Vivox, a pioneer in delivering communication to communities, today announced the results of a survey targeted to online gamers that showed strong support for and interest in the use of “voice” as an integrated aspect of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs). The survey aimed, in part, to answer questions regarding “what it would take” to keep these heavily-invested gamers excited about the future of the evolving MMOG industry.
Over 75 percent of those surveyed have been playing MMOGs for more than two years, and two-thirds have played three or more different varieties of these community-oriented video games. Not surprisingly, more than 75 percent of the gamers surveyed ranked “Social Interaction” as the most important component of MMO games. Yet the vast majority was disgruntled by the “kludginess” of the limited IM/text-based communication functionality available in most MMOGs. In fact, 65 percent of those surveyed found Imstyle interaction, especially during intense combat, to be “Hard” or “Very Hard.” Accordingly, a significant percentage (43 percent) of these die-hard MMOG players have found ways to communicate using online voice. In virtually every scenario gamers needed to “go outside the game” to find solutions – generally do-it-yourself applicationsaimed at the technically savvy.
The vast majority of the MMOG players surveyed were enthusiastic about the prospects of voice applications being fully integrated within their favorite games:
• 93 percent of the gamers surveyed said that they would use voice communications ifthe application was an integrated part of the game.
• 96 percent of the respondents said they were willing to pay $1 or more per month for a high quality voice solution within their game.
• 72 percent rated “Voice Capability” as a “High” or “Very High” priority.
• 66 percent of users would prefer voice applications to be integrated within the game, versus finding external solutions using separate online services.
According to Monty Sharma, vice president of product management and marketing at Vivox, “This survey is a major validation of our approach. MMOG players are hungry for enhanced and integrated speech capabilities within their gaming environments. If MMOGs are going to evolve as a social media, the gaming industry needs to give players an opportunity to use their true voice.”
Vivox is an exhibitor in booth number 1541 at the Game Developers Conference, March 20-24, 2006, at the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, Calif. Vivox will be demonstrating their MMOG specific solution, Immersion, on several well-known MMOG platforms in their booth.
About Vivox
Vivox’s managed services generate natural and engaging online interactions that reflect the intelligence, power and nuance of real world communication. Vivox’s carrier-grade communications platform, Precision Studio, combines text, voice, video, multi-party communication and presence, in simple and intuitive solutions for online communities. With specific offerings for the online dating and Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming markets, Vivox generates incremental revenue opportunities and enhances services for its customers’ unique businesses. For more information please visit www.vivox.com.
