
Hey there - I personally made the controller with keyboard as priority, and then implemented the gamepad.
And it is working in my laptop - your comment made me come and turn it on to make sure it wasn't a bug...
But I noticed a weird bug "Drifting" got stuck somehow, so if it happens (can't turn) pressing Ctrl releases it.
That button activates Drifting so that you can turn faster, or sliding like a car if needed.
TL:DR >> Gamepad is not required. It's optional.
Here's proof I am here now testing it via keyboard and everything works.
Enemies = hazards to prevent ball from reaching the objectives.
The starting screen showing control guide can be closed to start game, and then everything moves.
I'm curious to see what happened in your end?