Should ESO on PC have an optional proximity voice chat?

Vaqual · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

sans-culottes wrote: »

Vaqual wrote: »

I don't need extra bandwidth to be occupied by pointless chatter.

Do you use Discord?

Yes, when I choose to do so. I doubt that they would successfully implement an on/off toggle that isn't just a mute/unmute button.

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

Vaqual wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

Vaqual wrote: »

I don't need extra bandwidth to be occupied by pointless chatter.

Do you use Discord?

Yes, when I choose to do so. I doubt that they would successfully implement an on/off toggle that isn't just a mute/unmute button.

I mean, that’s already what we have on PSN. I’m not sure why this would be a bridge too far for PC players in 2025. 🤷‍♂️

peacenote · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

I am a big fan of parity of features between the platforms whenever possible.

SilverBride · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

Why do console players care if we have proximity voice chat on PC? Why the push?

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

SilverBride wrote: »

Why do console players care if we have proximity voice chat on PC? Why the push?

Why do you think people on consoles only play there? It seems a bit unfair to attempt to diminish another’s opinion because they have an account on one platform or another—or both!

This question was about the opinions of all. If you want to poll only PC players, then you’re welcome to make your own poll. Otherwise, gatekeeping is not very conducive to a healthy conversation.

More to the point, not being interested in parity between platforms is an interesting stance to take. I’m unclear on how this would even affect you? Why are others not allowed to have opinions?

SilverBride · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

I do think that most players are only active on one platform. There are probably exceptions to this but I would guess it is a small minority.

I just don't understand why this is being pushed when the poll shows that most do not want this feature.

Thysbe · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

sans-culottes wrote: »

More to the point, not being interested in parity between platforms is an interesting stance to take.

its just common sense - why waste limited ressources on unasked features just for paritys sake. Whats next? The console mod feature for PC?

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

SilverBride wrote: »

I do think that most players are only active on one platform. There are probably exceptions to this but I would guess it is a small minority.

I just don't understand why this is being pushed when the poll shows that most do not want this feature.

I don’t know what’s being “pushed”? Someone made a poll and people are talking about it. We aren’t the developers, and I haven’t seen anyone say “OMG you will implement this now.”

Giving examples from real, existing systems to counter hypothetical concerns isn’t “pushing” something. It’s responding to others’ concerns and explaining how this was done and didn’t devolve into Bedlam on other platforms.

Thysbe wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

More to the point, not being interested in parity between platforms is an interesting stance to take.

its just common sense - why waste limited ressources on unasked features just for paritys sake. Whats next? The console mod feature for PC?

I’m not sure what you mean. Consoles still don’t have mods, while PC players do. This is being added, despite an apparent paucity of resources predicted by players, precisely because it improves parity—and the player experience. Choices are good and not scary.

SilverBride · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

It's fine that concerns are being addressed, but many of us still don't want it.

wilykcat · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

World of warcraft has in-game voice chat to opt in or opt out of. I would like it so elderscrolls has this option too for PC. I won't use discord.

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

SilverBride wrote: »

It's fine that concerns are being addressed, but many of us still don't want it.

And that’s fine! As I said before, I think the bigger issue would be getting anyone to actually use it.

spartaxoxo · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

Vaqual wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

Vaqual wrote: »

I don't need extra bandwidth to be occupied by pointless chatter.

Do you use Discord?

Yes, when I choose to do so. I doubt that they would successfully implement an on/off toggle that isn't just a mute/unmute button.

We already know how this works on console.

Chat is entirely optional. You can permanently turn it on or off depending on your preference. Every individual chat channel has it's own setting.

There is an area chat with a small proximity to prevent too much overlapping chatter.

There is a group chat.

There is multiple guild chat channels, including ones that only officers can see.

There is no social pressure to join chat in anything but pickup groups in vet trials.

Anyone who is using chat has their name displayed when they speak and in the chat channel. You can report the user. ZOS will handle reports and people have been banned when using it.

It does not replace text chat, discord, or better quality voice chats with organized groups.

