We managed to get some time with Razer’s Heathcliff Hatcher and the crew to talk about the Razer Onza (after the MLG forum post about a ban on it), their new Xbox 360 controller. I also managed to hold it in my hands at GamesCom 2010 and it will be part of the pending Razer write up from the show. The controller would in no way give anyone an unfair advantage. There is no auto-fire feature and only features 2 bumpers (multi-function buttons) that can be mapped to almost any other button on the controller as well as tension rings on the thumbsticks for finer control.

[GDN] I know Razer has stated that they were in communication with the MLG during the development of the Onza, what was the initial overall reaction at Razer when someone at MLG stated they wouldn’t allow the Onza to be used during tournaments? 

[Robert Krakoff] I am aware that our US marketing team has been working closely with MLG since we announced the Onza in January. This notice was posted on a forum that many of us saw before it was withdrawn. My comments were more from the shock of learning of their decision vicariously, through a forum post, instead of hearing directly from MLG.

[GDN] Robert commented that he was aghast that they would ban a controller without ever having one in hand, has no one from the MLG made it to a single industry show to hold one? Even I managed to do that at GamesCom.

[Robert Krakoff] No, we didn’t witness anyone from MLG at the GamesCom booth. We would have welcomed them to test drive the Onza, as so many pro-gamers did during the event. Besides our features demonstrations, there were a number of gaming stations where players could test the Onza thoroughly. By the way, user response was extremely positive. 

[GDN] Do you think this has anything to do with an alleged deal between Mad Catz and the MLG or perhaps was it someone just speaking out of turn at the MLG? Could it all just be a misunderstanding? 

[Robert Krakoff] You’d have to ask MLG about that. If this is true, at best it is collusion and at worst, restraint of trade. Our only goal is to get the Onza certified with MLG and we are still working toward that end.

[GDN] How do you think their [MLG] statement that the Onza will be banned affects the community as a whole? Does it unfairly limit player’s ability to play to their fullest?

[Robert Krakoff] If it’s true that the Razer Onza is banned, this will take professional gaming a step backwards. Razer was the first to start sponsoring professional gaming on the PC and we’ve built an entire industry by supporting pro-gamers worldwide. We see electronics moving to more ergonomic designs, and The Onza is meant to make it easier to reach buttons like the back button, which is now used in Battlefield II to spot enemies. Many players have disabilities and Razer understands that. Do gamers want to reach halfway across their control to hit the back button, or just hit the MFB (Multi-Function Button)? Yes, if the Onza is banned it will unfairly limit players.