Custom Chat Channel

[Vaku]

Custom Chat Channel; Ingame Chat Windows ; Chat Options ; Alternate Chat ; Making Skype More Optional Than Required

As it stands, keeping in touch with players requires a third party system, very regularly Skype is the system of choice; not for VOIP concerns, but for simple chat.

When I refer to chat, I refer to the use of Text to communicate.

Current Systems of Chat & Limitations

Local Chat Channel
- Allows text communication with individuals in about a 40x40 meter square around characters.
- Opens automatically.
- Cannot be closed.
Private Chat Channel
- Opens a chat window with another individual with no limitation on distance.
- Completely One on One communication.
- Opens only when chat is initiated.
- Character will face character they are speaking to.
- Opens from radial menu on character or through button on kins list.
- Closes when "X" is clicked or Client is shutdown.
Party Chat Channel
- Allows text communication with individuals with no limitation on distance.
- Colors (sometimes straining on the eyes) made to correspond with characters' text in party.
- Opens when party between two players is formed.
- Closes when party is empty of characters.
- Closes for an individual when removed from party, kicked, leaves, or client closes.
Village Chat Channel
- Allows text communication with individuals with no limitation on distance.
- Opens when village is formed
- Character re-enters channel when logging back in.
- Closes when character leaves village or is exiled from village.

Recommended Additions to Chat
Custom Chat Channel
- Allow for creation of a chat window that will remain open upon creation.
- Characters, after joining, may re-enter chat when logging back in.
- Chat allows for permissions (Channel may be public, invite-only, password protected, Characters removable from channel, etc.)
- Chat Channel can be named.
- No limitation on distance (Or maybe a limit on where to communicate from. Could be interesting, but may very well cause players to favor Skype/IRC)
- Different from a Global chat in that it can be selective.

All I got for now.
Thread that may help the discussion:
Update the chat interface

[Xcom]

One more major flaw with the chat channels is that its going through the same server mechanics as the rest of the game. Lags and strains on in game events shouldn't affect chat systems. Maybe make the chatting mechanics work on a separate system altogether.

I like the idea but I think people will still favor a superior communication system as in Skype. Mostly because its easy to use when your logged of as well as have other voice communication mechanics and better UI and customizations and so forth.

[Seizure]

This suggestion kind of reminds me of how chat works in Eve Online, and I always did like how it was handled in that game.

I think a large reason chat in game isn't used is because of how... Basic it is. You have no options, no control, and its so clunky that you are left with little option but to use an outside source for communication.

I also believe chat is distrusted by many old players because of old abusable bugs that left quite an impression in their minds.

[LadyV]

Let's let them focus on the game before adding nice extras.

[Seizure]

Well, this is the suggestion forum... Its not like anything here has a snowballs chance in hell of happening. You know the rule.

[Vaku]

Its easy to use when your logged off...

I used to read the 1000+ messages in the Skype channels I was in, after being away from the computer for a couple days, and after awhile it becomes a chore.

Sure, it can be helpful to the right crowd where everyone speaks with a purpose, but more often than not, an important message directed to a group, for the sole purpose that they will see it when they will log in, is best done on the forums on a thread or in a private message.