It's primary function is to help new players find friends and guilds (who would not be represented by a poll) and socializing between strangers such as pickup groups, dueling, etc.

Thysbe · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

sans-culottes wrote: »

I’m not sure what you mean. Consoles still don’t have mods, while PC players do. This is being added, despite an apparent paucity of resources predicted by players, precisely because it improves parity—and the player experience. Choices are good and not scary.

You are pushing feature parity. There is no ESO provided PC Mod feature, we use 3rd party solutions same as with player communication and Discord. I think the similarty of the request is pretty obvious. So to continue your reasoning - this should be next in queue after proximity voice chat.

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

Thysbe wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

I’m not sure what you mean. Consoles still don’t have mods, while PC players do. This is being added, despite an apparent paucity of resources predicted by players, precisely because it improves parity—and the player experience. Choices are good and not scary.

You are pushing feature parity. There is no ESO provided PC Mod feature, we use 3rd party solutions same as with player communication and Discord. I think the similarty of the request is pretty obvious. So to continue your reasoning - this should be next in queue after proximity voice chat.

I have no idea what you’re talking about. If you’re not happy with the way PC players have been able to use mods for many years, then I encourage you to submit a support ticket. The idea that this is somehow taking away from or stretching the notion of parity is absurd.

spartaxoxo · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

Thysbe wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

I’m not sure what you mean. Consoles still don’t have mods, while PC players do. This is being added, despite an apparent paucity of resources predicted by players, precisely because it improves parity—and the player experience. Choices are good and not scary.

You are pushing feature parity. There is no ESO provided PC Mod feature, we use 3rd party solutions same as with player communication and Discord. I think the similarty of the request is pretty obvious. So to continue your reasoning - this should be next in queue after proximity voice chat.

There's a lot of concerns in this thread that are valid about VoIP in general but not true of how ZOS has implemented the feature. For example, the concern that you'd have to use it. ZOS isn't forcing anyone to use it and you can turn it off permanently if you so choose.

I think it's fair to address those concerns to clear up the misunderstanding of the role voice chat plays on console's social ecosystem. I frankly don't see validity in a poll that didn't address these concerns in the opening so people know what they're actually voting on. But the next best thing is the comments section so that others will be informed on what they're voting on.

VoxAdActa · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

SilverBride wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

The same way people report it to ZOS on consoles, presumably.

I've never played on a console and have no idea how they do that.

sans-culottes wrote: »

If the concern is that people might be toxic, then as you’ve pointed out this already exists in, e.g., zone chat. This also exists in various opt-in Discord servers and so on. It’s really just a matter of from whom does the service originate.

It's very easy to report zone chat and take a screenshot showing the offensive chat, although I've rarely had to. Surprisingly, just announcing that I intend to take screenshots and report offensive chat if it doesn't stop usually does stop it.

I'm sure there is sometimes toxicity in Discord too, but that is not part of ESO and not relevant to what would happen within ESO.

I 100% agree with you. The feature, optional or not, will be abused and manipulated by bad actors who already abuse and manipulate other, better hardened, social functions.

In addition to taking up bandwidth and valuable dev time for a feature only a niche subset of people will find attractive or use.

PC players don't need and don't want this feature, and I don't understand why console-only players are pushing so hard to force it on us (but optionally!). I guess some people just argue for the sake of argument.

spartaxoxo · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

VoxAdActa wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

The same way people report it to ZOS on consoles, presumably.

I've never played on a console and have no idea how they do that.

sans-culottes wrote: »

If the concern is that people might be toxic, then as you’ve pointed out this already exists in, e.g., zone chat. This also exists in various opt-in Discord servers and so on. It’s really just a matter of from whom does the service originate.

It's very easy to report zone chat and take a screenshot showing the offensive chat, although I've rarely had to. Surprisingly, just announcing that I intend to take screenshots and report offensive chat if it doesn't stop usually does stop it.

I'm sure there is sometimes toxicity in Discord too, but that is not part of ESO and not relevant to what would happen within ESO.

