Mouse Specs had the pleasure to interview Andrew, Mad Catz Global Head of Marketing & PR.
The questions are focused on the human-factor: working in the gaming world and being a player of this scenario, at the same time.
We had a feeling that Mad Catz was closer to players than we ever imagined…
MouseSpecs
Mad Catz brand name was born in the year 1989 and this makes you one of the most experienced actors in the mice and gaming peripherals segments. Is it hard to face the high expectations of the community? What have these 30+ years of experiences taught to Mad Catz?
The historical Mad Catz 1989 Company Logo
Andrew
Yes, it’s been a minute! We were born in gaming’s early dawn and have enjoyed the journey. In terms of expectations from the community, it’s not so much a challenge as it is a passionate conversation. Gamers are a tough, smart, passionate lot – not satisfied by passive media, we take control of our own entertainment and pursue mastery and excellence through endless practice. It’s a grind, and sometimes you fail, but for gamers when you get rekt, you just respawn and get back to it. It’s the gamer’s ethos and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We exist to help gamers win: to enhance their natural talents allowing them to game longer, stronger, and better than ever. It’s our passion, and our mission. We like to say: “We were with you in the beginning, now get ready for what’s next.”
MouseSpecs
We have heard at CES 2024 that you are going to launch a new version of the M.M.O. 7 which has been one of the most appreciated mouse of the previous years, released in the 2013. Many players have been hoping and wishing a remake of this model, have their opinions influenced you in this re-making of the M.M.O. 7+? What do you want to offer to players with this new model?
The new Mad Catz M.M.O. 7+ exhibited at CES 2024
Andrew
You are absolutely correct. It is the most requested, or demanded, model ever. Over the last few years, we’ve been working hard at listening more intently and deliberately to our fans and customers. These are passionate and brilliant people who know what works and what doesn’t. It’s what we love about gamers; when they find something they love, they’re not shy about telling you what’s up. We are beyond thrilled to be bringing the MMO 7+ to our loyal fans. Despite the popularity of the original, there were a few small things that needed improvement. We looked at every message, every RMA request, every review, indeed every detail, to find any and all weak points and reengineered this model to meet and exceed the expectations of the community. Specifically, we’ve reinforced certain parts on the left-side mouse buttons to make them stronger and more resilient for even the most passionate and intense gamers. We’ve also made this version both wireless and wired, in response to numerous requests and suggestions. Besides that, we’ve, of course, incorporated state-of-the-art components to ensure this mouse will perform at or above expectations for years to come. This is a passion project for us, and we can’t wait to deliver for our incredible and very deserving (and patient) fans.
MouseSpecs
From customer’s point of view, you are projected both to the past and the future: you are developing arcade peripherals like the T.E.3 and collaborating with the 2D indie Yatagarasu Development Team, while at the same time you are releasing products characterized by innovative designs and never-before seen features like on the R.A.T. 8+ ADV. Do you think there could be a link between these two directions? Is the future having an influence on the past or vice versa?
Yatagarasu, 2D Indie fighting game in partnership with Mad Catz; the new Arcade Stick T.E.3 and the ADV version of R.A.T. 8+ gaming mouse by Mad Catz
Andrew
We aim to continue contributing to the future of the gaming industry by supporting indie developers whenever possible and providing the gear that helps gamers achieve new heights of success – comfortably. Fundamentally, gamers come in all different shapes and sizes; no two hands are alike. It’s surprising that most gaming mouse manufacturers opt for a one-size-fits-all approach. They’re increasingly competing to produce smaller mice to reduce weight, but this trend is detrimental for some gamers. Many are voicing complaints about arm, hand, and wrist pain due to these uncomfortably undersized and non-adjustable mice. The rationale behind this trend is quite simple, yet flawed: as traditional ‘mass market’ mice become smaller and lighter, manufacturers often omit features like buttons, comfort, and adjustability, chasing the trend for lighter specifications (and their own profits), ultimately leaving gamers to suffer with uncomfortable mice, hand pain, and a lack of inputs (buttons). We aim to ensure that gamers who prioritize comfort, customization options, and input capabilities always have a reliable choice with Mad Catz’s R.A.T. series. At the end of the day, our mission is to serve gamers who value their comfort and control above everything else. They are our obsession, our priority, and our family.
