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[Terrell]

No problem buddy, I'd be happy to help.

I believe you're doing it wrong when you call discussion whiney bitching. I believe you're doing it wrong when you tell people not to discuss things on a discussion board. I believe you're doing it wrong when you imply discussing things on a discussion board is a waste of time because Nintendo might not see it.

You're swearing, breaking out the caps lock, telling people to leave. You sound mad.

It is, as you say, a discussion board, and I should feel just as free to discuss the nature of the discussion and what situation continues breeding it at my leisure, regardless if I'm apparently "doing it wrong". I'm sorry that bad words and caps offended you.

But you'll have to forgive me, I don't recall telling anyone they had to leave the discussion, or to silence their opinions.

I merely expect it to culminate to something when this much effort is put into it. I guess I was wrong in thinking that having an opinion should mean that you have a reason to have one. And if people are just being disappointed, upset and indignant for the sake of such things instead of believing in what they say and being willing to do something simple to change that, they can carry on doing so, but I'll call it what it is.

But yes, idle banter about something they feel is a disservice to them to people who have no power to change it really is the definition of a waste of time. And anyone is free to keep doing so (heck, I'm probably doing it right now), but that doesn't change what it is. They're not going to feel better about it just for saying it and just walk away, this isn't group therapy and the problem that caused it will continue to exist until general happenstance says otherwise. So what end does it serve? And how much can anyone say they care about the situation itself if it keeps happening while we let chance decide how it happens? For all the railing against "apologists" in this thread, leaving the fate of something they care about to chance isn't much better and ends with a similar result.

I'm very much a "shit or get off the pot" kind of guy, though, so I guess it all boils down to a question: are people going to actually give a shit, or just keep pretending to?

So anyways, if you're done ridiculing, tone-policing and inserting words into my mouth instead of actually having a contribution to the discussion, I think we're done. Or at least I am.

 

[Gravy Boat]

I can't understand why anyone would be actively against the idea of voice chat. What have you got against people wanting to chat with their friends while playing? I don't get why you would even want to play a game like this, by yourself, in silence. You may as well just be playing against bots at that point, what's the point of online multiplayer if you don't even feel like you're playing with/against other people?

 

[MatrixMan.EXE]

Ranked player playing solo : http://www.twitch.tv/chu8
So yes, it's possible to win and coodinate without voice chating with your team.

Stuff like this annoys me, because it shows me that you likely don't play many online shooters, or co-operative games at that. You can play any online shooter and win without actually voice chatting with your team. This isn't some unique selling point of Splatoon that Nintendo has ingeniously crafted into the games design.

People like communication, and it makes it a damn sight easier to co-ordinate and have fun with friends if you can chat at the same time. There's no excuse for there not being some sort of way to communicate with at least your friends on Wii U, and that twitch like certainly doesn't make one.

 

[MouldyK]

You know what would be funny? If:

1) Voice Chat happened, but the extra effort for the internet made the game lag. I mean even for Smash they said it was disabled during games to "keep your connection as strong as possible".

OR

2) People complain that the game gets a huge Japanese or German following all they here is foreign people.

 

[Lucifon]

Voice chat seems like it was never considered from the WiiU from the start, as such there's not many great options to even chat on it outside of the gamepad microphone (which I'd rather not have everyone in a lobby using every single match).

 

[MrNyarlathotep]

Out of curiosity, is it costly or complicated to add voice chat?

Everything in making games has a cost and everything is a potential complication.

 

[cheesekao]

Everything in making games has a cost and everything is a potential complication.

You're not wrong but that's pretty much a non-answer.

 

[MrNyarlathotep]

You're not wrong but that's pretty much a non-answer.

It's the only answer anyone in this thread that isn't on the development team can accurately give.

 

[stan423321]

People like communication, and it makes it a damn sight easier to co-ordinate and have fun with friends if you can chat at the same time.

