’t imagine it’s too challenging to implement on a programming level. ArenaNet: is it doable?

I think disabling keys should generally be a function of the OS and the input device software, not something that game developers need to do. I’m not against it being in the game; I’m just not sure it’s a good use of ANet’s time.

My solution when I have trouble mashing keys — I get a new keyboard or mouse. (And on my preferred El Cheapo keyboard, I’ve used its software to disable several of its keys for that very reason.)

Asking ArenaNet to add this feature makes sense, as it doesn’t appear challenging or time intensive to complete. Otherwise you’re placing the burden of additional time and expenses onto the player (you) to make this happen.

I don’t want my Windows key disabled globally, since I actually use the Windows key during normal computer operations. I only want the key disabled while playing Guild Wars 2.

ArenaNet is determined to make their game as awesome as possible, and so far they’ve done an excellent job. This is the ONLY feature (that I’ve found) that other games provide which is lacking in Guild Wars 2.

Otherwise, thank you ANet! I’m constantly citing your product as an example of excellent game design!

Most games these days have an option to disable the Windows Key so it doesn’t screw over your game. Thus, it’s not an unreasonable request.

For now, one thing you can do (if you don’t use the Autohotkey option above) is use Windowed Fullscreen. That way if you accidentally click the Windows key, you just click back onto GW2 and you’re back in!

I’m very much for your suggestion, though, LightAngel.