Star Wars Battlefront didn’t have any form of voice chat over the limited beta this weekend, and I personally found it a bit odd. I often never make use of the in-game voice chat to communicate with my unknown teammates, but it is a feature I see some value in. That’s especially true in massive matches like Walker Assault, where playing the objective to key to winning. Too bad it seems, as the lack of voice-chat wasn’t something designed just for beta.
Instead, DICE have revealed that Battlefront features no in-game voice-chat on any of the three platforms by design. If players want to communicate while playing, they’ll have to fire up a third-party service such as Teamspeak, Skype or the party chats on both Xbox One and PS4. That’s fine if you’re jumping into a server with some friends in tow, but does absolutely nothing if you’re trying to reach out to the sometimes 20-player strong teams you’ll find yourself on.
And it’s a bit of a double-edge sword. On the one hand, Battlefront really does seem like more of a casual shooter, so not having to endure highly irritating mic chatter from someone who absolutely thinks you should uninstall the game is refreshing. On the other hand, not having some guidance on some of the more complicated game modes is a little detrimental to the experience. As I found in the beta, Walker Assault relies on teamwork, so not being able to advise my team on enemy positions was a bit chaotic.
Essentially what it comes down to is choice. With games that offer in-game chat there’s always an option to flip and switch and just mute it regardless. Those who then want to chat in-game are free to do so. Ripping that choice out of a game that needs a strong multiplayer community to thrive seems a little short-sighted. I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker on its own, but coupled with some of the other concerns players have about the Star Wars shooter could drive more away.
Star Wars Battlefront is out next month on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Last Updated: October 14, 2015
Ottokie
October 14, 2015 at 09:34
Well not completely a bad thing 😛 disabling in game voice is one of the first settings I flip in any multiplayer game. Especially shooter games.
WitWolfy
October 14, 2015 at 11:57
I dunno, I met a lot of cool people throughout the years thanks to in game chat. Removing it is kind of a bummer to me…
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2015 at 09:41
Don’t need it, everyone knows you kissed your sister.
CaptainNemo42
October 14, 2015 at 10:13
And some 12 year old did the nasty with your mother last night.
VampyreSquirrel
October 14, 2015 at 10:15
Not like you use any voice chat… including Skype… still no proof for us in JHB/PTA that you’re not AI or a cyborg.
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 14, 2015 at 10:28
I’ve met him and I can confirm that he is definitely, without a doubt, not human.
I also need to join the Warframe thing though.
VampyreSquirrel
October 14, 2015 at 10:48
Thanks for the confirmation.
Also, yes, yes you do.
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2015 at 10:28
Good.
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2015 at 09:46
Maybe it’s part of the season pass. “new and improved in game chat” everything else is!
Nikola
October 14, 2015 at 09:48
Damn you!!!! You just beat me to it hahaha it will probably be DLC of course!
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 14, 2015 at 10:05
With Stormtrooper audio mods to make you sound like the generic clone that you are!
Hammersteyn
October 14, 2015 at 10:47
lol
WitWolfy
October 14, 2015 at 11:58
EA games’ new slogan should be “MICRO TRANSACTION EVERYTHING!”
Grand Admiral Chief
October 14, 2015 at 09:56
SW BF can GET IN THE SARLACC
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2015 at 10:03
SW Bobafront can get in the Sarlacc?
Grand Admiral Chief
October 14, 2015 at 10:14
*Battlefield – Star Wars Skin Edition
VampyreSquirrel
October 14, 2015 at 10:16
Yay, Luke Skywalker won’t be yelling how he did my mom last night!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2015 at 10:30
If you tell him you’re his daddy who’s the recipient of the sick burn, you or him?
VampyreSquirrel
October 14, 2015 at 10:48
Both of you?
Dutch Matrix
October 14, 2015 at 10:32
We both know Luke Skywalker only does his siblings… Wait… Have you ever seen your Mom force choke a bitch?
Dutch Matrix
October 14, 2015 at 10:30
So people are gonna miss out on my Epic “Hasta la vista Boba”? NOT FAIR!
Gardos
October 14, 2015 at 13:37
My social anxiety (surprisingly only present on digital platforms and not in person) thanks you EA.
konfab
October 15, 2015 at 05:50
I think they did it to try and keep the Star Wars experience pure. Nothing more immersion breaking than hearing Darth Vader insult hurling an insult towards someone in the voice of a 15 year old girl.