I 100% agree with you. The feature, optional or not, will be abused and manipulated by bad actors who already abuse and manipulate other, better hardened, social functions.

In addition to taking up bandwidth and valuable dev time for a feature only a niche subset of people will find attractive or use.

PC players don't need and don't want this feature, and I don't understand why console-only players are pushing so hard to force it on us (but optionally!). I guess some people just argue for the sake of argument.

There is little abuse on console voice chat, certainly not more than abuse on discord. Unlike abuse on discord, it is easily reportable to ZOS.

I also think product parity is a good thing so that consumers can base their choice of platform on what works best with their lives rather than on what feature one platform has over another. I'm not talking about minor cosmetics but big features like voice chat. It bothers me that customers on PC do not have the option to use all game features should they choose to do so. I think that is doubly true when they are pressured to join discords to hear things like call outs.

Over the years I have seen many players expressing their discomfort at being forced to join external social media sites just to enjoy group content. The justification is always that it's just so they can hear call outs. Why should these users be forced into situations that make them feel so uncomfortable that they feel harassed by the game for something that is entirely resolved by a console exclusive feature?

I don't consider clearing up misinformation to be pushing the feature, so that people can make informed decisions. I'd be doing it even if I didn't believe in the feature because users deserve to know the truth when making decisions. In this case, we do already know how the feature works down to the last detail because the feature has been implemented on console for 10 years. There is nothing hypothetical about it.

ETA

Voice chat on consoles also helps those with accessibility issues around typing communicate better and more easily than voice to text because it removes a layer of middleman and instead allows for direct communication. It doesn't help those with hearing issues but I did have a guild mate a long time ago that would hang out in guild chat 1 because it was easier for her. We'd join her during social events and also type things out for those that didn't want to join chat.

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

spartaxoxo wrote: »

VoxAdActa wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

The same way people report it to ZOS on consoles, presumably.

I've never played on a console and have no idea how they do that.

sans-culottes wrote: »

If the concern is that people might be toxic, then as you’ve pointed out this already exists in, e.g., zone chat. This also exists in various opt-in Discord servers and so on. It’s really just a matter of from whom does the service originate.

It's very easy to report zone chat and take a screenshot showing the offensive chat, although I've rarely had to. Surprisingly, just announcing that I intend to take screenshots and report offensive chat if it doesn't stop usually does stop it.

I'm sure there is sometimes toxicity in Discord too, but that is not part of ESO and not relevant to what would happen within ESO.

I 100% agree with you. The feature, optional or not, will be abused and manipulated by bad actors who already abuse and manipulate other, better hardened, social functions.

In addition to taking up bandwidth and valuable dev time for a feature only a niche subset of people will find attractive or use.

PC players don't need and don't want this feature, and I don't understand why console-only players are pushing so hard to force it on us (but optionally!). I guess some people just argue for the sake of argument.

There is little abuse on console voice chat, certainly not more than abuse on discord. Unlike abuse on discord, it is easily reportable to ZOS.

I also think product parity is a good thing so that consumers can base their choice of platform on what works best with their lives rather than on what feature one platform has over another. I'm not talking about minor cosmetics but big features like voice chat. It bothers me that customers on PC do not have the option to use all game features should they choose to do so. I think that is doubly true when they are pressured to join discords to hear things like call outs.

Over the years I have seen many players expressing their discomfort at being forced to join external social media sites just to enjoy group content. The justification is always that it's just so they can hear call outs. Why should these users be forced into situations that make them feel so uncomfortable that they feel harassed by the game for something that is entirely resolved by a console exclusive feature?

I don't consider clearing up misinformation to be pushing the feature, so that people can make informed decisions. I'd be doing it even if I didn't believe in the feature because users deserve to know the truth when making decisions. In this case, we do already know how the feature works down to the last detail because the feature has been implemented on console for 10 years. There is nothing hypothetical about it.