So excluding it makes the game (slightly? a lot?) harder by design. Is that a bad thing?

 

[JoeM86]

They should do a Splatfest of Voice Chat VS No Voice Chat to decide whether or not to add it later

 

[BGBW]

I don't think they make consoles for gamers anymore.

Who do they make them for then seeing as playing games is the definition of a gamer?

I doubt anyone bought a Wii U just to browse the web.

 

[DryvBy]

Agreed. One of the many things that I didn't like about that test. Having voice chat in a team game is a must these days.

 

[Jessmo111]

Has there been other titles on the WiiU that have online multiplayer and chat?

Monster hunter 3 ultimate. I haven't tried smash and mk yet.

 

[M°°nblade]

. Really I think most people getting angry about this are doing so because they think splatoon looks like an amazing, innovative first party Nintendo exclusive which would indicate that mayyyyybe just maybe they are pretty good at designing games. But I guess since some people are salty about a design choice they don't agree with Nintendo are somehow geniuses and lazy idiots at the same time. I guess that's possible? No, really it's not.

What's really impossible here is your statement that competent developers cannot make bad design choices. FROM software ported Dark Souls to PC locked at 30fps, 720p resolution ffs.

The world isn't black&white, existing of either crazy, lazy idiot or faultless genius developers. Nobody is perfect. And we have lot's of examples of good developers doing stupid things.

Splatoon not having voicechat ''because design' is a typical and undefendable example of a developer setting their 'design' priorities wrong, probably because of very limited experience with modern online gaming and therefor using standards from more than a decade ago.

 

[meppi]

I used to be a big Nintendo fan, but to be quite frank, I don't think they make consoles for gamers anymore.

Uhuh..... well. I just don't know how to respond to something like that even. :-/

 

[trixx]

52 pages =/. This is probably the freshest online shooter I've played in quite some time but I feel as though voice chat would have been a great addition for this game. Don't really understand why they opted out of it, at least give players the option.

 

[hodgy100]

I agree. This is just absolutely asinine in the 21st century, in the year 2015.

Nintendo seems to be completely LOST in the console space. I used to be a big Nintendo fan, but to be quite frank, I don't think they make consoles for gamers anymore.

what kind of gamer wants this?


dirty nintendo gamers

 

[Chopper]

Squids don't talk.

Good point.

/thread

 

[Brewster's Wallet]

I can't understand why anyone would be actively against the idea of voice chat. What have you got against people wanting to chat with their friends while playing? I don't get why you would even want to play a game like this, by yourself, in silence. You may as well just be playing against bots at that point, what's the point of online multiplayer if you don't even feel like you're playing with/against other people?

I know i'm in the minority, but I don't know why you need voicechat to know that you're playing against people. The difference is AI vs reall people in ability to play the game.

I mute everyone I ever play against online and much prefer deathmatch over any team game. Hence my love for old UT games. But again, I know I'm in the minority these days.

 

[MouldyK]

Hands on review/ impressions of the demo. http://metro.co.uk/2015/05/11/splat...nds-on-with-nintendos-online-shooter-5190986/

And despite all the fuss made in some quarters about the purposeful lack of voice chat (Nintendo insist they want to make ‘a safe, clean environment’ for players) one of our favourite moments was when equipped with a Splat Charger we were trying and failing to swim up a wall as a squid. A team-mate noticed what we were doing, realised the problem and used their normal gun to paint the wall for us. We then both swam up and used our new vantage point to rain hot Dulux death on all those below.

A nice moment in a voice-less world.

 

[pinkurocket]

A nice moment in a voice-less world.

I definitely had moments where there was teamwork in my matches as well. Splatoon is a very visual game, everything is so clearly readable so you don't always need that voice communication to know where you need to be. You just have to be aware of your surroundings.

