Developers: Please add different chat channels to connect major cities!

1) It would be extremely helpful ( for obvious reasons ) to have a chat channel that ran through all the major cities. Perhaps this would even encourage people from leaving Ul'dah once in a while...
2) A trade/crafting/repairs channel would also be nice and useful
3) A looking for group/leve link/linkshell channel would also be very good. You know, somewhere to socialize and get together with people outside our LS network.
4) Perhaps also a global channel that can be seen throughout all the zones

The lack of some kind of far reaching channel, whether it even just be connecting all cities, makes it even harder for us as a community to come together and do stuff. There are so many barriers to overcome as a player trying to enjoy his or her time in Eorzea, why add more barriers by making communication so limited and difficult? A HUGELY important factor in MMOs is the ability to socialize and connect with other players. Developers have not done nearly enough in this regard and this, imo, should be a top priority. And while you are at it, add a good quality party/group search feature. Social aspects of this game have been so neglected while you Devs try to sort out the technical mess you are in, but the social improvements suggested here will help the player base create their own fun while you guys sort out your own problems.
If your concerns are that these features can be exploited for gilsellers etc - lets just be realistic - I can assure you that such a problem would be a honor and luxury for you to have. The population is rather small and I doubt any goldsellers will be trying to turn a profit in this game at the current time. Perhaps that is a problem you should worry about when the time arises and not let it interfere with things that could otherwise make this a more enjoyable game right now.
Thanks for your time.

Being able to communicate with players outside of the zone you are in is a critical aspect of adventuring, and we are working to implement this in the future.

All caps-lock thread titles=higher chance of rep reply?

Thanks for the heads-up, Rukkirii! Time to get on to it.

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Originally Posted by Betelgeuzah

All caps-lock thread titles=higher chance of rep reply?

Thanks for the heads-up, Rukkirii! Time to get on to it.

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Too quick for me Mr. Patrick :( I fixed it.

And no, we frown upon using caps lock for titles and throughout the post. Thanks for your concern though! ^_^

if we can communicate with all city than we no longer need to stay in one city( Ul...dah!) just to /sh for something

I like the idea of chat between cities just so people can spread out to other places seeing shouts in Ul'dah for Girdania leves.... lawl, but a global chat is a bit much I think.

Not to contradict my above statement BUT

As much as I'd like to see some kind of city-linked chat. I think that having something like this would give birth to more trolls :X As useful as this feature is in WoW it can also become..... very ridiculous at times with all the BS you'll see people complaining about. Or the purpose of the channel will be off-topic completely.

Granted the majority of the WoW playerbase is rather immature to begin with. I -think- and would like to hope that the XIV playerbase is a bit more.... mature.

This in no means is attempting to put WoW down. I've played my share of WoW and just mentioning some things I noticed. Every MMO will have features you like or dislike. But I do think a city-link chat would be nice assuming that it can stay on topic and not just completely go to crap.

I would like this as well. I hate having to hang out in a centralized place decided upon the majority of the playerbase, just so I don't miss shouts. In XI, I often used my friend's character and an extra TV just to have someone standing in Whitegate, so I don't miss shouts.

Its probably safe to assume there will be an option to /leave a chat channel should you choose to do so. Even trolls have their use in the form of entertainment. Additionally, anything would be better than the mostly awkward silence of the single shout channel that people use only in Uldah.

While I appreciate a response from a rep, it is a fairly useless response as the community is looking for something more specific, e.g. patch 1.21 or within a few months. It would be fairly safe to assume such a feature would be implemented eventually *some time* in the future as it is a fairly standard feature of any MMO worth its weight. By the same token, I can tell you that the earth will cease to exist one day in the future, however I cant tell you exactly when. However, I can tell you it will be within the next 5 billion years. How about some sort of specific time frame for when this feature will happen? Thanks for your time.

NOOOOO! Not the trade channel!

It would be good if there were joinable/creatable chat channels rather than having to join multiple linkshells.

Not trying to troll your thread, but I hate when a game has 10 different chat channels spewing through my log. Yes I know I can turn them off, but then there is a bunch of information i'm not getting.

I hope if they implement this they put some serious restrictions on it so it does not simply become an annoyance rather than a convenience.

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Originally Posted by Kiote

Not trying to troll your thread, but I hate when a game has 10 different chat channels spewing through my log. Yes I know I can turn them off, but then there is a bunch of information i'm not getting.

I hope if they implement this they put some serious restrictions on it so it does not simply become an annoyance rather than a convenience.

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im pretty sure you have nothing to worry about. this game community will never be similar WoW - ever. the two communities are fundamentally different in almost every way. you know what i mean if you have played ff11, for example. I believe this is partly because the asian culture is fundamentally engrained in the ff series, but that's off-topic.
hardly anyone even speaks in the one channel as it is, partly because i think this community is so reserved and feels bad for using /shout. City-spanning chat channels, along with others proposed here, would be a great thing to have for everyone. im pretty sure if we all wanted peace and quiet, we would be playing a single player game or doing something else. this thread should have full support from the players since it would benefit us greatly. some concerns that are being brought up are unrealistic and, even if true, completely pale in comparison to what we would stand to gain from this.