ETA

Voice chat on consoles also helps those with accessibility issues around typing communicate better and more easily than voice to text because it removes a layer of middleman and instead allows for direct communication. It doesn't help those with hearing issues but I did have a guild mate a long time ago that would hang out in guild chat 1 because it was easier for her. We'd join her during social events and also type things out for those that didn't want to join chat.

Well said. It’s about making the community more accessible, not gatekeeping access.

If players are genuinely concerned about the effect this would have on their bandwidth, then why are they using Discord?

Vaqual · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Vaqual wrote: »

sans-culottes wrote: »

Vaqual wrote: »

I don't need extra bandwidth to be occupied by pointless chatter.

Do you use Discord?

Yes, when I choose to do so. I doubt that they would successfully implement an on/off toggle that isn't just a mute/unmute button.

We already know how this works on console.

Chat is entirely optional. You can permanently turn it on or off depending on your preference. Every individual chat channel has it's own setting.

There is an area chat with a small proximity to prevent too much overlapping chatter.

There is a group chat.

There is multiple guild chat channels, including ones that only officers can see.

There is no social pressure to join chat in anything but pickup groups in vet trials.

Anyone who is using chat has their name displayed when they speak and in the chat channel. You can report the user. ZOS will handle reports and people have been banned when using it.

It does not replace text chat, discord, or better quality voice chats with organized groups.

It's primary function is to help new players find friends and guilds (who would not be represented by a poll) and socializing between strangers such as pickup groups, dueling, etc.

You argued completely past my original point, I don't know what to say to that. I do not know how "heavy" the proximity chat is on the connection, but considering that it is a lot easier to type on PC compared to console I just think it isn't equally helpful. Muting the voice chat means the packages are still sent, but you just opt out from hearing them, which in the end isn't a real opt-in.

Razmirra · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

If I want VC, I will use Discord.

spartaxoxo · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

Vaqual wrote: »

You argued completely past my original point, I don't know what to say to that. I do not know how "heavy" the proximity chat is on the connection, but considering that it is a lot easier to type on PC compared to console I just think it isn't equally helpful. Muting the voice chat means the packages are still sent, but you just opt out from hearing them, which in the end isn't a real opt-in.

You turn off voice chat completely and have to join it to hear or see anyone in it. You can also mute them by turning player voices all the way down.

Edit

That's what it looks like. I personally keep area off by default so that I don't have to hear music, people clearing their throats, etc. I turned it on in an area where I was the only person and spoke so you can see what it looks like when someone speaks.

ETA 2

There's area where everyone in a small vicinity can hear you.

Guild chat (1-3) in which only guild members who have joined that channel can hear you.

Officer chat in which only officers of a guild can join and hear you.

Group chat in which only other members of your group can join and hear you.

You have to join a particular channel to participate in it.

CatoUnchained · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

I voted yes, but not for a "proximity" voice chat.

I voted yes for an in game group chat feature. As in only members of your group would hear chat, not everyone in proximity of the group.

*so put an asterisks next to my vote

VoxAdActa · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Over the years I have seen many players expressing their discomfort at being forced to join external social media sites just to enjoy group content.

LOL at Discord being called a "social media site."

It's a feature-rich voice chat platform.

And anyway, if we were judging what "features" to add or subtract based on what a small group of players are "uncomfortable" with, ZOS would have to remove poisons and theft, stop naming items after "false gods," and never provide endeavors/pursuits that reward grouping at all.

The justification is always that it's just so they can hear call outs. Why should these users be forced into situations that make them feel so uncomfortable that they feel harassed by the game for something that is entirely resolved by a console exclusive feature?

I sincerely doubt high-end trifecta/HM pushers or competitive PvPers on PC are "uncomfortable" about joining Discord. "Hearing callouts" isn't required for undaunted PUGs.

Much like many other intense "add this feature" pushes, it feels like the actual reason is "because its cool." Proximity voice chat, the subject of the current thread, is yet another solution in search of a problem.

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

VoxAdActa wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Over the years I have seen many players expressing their discomfort at being forced to join external social media sites just to enjoy group content.

