Online voice communication without registration. Review of programs for team voice communication. What game developers give
The most convenient and modern way of communicating on the Internet is IP telephony, but this method requires some resources on your computer, especially when it comes to collective voice chat with the game turned on. To the delight of lovers online games, there are optimized voice clients. Actually, this is what the conversation will be about. We present to your attention alternative clients for voice communication - Raidcall and TeamSpeak.
What game developers give
Of course, there are a number of companies trying to fix this by offering simple, free voice chat for players. Let's take a look at three of the best. I was recently tasked with finding a simple client-to-client voice solution to use with a friend while playing games. Since it was only the two of us, the server-client was suggesting to seem overkill. But we also had no intention of participating in a larger community.
It is designed to use multiple resources and also provides excellent voice quality. Voice communication allows players to reach the next level. It's one thing to play a multiplayer game with friends is something else where you can talk to your friends while you play. The interface is attractive, navigation is fast and stability has proven its durability. At the time of their inception, game messengers were popular because they also served as game launchers.
Raidcall
Raidcall is a voice communication program for online games. Of course, it can be used for ordinary voice communication, but it is tailored specifically for MMORPG, MMOFPS and so on.
Raidcall differs from other software of a similar class, first of all, by its rather wide functionality. Consider for yourself: the protocol used (does not require a wide channel from the client), the overlay function (the most common collective games are supported), its own social network, completely free (the ability to create up to 5 voice servers free of charge). But let's talk about everything in order.
You can chat with friends, create groups for multiplayer, and then launch the game to play. Access to this service is carried out through the "Chat" section of the messenger. Anyone can create a chat with voice chat. The app is fast, but it's also a little outdated.
You can run games, you can send messages, you can find servers, you can download files, and you can manage screenshots in the game. While the client-client model is the easiest to set up, there are not many features to control chat, and they tend to include non-voice chat features that you may not need. The main client-client benefit is ease of setup and use, but for larger groups of people, the server-client model makes more sense.
In Raidcall, everything is built around groups, or channels. A beginner Raidcall user can create one group, more or less advanced - 2, 3 and more. The total depends on a special parameter called "Raidcall level".
It is optimized for low latency communications, making it ideal for hectic gaming situations where every second counts. This is a project with an open source code, and such software often frightening, but this is not the case here. Installing and using the client is easy as pie, and there is even a detailed audio setup wizard that you can use to accurately calibrate your microphone and speakers for maximum clear communication. You will need a good network adapter and a high bandwidth connection if you want to accommodate large groups.
Everything is standard here - name, type. Only the "Game" parameter is interesting. It's not that Raidcall can't work without specifying the game, it's just that if the game is specified correctly, the program will be able to pull the players' nicknames from it, which is very convenient - much more convenient than if the nicknames from Raidcall are used.
After creation, the group receives a personal ID. With its help, the group can be found and added to it. Well, since it is at least impractical to sit on the channel alone, this very group ID must be given to those with whom you want to communicate. The channel can be made private, or public: in the first case, the program will require a password to enter, in the second case, everyone will be able to enter.
If you don't have both, you might have someone else to host the server for you - but it certainly isn't free. What kind of voice communication is a fantastic technology cue that really complements the fast-paced nature of multiplayer gaming.
Wearing a headset while gaming adds a social element that greatly enhances the gaming experience. Playing games online with a lot of people interacting is a new way to play. If you are an online gamer wanting to make your experience richer and more fun, and you know the benefits it can give you when you use it to communicate with friends in your game, you want to know which tool to use. Here are the most outstanding ones.
After entering the channel, you can talk with friends, write text messages to them. You can also see the "contribution" of each user, edit your nickname, record everything that happens on the channel to a sound file and much more.
It comes with an impressive list of features that cover everything others have to offer and is completely free. It also offers a smartphone app. It is relative new program, it does not have the stability and reliability of other applications, but we can be sure that this will be fixed over time. It has a large number of servers and authorized providers all over the world. The server and clients are free. Therefore, you can host a server application and create a group or thousands of people.
You only pay if you receive monetary benefits, directly or indirectly, from using the server. Plus, it's free for non-commercial users. Find out more and how to deal with it. This allows it to run very smoothly on computers whose main load of resources goes to resource-hungry games. Basically, you need to host a server application, but there are third party sites offering the service for a monthly fee. This is also too relative compared to others.
In addition to group communication, individual communication is also available in Raidcall - for this you should go to the "Contacts" tab. There you can also add contacts to the blacklist. True, in order to communicate with at least someone, you have to find him first.
