We use to have a rule on our clan server.. “If you were typing instead of shooting it is your own fault you died.” Harsh, I know but it makes a valid point. Communication is key, and we just don’t have the time to type it out. Voice software is a MUST for any clan, there is no comparison to the ability to communicate in real time with your teammates.

I want to explain not only why it is an important tool, but how to figure out which tool is best for you. There is an old comparison, Vent or TS. Granted these two programs rock, but you don’t always have to pay for voice service and you don’t always get the best when you do.

The Old Days:

I started gaming when there wasn’t any kind of VOIP out there except trusty old Roger Wilco, and back then it wasn’t all that trusty; but it beat typing. No typing means I perform better with my team, and I get to enjoy shooting my friends in the face all the more… which it what the whole thing is about! Voice is mandatory now, and so it should be. Still you run into teams who either offer Ventrillo or TeamSpeak, chances are you had to download both from time to time. The clan pays X dollars a month to host X slots for the voice server and they add it to the bill like they have to, like it is expected.

Know Your Options:

You don’t have to pick Vent or TS, and you don’t have to pay for the hosting. I’m not saying that either is bad, but you have options. To illustrate the point I found this nifty little chart on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_VoIP_software

 

 

That doesn’t include things like mIRC or Xfire, but it makes the point. Note how many of the options are free? How about ones that include text chat features, or other perks that may apply to your team? My point, besides shop around, is don’t believe that you have to follow the crowd with your voice picks. Popular voice software does NOT improve recruiting, new members may actually be encouraged by your teams ability to step out of the box.

Thinking outside of that Box:

I had the opportunity to talk to David at imVOX recently, and I am encouraged by what the guys over there are working on. Instead of providing software you must host and run, they are running their own servers (better voice quality) and offering up creative ideas for how they charge. No more X slots, instead just X per month, as well as a free service with limited options.

http://www.imvox.com/

 

 

My other favorite pick is Xfire. Xfire works on pretty much every level, you can text chat, track friends, use voice in game, record video in game, and so on. It is an all purpose tool for gaming clans and … its FREE. Naturally I have heard my share of horror stories about each feature not working as well as some would like, but you can’t beat the price!

http://www.xfire.com/

 

 

Still Want the MainSteam?

No problem, I can see both sides of the argument, so here are some tips for avoiding paying for voice service:

- Check with your hosting company (Web or Server), chances are they will host your voice for free if you sign up with them instead of the other guys!

- Lots of community sites and some of the larger clans will “harbor” a new team or community team in their own clan voice. Give you your own rooms, and control, and so on.

- If you have the know-how (and the connection speed) starter clans can often host their own server for voice using the bigger software.

- Many of the console games, and even the newer PC games come with built in voice! Consider a game change!

Whatever your move, and how ever you peruse it, voice is a clan requirement. In nearly every game I can think of, it is in your best interest to be able to speak with your team mates, possible new recruits, and guests.

- Hedge

© 2009 TribeHaven