If that makes people happy implement it, I will just disable it when it comes =)

3-5 min cool down please, to prevent spam. That is all.

So in-case some people forgot (or just don't know which is what it sounds like), in WoW you could create your own chat channels that if you tell someone what the channel name is, they could join it. It would not be the entire server, and no one would see the channel just because you created it it, so you wouldn't have to worry about spam. There were the default channels that had all the spam, but then there were custom channels. I see nothing wrong with the ability to create custom channels.

It was a good way to be able to actually stay in one guild, yet talk to all your friends from other guilds or the guildless in a separate channel.

FFXIV's LS system is actually a more complicated, limited, and more tedious to use version of that...

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Originally Posted by Reika

So in-case some people forgot (or just don't know which is what it sounds like), in WoW you could create your own chat channels that if you tell someone what the channel name is, they could join it. It would not be the entire server, and no one would see the channel just because you created it it, so you wouldn't have to worry about spam. There were the default channels that had all the spam, but then there were custom channels. I see nothing wrong with the ability to create custom channels.

It was a good way to be able to actually stay in one guild, yet talk to all your friends from other guilds or the guildless in a separate channel.

FFXIV's LS system is actually a more complicated, limited, and more tedious to use version of that...

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Adding /l1, /l2, /l3, etc.. commands would have the same effect wouldn't it?

chat cool downs are common in some MMOs for the global channel, some even require that you use a certain item to be able to speak in global. The point being, that there are many possible solutions to manage the frequency at which these channels are being used. but again, we are getting WAY ahead of ourselves if we are already concerned about this - personally, i would be very glad to see our chat channels full of text, this will be a good indication that the game world is healthy.

eeww! World chat = dumb

All world chat accomplishes is Spamming to sell/buy items.

If people used the party search and party form functions (along with slight changes to it to make it slightly easier to use) this could solve the problems you are talking about

You know what could fix a good majority of this? Having a decent search function for finding and making parties! And notice I said could and majority not completely. We don't need a bazillion channels to LFG or w/e if you can simply, put your flag up like...yes I know...XI and people could go, "OH, there's Gee. He has HIS flag up LFG." Why add what could be more needless stuff? Why not add the stuff we REALLY need? :confused:

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Originally Posted by MeowyWowie

Adding /l1, /l2, /l3, etc.. commands would have the same effect wouldn't it?

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Not at all. In WoW, you could literally type "/join bleh" and you would join a chat channel named "bleh." Anyone else who happened to type the same command would also be able to communicate with you, regardless of distance. The best part, though, was that it was not tied to the guild or party/raid systems. Need to carry on a private three-person conversation? Create a new chat channel. Your LS, your party, even the people around you can no longer eavesdrop, and it works with anyone on the same server.

To do the same thing within XIV, you'd have to go create a new LS just to hand it to two other people. Then you'd probably have to shatter it afterwards. And if all eight of your LS slots are taken. . .

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Originally Posted by Pnight

eeww! World chat = dumb

All world chat accomplishes is Spamming to sell/buy items.

If people used the party search and party form functions (along with slight changes to it to make it slightly easier to use) this could solve the problems you are talking about

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Oddly enough, most people like to buy and sell items...haha. Also, you are getting ahead of urself by assuming theres going to be spam. How much spam do you see now in the only channel people use (uldah shout)? Not much - why? well the population is small, among other reasons. In other games, a global channel can be controlled by putting it on a 1 min cd or having to use a hard-to-get consumable item when you want to talk in this channel. this was already mentioned.
Also, you could leave a channel if you don't want to be in it. Don't be so antisocial guys, this is a MMO after all.

It's not about being anti-social...at lest not as far as I persoanlly am concerned. Yes, currently there isn't any spam because of low pop but what "if the PS3 launch if one happens changes that? Now, instead of a decent way to create/join PTs, we have this chat channel loaded with crap no one cares about and we still don't have a way to search /sea all yada yada. Just sayin. It's not imho a priority. It's a nice little what if.

If you don't want to miss a shout for a PT, hang out where everyone else hangs out just like in XI. Otherwise, join a LS and request a decent search function rather then more crap to have on the screen to sift through to find something you may have missed.

My advice to SE is don't make decisions out of fear. Fear or RMT, fear of trolls in chat. Fear will ruin your game. Eleanor rosevelt agrees with me.

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Originally Posted by Geesus

It's not about being anti-social...at lest not as far as I persoanlly am concerned. Yes, currently there isn't any spam because of low pop but what "if the PS3 launch if one happens changes that? Now, instead of a decent way to create/join PTs, we have this chat channel loaded with crap no one cares about and we still don't have a way to search /sea all yada yada. Just sayin. It's not imho a priority. It's a nice little what if.

