Post by SongRune on 2022-09-08 15:14:26
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I sortof like this idea, but I think that I don't actually like it in the end. The reason is people. I think this is the perfect solution to the "Proximity VOIP" problem, and I think it could result in some good interactions between players. My personal problem with it, however, is that I also expect to, slightly too frequently, un-mute someone and find they're a toxic asshole, which is jarring to say the least. Keeping that sort of thing in text doesn't get rid of the problem but it does make it a bit less jarring than "suddenly having someone shouting racist homophobic shit in your ears, while you're otherwise immersed in the world of Verra", or otherwise being so out of phase with your experience and immersion that it has the same effect.
I'd love to think that this type of interaction (including the less severe, but still annoying varieties) would be so rare, as a whole, that I wouldn't need to expect it, but one only has to look around these forums of late to realize that won't be the case.
I'm on board for what they've planned in that image, but I'm not sure I can support adding open-world voice chat, even in the form you describe. If I find someone I'd like to actually talk to, I'll just party up.