MouseSpecs
We have seen how Mad Catz celebrates gamers through social media and how you want to keep them close by posting games related memes and funny material. Is it just a marketing strategy or is it because you just are as nerd as we are?
Snapshot of @madcatz.global Instagram social page
Andrew
Gaming is life. Most of us here at Mad Catz have been gamers all our lives. We live and breathe this stuff. As much as we think we know about gaming, we are continually humbled by our fans and customers. They are the absolute best fans you could ever ask for. We usually run this weekly social media post asking ‘what’s this old game?’ showing a screenshot from the dark, musty corner of the gaming universe… and invariably, our fans get it: every time. Our fans are the true gaming legends. We’re gamers too, and enjoy all the aspects of the culture. We too have had the blisters on our thumbs from near-endless gaming marathons, lined up at midnight for the new console release, gamed all night but still went to school the next day, saved up all summer for the new gaming PC, given up a few meals during college to get the latest game, some of us have even quit jobs just to game. We’ve been there – done that. We love gaming, and we love gamers – it’s as simple as that.
MouseSpecs
Thank you for the replies. Let’s take care now of the community curiosities and questions that we have collected in these days through Reddit and Instagram.
OctoPussiii
Are you guys planning on making any lightweight customizable mice? Maybe less than 70g.
Andrew
Thanks for the question! We’re always looking to make mice that are as comfortable as possible. To create truly ergonomic and adjustable mice, we have to invest a lot of engineering work into the shape and the different parts. We also aim for the device to be as durable as possible. Achieving that low weight might be possible! I’ll keep you posted.
paulvincent07
I wish for a lightweight mouse from madcatz, no holes, no weird shapes
I wish for a lightweight mouse from madcatz, no holes, no weird shapes
Andrew
We do have a mouse similar to what you have described: The MOJO M2 (wireless) that weighs about 79g. Thanks for your question.
Željko
How do you decide to combine specs and specific shapes? What do the process looks like?
Andrew
Our mice are quite unique. The process involves iteration and refinement over time. We have been leaders in ergonomic, adjustable mice for some time, and we absorb all the feedback we can from our customers. Building on that, we make refinements and improvements to meet and, hopefully, exceed their expectations!
IlL74
How will Mad Catz tackle the current trend of mice, you know, like high polling rate, lightweight, common mouse shapes, or even competitive sport version, like Zowie or Pulsar eS series?
Andrew
We aim to ensure that we produce the best possible input device, period. We will always incorporate state-of-the-art components in the form factor that our customers expect, and some they don’t 😊. It’s all about providing you, the user, with the best possible gaming experience. In the gaming world, especially regarding mice, personal preference reigns supreme. We don’t shy away from the competition; we believe there is enough room for us all. Companies like Logitech, Razer, Zowie, etc., can only offer one solution at a time, and each model isn’t going to be perfect for everyone – nor should it be. While they try to accommodate as many people as possible with a ‘one size to rule them all’ approach, we believe that comfort, performance, ergonomics, adjustability, and input capabilities (more buttons) are sorely needed in the market now. Not everyone wants the same thing or plays the same kind of games… and, while the trend of lighter-at-any-cost is important for some, it’s hurting and inconveniencing others. We will always strive to create the best device for you, to help you win, and to enable you to game longer and better than before.
IlL74
Will you guys also focus more on maybe sponsorship to attract more buyers? Honestly, I haven’t heard of Mad Catz for ages but not gonna lie, they look dopes as hell but it isn’t for me when it comes to competitive gaming but it is something casual, office users might be interested in.
Andrew
Thanks for your question! We do have some sponsorships in certain countries at the moment. We’re looking into that now!
IlL74
Will you guys also have your own Poron base mousepad too? I noticed in the mousepad community, when it comes to recommending a mousepad, Lethal Gaming Gear and Artisan popped up in mind due to how insane their stitching and gliding surfaces are.
Andrew
We do! We have a new mousepad coming Q2 2024 with a similar kind of base. It’s called the GLIDE Pro, stay tuned for that!
Thank you Andrew for the time dedicated, we appreciate the effort Mad Catz is having in reaching players and Mouse Specs visitors.
Thanks also to the Reddit users which have contributed with their interest.
MouseSpecs.org