It shines with its integration with your game, and it has tons of features. He's very social, with tools that make sharing easier, especially during action. Most importantly, it's completely free. It does experience some performance issues, but this is certainly due to the fact that it is relatively new and needs to be refined. There are rumors about this containing spyware.
If you're looking for a fun way to demonstrate your communication skills here, this is a neat communication exercise that will raise a ton of questions to discuss communication accuracy. Ask one person from each team to step forward to view the model for 20 seconds. Send this person back to your team when they then instruct the rest of the team on how to build the model. They are not allowed to touch the model itself. After one minute, call or ask teams to send another person to watch within 5 seconds.
There is nothing unusual in the settings, except for an interesting function called "Overlay". Its essence lies in the fact that on the screen running game a special panel is displayed that allows you to see who is currently online and who is speaking. Unfortunately, so far few games have this feature, but on the forums you can find ways to "add" it to popular games like WoT.
This continues until the first team claims they have a fully replicated model. The model is tested, and if they are correct, they win if the exercise does not continue. The exercise can continue until all commands have ended.
What the player needs
This simple question should generate a lot of discussion.
- How accurate were the instructions?
- How difficult is it to recreate something without being able to see it?
- How difficult is it to view but not build?
- How did people make money?
Raidcall also has a service that can be described as a "social network". Made quite conveniently, but the usefulness of this function is in great doubt.
What can you say about the quality and speed of communication? Compared to Skype, the connection is very stable, a little less latency - the difference in the protocols used is obvious.
Verdict: useful program, which is well suited for team voice communication in all sorts of cooperative games. Plus to this - an overlay, free, no lags and a strange extension in the form social network... The low latency during communication is also pleasing: the new protocol is effective.
Games and icebreakers are suitable for all groups and activities, whether for young people or adults; training or functions or social events, meetings and clubs. There are a lot of communication exercises, icebreaker or warm-ups here, suitable for any group or team training. There is no group size limit and it takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Use random objects to create a minefield, such as pieces of paper, clothes, or file folders. Give the team members "mines" and ask them to disperse them on the field or gym for training. After all the mines are set up, separate the team into pairs of people. Provide a bandage for one person and allow the other person to see. Instruct the couples that the man with the gun must successfully guide his teammate through the minefield using only words. Allow all couples to walk at the same time so that each blindfolded person should listen carefully to their leader.
Teamspeak
The first version of Teamspeak was a pretty big break. The second one was also actively used by users from all over the world, however, the paid server rent played a role - some users gradually drifted towards free competitors. After that, the popularity of the program began to gradually decline until the third version came out, the last one to date. Good sound quality, new features and effects, and, to be honest, the user-friendliness of the interface once again lifted Teamspeak to the peak of popularity.
Review the activity by asking participants to identify the skills required to successfully complete the task.
- How easy was it to hear the instructions?
- Were the instructions precise enough to complete the task?
- How did he feel blindfolded?
How good is your communication? Indeed? How often do you actually listen to your spouse, colleague, or coworker? How often do you interrupt, talk to people and don't look that person in the eye? How many people have a one-way conversation talking to you without giving you the opportunity to participate in the conversation? For me, this is an instant shutdown!
Successful communication with Teamspeak requires a server connection. There are public and private servers. To connect to the second, as you can understand, you need to enter a password. When connected, you will be able to communicate with those who are also on this server... To do this, on the server itself, you need to connect to an existing channel or create your own. People on the same channel can communicate freely.
It is very neat here to try your workout programs or your groups. It's called Sparkling Moment. It could be an achievement or something really fantastic that happened to them. While A is telling the story, B must remain motionless, without expression, and cannot speak. Then allow 5 minutes to think about the experience.
How did you feel when you were telling the story? How they felt at the end of the story. How easy it was to tell the story without accepting the gestures. How easy was it to get feedback without being able to clarify or interrupt? How easy was it to listen and concentrate?
If the required server is not in the list, you can connect to it manually.
All information about the current server is available on the main screen. There is not only the function of voice communication, but also text communication.
How easy was it to effectively provide feedback? Then flip the roles and repeat. For a ton more surprising, icebreakers and games to use with your groups visit the website. Whether alone, with friends or unknown teammates from all over the world, the Internet always ensures that current titles are available. The fact that his team is coordinated by internet telephony is especially important for action games. Of course, the exciting driving experience on the display will go on forever.
And if you find yourself in a difficult scene then good advice just around the corner - if you know the right sites. Everything you need for your gaming day can be found in this post. Where do you get the game's commercial hits around the clock and guaranteed no store closure? The program not only downloads and installs, but also downloads all updates and patches later. A comprehensive package of feelings for game lovers, so to speak. Whether it is a "match" with finding other players or a match with other clan members while playing - without communication, online gaming is only half the fun.