 

[Regulus Tera]

I can't understand why anyone would be actively against the idea of voice chat. What have you got against people wanting to chat with their friends while playing? I don't get why you would even want to play a game like this, by yourself, in silence. You may as well just be playing against bots at that point, what's the point of online multiplayer if you don't even feel like you're playing with/against other people?

Nintendo is the company that removed a feature from the 3DS because its users were sending dick drawings to each other. They are doing this so that they don't get associated with the less than savory conversations that occur during online shooter matches.

 

[OléGunner]

A nice moment in a voice-less world.

That moment could be a lot more magical for some kids who are able to laugh, encourage and congratulate each other in their private party chat.

But no, think of the children!!

 

[Like the hat?]

Wii u doesn't have party chat though and I doubt the system is designed in a way to enable it

 

[DrWong]

That moment could be a lot more magical for some kids who are able to laugh, encourage and congratulate each other in their private party chat.

But no, think of the children!!

I dunno, my son enjoyed it without voice chat and he's used to Steam chat, skype etc... with other games.

Did your children complain about the lack of voice hate?

 

[OléGunner]

I dunno, my son enjoyed it without voice chat and he's used to Steam chat, skype etc... with other games.

Did your children complain about the lack of voice hate?

Nope I don't have any kids! Without a doubt children can enjoy Splatoon very much without any voice chat.

I'm just thinking that for kids and their friends being able to play such a wonderful game AND talk together in a private party will make Splatoon that much better.

Nice to know your son enjoyed playing the game too.
Voice Chat isn't a deal breaker at all.

 

[Dr Prob]

Just watch Nintendo make the next Console a "Gaffer's Best Dream" with Voice Chat everywhere, Free Multiplayer, Region-Free, 500gb Memory, Friends List and Invites...The Whole Shebang!

...and it still bomb all over the place because people won't buy it because of "reasons".

Nintendo has been behind its competitors in a number of ways (account system, chat, parties etc.) while sending out underpowered hardware bundled with unconventional control schemes which combine to limit traditional third party support for close to A DECADE now. Even if they released a "Gaffer's Best Dream" tomorrow, magically receiving support from publishers comparable to PS4 and XB1---a decade is still a lot of time to make up for. People move on, set up shop elsewhere, make friends and become part of different ecosystems. This is all a long way of saying that if this theoretical system were to bomb, there would be more to it than vague "reasons"/some imagined bias.

As for Splatoon, if the lack of chat is an intentional design choice (as it is here) it's hard to describe it as "lazy." The latest in a series of unfortunate choices from Nintendo? Sure, but not surprising and I can see what they're going for with this game and even understand the reasoning behind the choice, if not the choice itself. What's puzzling here are all these ridiculous attempts to try and trivialize peoples' disappointment with that choice. Puzzling, but entertaining. Great thread

 

[Shinjica]

As for Splatoon, if the lack of chat is an intentional design choice (as it is here) it's hard to describe it as "lazy." The latest in a series of unfortunate choices from Nintendo? Sure, but not surprising and I can see what they're going for with this game and even understand the reasoning behind the choice, if not the choice itself. What's puzzling here are all these ridiculous attempts to try and trivialize peoples' disappointment with that choice. Puzzling, but entertaining. Great thread

Not lazy but still bad

 

[Metal B]

Not lazy but still bad

Not bad but still questionable.

 

[ultron87]

A nice moment in a voice-less world.

Man, just think of all the magical moments of teamwork someone could have if they could just say "hey, help me out here squidbro".

 

[Night Angel]

Not bad but still questionable.

Nah, imma go with bad on this one.

 

[Jintor]

Man, just think of all the magical moments of teamwork someone could have if they could just say "hey, help me out here squidbro".

think of all the dicks i'll get told to suck

 

[SmokedMeat]

Nintendo is the company that removed a feature from the 3DS because its users were sending dick drawings to each other. They are doing this so that they don't get associated with the less than savory conversations that occur during online shooter matches.

