VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

[bjack]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

I ripped out my eyes because one time I saw a very ugly person.

[whoster69]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

3 friends of mine and I just started playing together in a squad. We setup TeamSpeak because it is so much better than the VOIP stuff in BF2. I'd love to find some guidelines on how to use it best though, because we have several problems.

1) People talking too much

2) People not being efficient in the way they talk (e.g., instead of go over there and shoot that funny looking guy say something like kill sniper to left)

3) People not acknowledging commands

Does anyone know of some good guidelines for this kind of stuff?

We're starting to use push to talk and that helps somewhat.

[parish]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

VOIP is off on my rig. I use Vent with my clan mates and watch the messages. If you pay attention to the HUD, Messages and Mini Map, you dont need VOIP IMHO.

[Odedge]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

3 friends of mine and I just started playing together in a squad. We setup TeamSpeak because it is so much better than the VOIP stuff in BF2. I'd love to find some guidelines on how to use it best though, because we have several problems.

1) People talking too much

2) People not being efficient in the way they talk (e.g., instead of go over there and shoot that funny looking guy say something like kill sniper to left)

3) People not acknowledging commands

Does anyone know of some good guidelines for this kind of stuff?

We're starting to use push to talk and that helps somewhat.

I think VOIP works much better than TS. My buddies and I use TS to find games and talk while the game is loading. But once we are in the game, Squad Talk all the way.

We had the same issues as you are having.

1. We still have one guy that talks more than others. Most of what he says isn't really needed either. This just comes down to willingness and some discipline. All of you have to agree that during most of the game, keep the extra comments to a minimum. The more people you have in your squad, the more important it is.

Also have a understanding that if some one is bending/breaking this "rule", some on can just say "Hey whoster69, watch your noise discipline".

2. This is a developed skill. I don't think most people can talk efficiently and I am one of them. Playing games with others using VOIP/TS has helped. You can agree to certain terms like "friendly" or "hostile" to describe a vehicle or person. We use the term "Tank is available" to inform someone that a certain vehicle just spawned or seems empty.

If you are traveling in a vehicle, you can use the "o'clock' method of describing where somebody is. "We have a hostile tank at 9 o'clock". You can also use high or low for vehicles or enemies.

3. One guy loves to use the "rodger that" and "negative" instead of his voice. Maybe it's easier. This could be one way to acknowledge what some one said. I prefer for some one to just say something. I personally like to say "copy that", call me weird.

But every thing you mentioned involves two things. First, the willingness of people to want to do this. Second, practicing it enough until it become second nature. To me, part of the fun is the technical jargon of military games, call me weird again if you didn't the first time.

[whoster69]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Thanks. That helps some. So do you turn off TeamSpeak once in game and just use BF2's version of TS?

[WarGimp]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Thanks. That helps some. So do you turn off TeamSpeak once in game and just use BF2's version of TS?

Donno if he does, but I do when gaming with buddies.
BTW, The in-game voice is much less resource intensive than either TS or Vent. It's actually perty damned tight. I can barely even see a differenace in CPU, BW, or RAM loads with BattleComms on or off.

[xyme]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

The only downside for me are some people I've encountered who yelled at me.

Other than that, it's highly practical, especially when you know there are 4 people in that building, but you can't spot them, or you know there'll be a tank around that corner you're driving at. Only you've seen them, so it's good to let your squad know, and the fastest way to do so is VOIP.

Also yelling "BEHIND YOU!" or "GRENADE!" has saved me or my mates countless times already. Couldn't do that without VOIP.

And I actually like to do what some might regard as "chatter", telling my squad things like: "ONWARDS! Nerds to the rescue! We must conquer all, take no Prrrisoners!" and other such things that might be regarded as slightly silly.
But if you do it right, it can greatly encourage the people you're playing with, especially if they've got the same kind of humour.

While not being a 100% earnest, it can still be pretty immersive, and it's a lot more fun than only talking pseudo-military-speak.


Other than that, I of course also find people yelling, having mics too loud, too low, or talking about graphics cards annoying. But there are lots of people playing this game who like to use their mic in the intended way, which would be to enhance the game for the squad.

Oh and it's also of really great use if you have a commander who's in constant contact with his squads, giving orders, and telling you what to expect or what to do in person.

[CtrlAltDe1337]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

1. We still have one guy that talks more than others. Most of what he says isn't really needed either. This just comes down to willingness and some discipline. All of you have to agree that during most of the game, keep the extra comments to a minimum. The more people you have in your squad, the more important it is.

I know what you mean. Try getting about 23 ppl on one TS channel, all in 1 server, and it can be total chaos if everyone starts yapping.

Unfortunately, I need to turn voip off in order for my TS to be loud enough :/

[Odedge]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Thanks. That helps some. So do you turn off TeamSpeak once in game and just use BF2's version of TS?

We keep ours on and connected. It doesn't seem to make a big difference in performance, if any. It's helpful because it makes speeds things up if you are having a hard time finding a good server. Also, we use to talk to each other (not the squad) from time to time. This is usually during the loading process and to manage the squad (i.e. kicking some one out because they aren't working with the squad or punishing an accidental TK that a squad member did).

[whoster69]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Those are good points too.

How do people deal with too much talking? We've had problems with members giving blow by blow details tying up the line, talking too much in frustration and even some who had their mikes turned up so much that you could hear everything going on. We're trying to work the kinks out, but it's a hard process and I can tell it's going to take time. I've been thinking about trying a few commands that would get the message across for people to stop the chatter but saying something like "Clear the line".

Right now we're getting ready to try a push to talk button. We're hoping that will help somewhat too.

[Odedge]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Those are good points too.

How do people deal with too much talking? We've had problems with members giving blow by blow details tying up the line, talking too much in frustration and even some who had their mikes turned up so much that you could hear everything going on. We're trying to work the kinks out, but it's a hard process and I can tell it's going to take time. I've been thinking about trying a few commands that would get the message across for people to stop the chatter but saying something like "Clear the line".

Right now we're getting ready to try a push to talk button. We're hoping that will help somewhat too.

Yeah, it take some discipline. I have been at fault for "complaining" to the squad, but it doesn't help anyone, even yourself. With VOIP, you have to use push to talk. We also do this in TS so it's not picking up every noise. With push to talk enabled on TS/Ventillo, peiple can complain verbally, just don't press the button and everyone will be happy.

[Futile]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

i like VOIP personally. chatted with some pretty cool players on the raging rebels server. it's really useful when you are blackhawking or when you are in any vehicle with the squad.

it's also more fun when you get to brag about a nice kill

[BenjiRyan]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

My god.. you guys must all be professional clan soldiers. I love the VOIP and whilst i dont "chit chat" I think the social impact of being able to communicate with real people a great plus point for BF2.

Also being a relative newbie, (just a sargeant) I get some great tips, like the squad leader telling me to climb on the tank when both seats were filled so i could get a lift into battle. Never thought of that before.

Yes there must be nerds out there but the squad leader can boot them or you can simply join another squad. Not disrespecting younglings but if the squad leader turns out to be a squeaky teenager I generally bail that squad and find another unless theres a reasonable reason to stay.

All in all I love the VOIP and use it in the spirit of the game. Needless to say i never bunny hop or dolphin dive either...

Actually thats fibbing. Trying for my knife badge at the moment so am bouncing everywhere trying to thrust and get the magical seventh kill.

[MikeGo]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Maybe if more ppl read my guide on radio communications ...

http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?p=645406

[whoster69]

Re: VOIP cons (maybe why some turn it off)

Now that it's been posted more than a few minutes, I'm sure people will...

Thanks for posting it!