Everything is pretty standard in the settings. Just as in the case of Raidcall, attention should be paid exclusively to the overlay function, only in Teamspeak it is implemented much more conveniently. However, enable this function in the setup wizard, which is called when the program is first launched. To call it again, go to Settings-> Setup Wizard.
While many games have built-in chat functionality, it often leaves a lot to be desired. At that time, the program just appeared in the list of contacts played by friends who were simply gambling. If you are not stuck on a hard level yet, the problem has not been solved in the best way, this is not a real gamer.
This page is still up and running. Content is still subject to change! Usually communication with neighbors of a routing connection is limited to text communication. In reality, on the other hand, communication functions like a telephone: through language. They can communicate directly with their neighbors and thus can speak freely with their neighbors. To use the plugin is required.
Verdict: advanced program for voice communication. In some ways, Raidcall is more convenient (for example, with the same overlay), but by and large it is not much different. The biggest difference is that in Teamspeak, you can create an unlimited number of channels on different servers. But there is also a drawback - on public free servers, the latency can be significant, which can be a big hindrance when it comes to esports. And you will have to pay for a separate server. Therefore, if you have the funds to rent your own server, it is better to use Teamspeak. And if not - Raidcall or, at worst, Skype to help you.
MMORPG professionals, like fans of small network games, prefer to communicate with their voice while playing. And if the game involves a raid or other deliberate attack on the enemy, the built-in chat is not able to help - it will delay you, and eventually put you and the team in a losing position. While rivals are quickly deciding what to do with you, you are texting in a chat - it's unthinkable!
Therefore, in a team game, quick voice communication gives you an edge. You need fast and high-quality communication, which can be provided by programs for voice communication in games.
What the player needs
Why use voice chat? Information from all teammates should come with a minimum delay and in an acceptable quality, then you will not have to spend precious seconds thinking about what exactly you were told in the voice chat of Warface or another game.
What game developers give
The game usually has some kind of voice communication product, but more often than not it is an inconvenient product with poor sound quality and not the most outstanding features. Therefore, the player will need a program for communication in games, which offers high-quality communication and flexible voice chat settings.
If you are seriously addicted to a game and join a clan / guild, you will have to install one of the listed programs anyway. Interestingly, depending on the game, clients for communication also change. If in WoW and L2 they usually sit on Ventrilo, then Eve Online fans most often use voice chat for TeamSpeak online games.
What programs are there
Let's take a look at 4 different programs and identify the best ones for communicating in games. Some will be paid, others are completely free. Let's see what we can get for the money and whether it is worth paying for voice communication in the game at all.
Ventrilo
This is a commercial product that is free for the player. But if you want to install a server, you have to pay. There are simply no free servers. The program offers good sound, but for large communities you will have to buy additional space on the server.
Bad news for players who care about every second of the game. Ventrilo can lose packets, which means that you will hear another player, but only after 10-15 seconds. If several people spoke at this time, you will hear everyone at once.
This product is praised for its interface, but criticized for its delays.
TeamSpeak 2
The old version of the popular program without overlay (chat for streaming over the game), keyboard screens are also missing, you cannot broadcast to all channels, without noise reduction. The program uses UDP, so communication may be lost from time to time. Some Blade and soul players complain about voice chat, TeamSpeak causes the game to freeze.
Many servers, many users, connection may be lost.
Skype
Almost everyone has it, but do you want to listen to 30 people at once during a raid? Skype has no flexible settings: you will not be able to adjust the volume for participants, distribute rights and normally administer the group.
Popular, no customization.
GameGab
A new product that works for free and without hidden restrictions.
- Pro gamers will love the fast response and stable connection.
- The interface is modern, anyone can understand it.
- Server installation takes 3 minutes.
- Chat is not only voice, there is also text and pictures. A screenshot from the clipboard is quickly pasted.
- This is a free chat.
GameGab is free of charge voice chat for games. You don't have to rent a server, because you will have your own voice chat, for example, online digger. You will not lose access to the server, GameGab issues unique rights, and no one sees the IP and email of the participants.
To start using unlimited private server, install GameGab!
Benefits of the program
With GameGab you don't have to worry about built-in chat glitches, taking competition in non-chat games to the next level. You stop solving problems and communicate on the support forums every day, and start playing using a ready-made program for communicating in Warface or another game.
In total, GameGab is:
- Free server for voice communication;
- Connection in 3 minutes;
- Stable communication.
How to install
You will need a download page, you need to choose your platform (at the time of this writing, there is only a Desktop version). The developers promise to add Mac Os, Linux, Android and iOs.