So include the ability to kick out the player that's being offensive. Nintendo shouldn't have to play the role of parent, and being "associated with unsavory conversations" is meaningless, given its had no affect on every other piece of hardware.

I think Nintendo isn't interested in voice chat because it's not benefitting their wallet. If they had an official Nintendo Wii U headset for sale, then no doubt Splatoon would have voice chat.

 

[JoeM86]

So include the ability to kick out the player that's being offensive. Nintendo shouldn't have to play the role of parent, and being "associated with unsavory conversations" is meaningless, given its had no affect on every other piece of hardware.

They shouldn't have to, no. However, in this highly litigious society, I can't really blame them.

 

[It's Reyn Time!]

Man, just think of all the magical moments of teamwork someone could have if they could just say "hey, help me out here squidbro".

Followed by "I SAID FUCKING HELP ME OUT HERE FOR FUCK'S SAKE WHAT ARE YOU DOOOOOOOOING OH MY GOD BAD KID".

I'm all for voice chat and hope it gets added at a later date. That said, I will not miss it one tiny bit.

 

[Boney]

While I do agree that voice chat > no voice chat, under any circumstance, even though I'm not big on it myself, splatoon allows itself to communicate on game mechanics alone, at least in terms of objectives. Seeing which areas are being contested on the map, seeing the ink fly around corners seeing what your team mates are up to make the game's dynamic a lot different. It's close quarters, hectic relentless action is very different from a traditional shooter where action is sporadic and requires a larger scale coordination to advance. Just like you can do whatever you want in the game and still help out, you don't need advanced planning to cover ground. I don't think the strategic argument applies here in 3 minute games. Although this may apply to other game modes.

I'm upset you can't talk for shits and giggles, maybe they'll add it in the friend lobbies, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Professor Renegade]

I think the goal of Splatoon so easy to grasp that it doesn't even need a voice chat, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo avoided implementing one to keep players from swearing at each other.

 

[Robert at Zeboyd Games]

I'd be okay if they added voice chat to custom games, but I'm glad that I don't have to choose between playing better (turning voice chat on) and enjoying the game more (turning the voice chat off).

 

[massoluk]

Let's just agree with there are merits to having a voicechat.

However, I felt that the game is already designed around it.

You have to pay attention to where the ink came from. The "bullet trajectory" is visible unlike other military shooter. No "Where are that sniper, guys?"

You have to pay attention to the changes of territory on the map where the battle is being waged. No "Guys, I need help at upper level." You should grasp the situation from the map.

Then there are powerup designed around that, like the homing beacon pointing out where are the enemies. Or the shield that came automatically protect nearby teammates, so you have to somewhat keep an eye on your teammate.

 

[Papacheeks]

Honest question because I have no clue, does Mario Kart, smash Bros have voice chat?

If not, then It is 100% on Nintendo for ignoring something that is needed for extended playing pf a game.

Especially something as unique as Splatoon.

How can they not take into consideration the milltions playing Mario KART, and not expect to have voice chat in a competative/team based game.

 

[oti]

There should be an option for private matches, there's no argument to be made here. But I actually enjoy seeing developers designing with restrictions in mind. Who knows what the game would've been like if VC was in the game since day one. No one does and it doesn't matter anyway.

 

[Peléo]

I can't understand why anyone would be actively against the idea of voice chat. What have you got against people wanting to chat with their friends while playing? I don't get why you would even want to play a game like this, by yourself, in silence. You may as well just be playing against bots at that point, what's the point of online multiplayer if you don't even feel like you're playing with/against other people?

I would like to have voice chat as an option,but that is not a good argument. The interactions between players in a match are much deeper than just chatting. Specially Splatoon, which is a really movement-heavy shooter. During the match, there are moments itis almost a stealth game. You don't have this kind of interaction against bots.

 

[phanphare]

Honest question because I have no clue, does Mario Kart, smash Bros have voice chat?

If not, then It is 100% on Nintendo for ignoring something that is needed for extended playing pf a game.

