It was recently confirmed that WoW will see its in-game voice support in the next PTR 2.2 test and should be implemented on the following client patch.
This implementation so soon after the announcement of its development should be a welcome addition to the game for individuals without access to private voice servers.
Whether in-game voice in WoW is a blessing or curse remains to be seen… Perhaps the game was better off without having to listen to kids with the voice of Screech ala “Saved by the Bell” in your pug group bringing you the Best Of Barrens Chat Live(tm) to your headphones. Now where’s that mute setting…
July hotfixes also went into effect on live servers:
- Warlocks can no longer summon players while in a Battleground.
- Shartuul should now properly be un-attackable if you are not involved in the summoning event.
- Season 2 Arena vendors should now no longer disappear upon a realm restart or following maintenance.
- Vendors in Halaa now sell Mystic Dawnstone jewelcrafting recipe.
- Insignias of the Alliance/Horde and Medallions of the Alliance/Horde no longer remove Unstable Affliction.
Whats that? Another warlock nerf? Blizzard you’re such a kidder! -DR
I hold reservations about voice chat being implemented by WoW, but at the same time I think it is absolutely required for this medium moving forward. I am just worried this move will bring an uncanny eye on Blizzard from big telecomm and their government lap dogs (aka politicians).
Heartless_ on 07 24th, 2007
I have seen it done right so far in the World in Conflict Beta so my high expectations are there for the feature in WoW.
WiC is a team oriented online RTS with each players performing a military role, their free in-game voice chat accessable by just hitting the ‘C’ key does provide Ventrilo quality voice communication with your team (or individuals if you select their troops).
You do get your occasional abuse of players being jerks, begging for TA (tactical points for special attacks like nukes), or breathing into the microphone. Muting simply involves hitting TAB to see the scoreboard, then watching for the offending name to light up and hitting the mute icon.
If WoW just duplicates that with the mute accessable as a right click on party member icons it should be covered.
With how vital communication is in these games it is indeed a necessary evil, even with the potential abuse.
We’re still going to see players refuse to use voice chat for whatever reason and now there’s going to be even that much more of an expectation that they do use it.
Scott on 07 24th, 2007
I think this is an excellent thing to put into WoW, No more having to rely on third party chat programs like Vent and Teamspeak. Yay! It does sort of put an intimidation on people that they should be talking, but group activities such as raids/5 mans go so much better with voice communication, theres no need to fear what others think of you. Not like you know them in real life or something, the people who are scared to talk need to get out more lol. Anyways point being Im glad this is happening, and Im sure the WoW community will gladly applaud this move by Blizzard.
Pwnzor on 07 30th, 2007