LOL at Discord being called a "social media site."

It's a feature-rich voice chat platform.

And anyway, if we were judging what "features" to add or subtract based on what a small group of players are "uncomfortable" with, ZOS would have to remove poisons and theft, stop naming items after "false gods," and never provide endeavors/pursuits that reward grouping at all.

The justification is always that it's just so they can hear call outs. Why should these users be forced into situations that make them feel so uncomfortable that they feel harassed by the game for something that is entirely resolved by a console exclusive feature?

I sincerely doubt high-end trifecta/HM pushers or competitive PvPers on PC are "uncomfortable" about joining Discord. "Hearing callouts" isn't required for undaunted PUGs.

Much like many other intense "add this feature" pushes, it feels like the actual reason is "because its cool." Proximity voice chat, the subject of the current thread, is yet another solution in search of a problem.

But it already exists on another platform. All the reason you’d cited earlier cited have been addressed, so turning to an unfortunate mischaracterization isn’t the most honest way of presenting what others are saying. If anything, then the disapproval’s been something of a moving target.

PS. Discord is, in fact, a social media platform. What you’ve described is a social media platform.

PPS. In considering the examples you cited, I’m concerned that these aren’t really fair or helpful comparisons. Feeling conflicted or angsty about using a poison in a game or worshipping the wrong god or something is quite a different thing than feeling one way or another about a fairly innocuous question someone had.

SilverBride · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

I've read all the posts in this thread and I still don't understand where this is coming from.

If console players enjoy proximity chat then that is all fine... for them. What I don't understand is why there is such a push for PC players to want it too.

We have gotten along very well for going on 11 years now without it. We are happy with Discord. Why is this so important?

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

SilverBride wrote: »

I've read all the posts in this thread and I still don't understand where this is coming from.

If console players enjoy proximity chat then that is all fine... for them. What I don't understand is why there is such a push for PC players to want it too.

We have gotten along very well for going on 11 years now without it. We are happy with Discord. Why is this so important?

Once again, I’m not sure where you’re getting this idea of a “push.” Just because people explain why it wouldn’t be bad doesn’t mean they’re attempting to foist something on you.

LesserCircle · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

It might be the same game on console and on PC but many PC players play solo or are not used to voice chat at all, after 10 years without voice chat, changing the game like that would be horrible for many people, myself included. I know it says "optional" but people would start asking for it as a requirement for some content and I could also be among lots of friends with voice chat disabled and basically become excluded from the chat. With text only everyone is the same and if anyone needs voice chat there's plenty of third party applications for that.

Xarc · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDr0mPuyQc

sans-culottes · March 6

Yes, ESO should have an opt-in proximity voice chat (Off by default)

LesserCircle wrote: »

It might be the same game on console and on PC but many PC players play solo or are not used to voice chat at all, after 10 years without voice chat, changing the game like that would be horrible for many people, myself included. I know it says "optional" but people would start asking for it as a requirement for some content and I could also be among lots of friends with voice chat disabled and basically become excluded from the chat. With text only everyone is the same and if anyone needs voice chat there's plenty of third party applications for that.

Again, speaking from experience, that didn’t happen. Didn’t happen in WoW, either, This would be such a minor change, so being vehemently opposed to it surprises me.

If you’re concerned about things becoming mandatory, then consider that the same content that’d involve such things would otherwise have you on Discord. Not sure how that’s any different.

If anything, asking you to use, download, and make an account with a third party to communicate would likely be too onerous for the persons you’ve mentioned, given that an in-game voice chat would apparently be challenging for them to use.

Xarc · March 6

No, ESO should not have a proximity voice chat feature

If you think this is trolling in-game right now, then you're not ready for Proximity Voice Chat.

Having played several games that have this type of feature, I can tell you that not only does it completely break the immersion, but hearing people trolling all day long is going to be HELL.

And If it's only going to end up being activated by a handful of people, I don't see the point.

Should ESO on PC have an *optional* proximity voice chat?

Should ESO on PC have an optional proximity voice chat?