Especially something as unique as Splatoon.

How can they not take into consideration the milltions playing Mario KART, and not expect to have voice chat in a competative/team based game.

they both have voice chat but with friends only and not during matches

 

[NickFire]

How the hell does someone make this decision and not get overruled by someone else who understands what gamers (of any age) expect in a shooter?

 

[Wowfunhappy]

Nintendo is the company that removed a feature from the 3DS because its users were sending dick drawings to each other. They are doing this so that they don't get associated with the less than savory conversations that occur during online shooter matches.

It was a LOT worse than that. Some pedos used Swapnote to arrange for a pair of underage girls to met them in a hotel, where they had sex. Isolated incident, yes, but this is the kind of thing that makes headlines (and did, in Japan, where it happened).

 

[Solid Samus]

This thread is a wild ride that will never end

think of all the dicks i'll get told to suck

do your friends tell you to suck dick?

Followed by "I SAID FUCKING HELP ME OUT HERE FOR FUCK'S SAKE WHAT ARE YOU DOOOOOOOOING OH MY GOD BAD KID".

I'm all for voice chat and hope it gets added at a later date. That said, I will not miss it one tiny bit.

it's like everyone expects us to believe the only thing they know about voice chat at all are stories of screaming 12yo randos. Has nobody ever used party chat, like, with...friends?

 

[jeemer]

So excluding it makes the game (slightly? a lot?) harder by design. Is that a bad thing?

Exclusion of something that in turn makes a game harder, by design, is not necessarily a bad thing. However, excluding of voice chat in Splatoon does not appear to be a choice rooted in a calculated decision to increase difficulty.

Excluding voice comms in this case does not really make the game harder. It makes coordinated teamwork harder, potentially making the game more frustrating.

Also, as is obvious from this thread, there are people out there who enjoy chatting in-game with their friends, and people who normally utilise voice comms in order to feel like part of a team. They no longer have the option with Splatoon, this is indeed a bad thing.

 

[Subtervotion]

I think a lot of people in this thread that defend no voice chat aren't considering the friends aspect. Sure voice chat with randoms is always a mixed bag. But voice chat with your friends is where the real fun is for me.

When my friends and I decided what games to buy, we base a lot of that decision on what it will be like when we play together.

I own a Wii U, but the only other person I know irl who also owns one is my cousin who lives 1000s of miles from me. Him and I never get to play together because Nintendo loves to have co-op and multiplayer games that take advantage of local capabilities and not online. Realistically Nintendo could do both though, and that's why I think 'cheap and lazy' are the right words here.

My other friends who don't own a Wii U have no reason to buy one because if they want to play one, they'll just come to my house, there's literally no reason for them to purchase one because we won't be able to play online together anyway.

And this is why I think Nintendo has a fundamental problem with the Wii U. It's not a console designed for 2014 and beyond. Peer pressure sells games. 'Bro, you got to get that new game to play with me online!' This one sentence sells a second console, second game, and second ps+/xbl sub. And its only a domino effect from there.

 

[wildfire]

I doubt it. But the higher ups of Nintendo just said "Nope, we don't want to deal with all the consequences of voice chat." Which is the easy way out.

There is a hit to performance. I remember the first time CCP implemented voice chat in a game they have been tuning for 8 years (an MMO). It was an unmitigated disaster and it took them awhile to get performance back to something that is almost as acceptable as just playing the game but coordinating through Mumble or Teamspeak.

 

[Zornack]

I think a lot of people in this thread that defend no voice chat aren't considering the friends aspect. Sure voice chat with randoms is always a mixed bag. But voice chat with your friends is where the real fun is for me.

Yeah, they must be. I use voice chat while playing 90% of games and it's always to shoot the shit with friends, not to talk with the randoms I'm playing with. Though every once in awhile I end up talking to one of those randoms who ends up being a cool person and that's nice, too.