As we know, Blizzard is integrating voicechat functionality directly into WoW so that players no longer have to use systems like Ventrillo and Teamspeak. And while the reviews aren’t all rosy, the system does seem to deliver what Blizzard said it would, and it works well enough that it’s a viable option for those not wanting to spend on hosting services.
So will people actually use it? That’s the big question, and one that WoW Insider decided to poll its readers on:
Well there you go. I’d like to say that I called it (although I did say that voice chat would find a place in a lot of PUGgers’ hearts), but I was surprised to see that 70% of you readers expect to use Blizzard’s new voice chat feature coming in 2.2. Personally, I’d rather stick to Teamspeak (and I’m guessing my guild will do just that). And I know, from the comments yesterday, that there are lots of people out there who just don’t want to get involved in voice chat, whether there’s an ingame system or not.
But clearly Blizzard was right to put the time in– there is a good majority of players ready to plug a mic in and start speaking to each other. Very interesting.
Just another example of developers continuing to integrate voicechat as a foundational system and apparently, one that players want to use. I promise this is my last post on voicechat for awhile!
Tags: WoW
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September 8th, 2007 at 6:45 am - Edit
Isn’t that weird? I myself could go without it, but I am a hardcore Ventrilo addict.
I dont know, I really am not sure how this will go over. The other night in Underbog we could have used it, but knowing the WoW community I am just not sure what to expect
September 8th, 2007 at 9:52 am - Edit
I don’t know that I’d use it either, just from an ease-of-use/quality perspective. If it turns out it was better than anything external, then sure. Otherwise I’d probably stick with external tools.
The nice thing about the external voip programs is that even if the game crashes or is down for a time, everyone can still get on and chat.
September 8th, 2007 at 6:20 pm - Edit
I’ve said the same on other blogs and forums, but here goes again:
TeamSpeak or Ventrilo (or any third-party VOIP application) are all good and fine for multi-game guilds, or for those who just like to login and chat. I would hazard a guess that a large perentage of us who enjoy VOIP do not fall into that latter category, though. I have no need or reason to login to a TS/Ventrilo server just to chat if I’m not grouped with them. In fact I just quit a LOTRO guild that tried to make logging into Ventrilo mandatory anytime we were in-game. There’s the guild chat channel for that. Besides, if I’m solo, I’d rather have the sound and music turned up.
The nice thing about integrated VOIP is just that: it’s integrated. It Just Works. No looking up the server’s IP, port, passwords, copying them then Alt+Tabbing out to put the info into your VOIP client. No teaching the non-techies in the guild exactly how to do that, either. All you have to do is tell them where the option to enable Voice is at, and they’re all set to go. Also since it’s integrated, the game client can show you graphically who is speaking so you don’t have to ask or play in windowed mode watching your external VOIP icons while trying to play.
Another nice thing is that integrated VOIP is free. (Well, ok there’s EVE…) Someone is paying real money to keep that TS/Ventrilo server running for you. Does the guild help out with donations or just mooch off the generous guildie who’s footing the bill? With integrated VOIP, that’s not a concern.
Integrated is the way of the future, like it or not. Again, for those guilds that spread themselves over multiple games, perhaps third-party is the way to go. Obviously for those playing the existing, older games, third-party is the only option.
I’m rather hoping the days of running external apps and alt+tabbing out to check/input settings and server info are over, though, when it comes to the newer and more interesting games.
September 9th, 2007 at 8:42 am - Edit
Good points Talyn, and I agree, I think it’s definitely where MMOs are going in the future. At some point, I believe people will look back and be amazed that there was a time when integrated voip was not part of the base feature set of mmos.
You make some excellent points about the disadvantages of using an external voip program, especially for folks not technically inclined. Although I’ve never found TS or Vent to be difficult to setup and connect to a server, I’ve known folks who’ve struggled to get connected for one reason or another. Integrated voip does solve those issues.
Will be interesting to see how this area of gameplay continues to develop, especially with companies like Vivox out there doing some pretty interesting things.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:02 am - Edit
Voice integration in WoW makes me want to curl up in a little ball in a corner somewhere.
September 9th, 2007 at 12:54 pm - Edit
Aww… c’mon Darren… Just imagine, a public Xbox Live shooter match with all the screaming, singing, swearing 8-13 year-olds but in your WoW group. “La la la, you effing suck, effer. Look at my nelf boobs lawlerscates! Alliance effing sucks you stupid effing effer, la la la dee dee doo la la. You’re soooo effing gay!”
Where do I sign up? :p
September 9th, 2007 at 8:42 pm - Edit
I have to agree with Darren. Voice integration in Lotro was pretty much crap, and I never used it. In WoW I can see it being much worse. I cant even stand XBOX 360 chat and I imagine WoW will be like that. Vent and Teamspeak in the guild work for me due to the options, the control, the clarity, and the fact that odds are you are in a guild because you know the people and dont mind hanging out chatting with them. As far as WoW, symbols are there for a reason and PUGS need to use em more. The feature can be there but I probably wont use it.