If you don't want to miss a shout for a PT, hang out where everyone else hangs out just like in XI. Otherwise, join a LS and request a decent search function rather then more crap to have on the screen to sift through to find something you may have missed.

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I think its more than a nice little detail. first, this would encourage people to spread out more: grid and LL are completely empty. secondly people could travel between cities without worrying that they are missing out on parties etc by not being able to see the shouts in uldah. this is a social game above anything else, why miss out on opportunities to interact with other players because of a lack of better implemented chat channels. also , there should be a feature in the future where you could /leave chat channels so that you are not "bothered" by the supposed spammers that don't even exist yet. It seems everyone here agrees on the city wide chat, but the global chat is a bit more controversial for reasons involving fear of future population changes/spam. and again, a global channel could be very easily regulated to prevent spam - this is super easy and has been done before in many games.

Also, the fact that this thread has had 1800+ views and it was only created a few days ago indicate that people want this. maybe more should speak up.

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Originally Posted by Fullmetal

I think its more than a nice little detail. first, this would encourage people to spread out more: grid and LL are completely empty. secondly people could travel between cities without worrying that they are missing out on parties etc by not being able to see the shouts in uldah. this is a social game above anything else, why miss out on opportunities to interact with other players because of a lack of better implemented chat channels. also , there should be a feature in the future where you could /leave chat channels so that you are not "bothered" by the supposed spammers that don't even exist yet. It seems everyone here agrees on the city wide chat, but the global chat is a bit more controversial for reasons involving fear of future population changes/spam. and again, a global channel could be very easily regulated to prevent spam - this is super easy and has been done before in many games.

Also, the fact that this thread has had 1800+ views and it was only created a few days ago indicate that people want this. maybe more should speak up.

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It's not really the spam I'm talking about though.

Look, I agree it's a MMO so being social is part of the game. But why do you "need" to have all these "extra" channels to find a group? You need it now because the party search system is very limited and poorly done. You wouldn't need to "hear" other people looking for groups if you could put up your PT flag and give some brief details as to what you would like to find in a PT. That's what I mean. I've played MMos with multiple chat channels and no mater what you add or can remove from them, it's uncessary chatter. If I was in Grid or LL and I have my flag up and I'm cafting or grinding to wait for an invite, I'll get one IF someone wants me to PT with them; it's really not that difficult.

As for the 1.8k in views, apparently people see what the OP was talking about but maybe they disagree therefore that's why no one is saying much. There are already plenty of posts about the lack of a decent search function and honestly, I think those carry more weight then extra chat channels. ;)

I always thought a great way of implementing this, would be by using the npc linkpearls we earn on the way, as a means to talk globally with others, if we want. An all weaver r20+ shell, all gridania etc., it could have a lot of potential.

Here, this would be one the posts I was talking about that not only let's the Devs know the search function is por but also gives suggestions. Not just ANY suggestions but actual pics of how the new system could look. it's a great post and filled with lots of great ideas. Take a look

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Originally Posted by Geesus

It's not really the spam I'm talking about though.

Look, I agree it's a MMO so being social is part of the game. But why do you "need" to have all these "extra" channels to find a group? You need it now because the party search system is very limited and poorly done. You wouldn't need to "hear" other people looking for groups if you could put up your PT flag and give some brief details as to what you would like to find in a PT. That's what I mean. I've played MMos with multiple chat channels and no mater what you add or can remove from them, it's uncessary chatter. If I was in Grid or LL and I have my flag up and I'm cafting or grinding to wait for an invite, I'll get one IF someone wants me to PT with them; it's really not that difficult.

As for the 1.8k in views, apparently people see what the OP was talking about but maybe they disagree therefore that's why no one is saying much. There are already plenty of posts about the lack of a decent search function and honestly, I think those carry more weight then extra chat channels. ;)

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This is a separate issue than a search function, lets make that clear. We all know the search function sucks and that is discussed elsewhere on the forums.

The point here was integrating chat channels across the cities - for whatever purposes that may serve (and there are several). This idea has nothing to do with a party search function necessarily.
Additionally, the creation of, for example, a trade channel to try to buy/sell items with others without necessarily having to use the market.
Also, "unnecessary chatter" has no well defined meaning. For one person, something might be irrelevant, but for another not so. That is not a very objective statement.

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Originally Posted by Rukkirii

Too quick for me Mr. Patrick :( I fixed it.

And no, we frown upon using caps lock for titles and throughout the post. Thanks for your concern though! ^_^

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I LIKE CAPS LOCK BECAUSE I HAVE THE EYE SIGHT OF A BAT AND ITS EASIER FOR ME TO READ. ANYONE THAT TAKES OFFENSE FROM CAPS LOCK NEEDS A REALITY CHECK AND TO GROW UP SOME. I like caps lock because i have the eye sight of a bat and its easier for me to read. Anyone that takes offense from caps lock needs a reality check and to grow up some. Welp ok i can read both just as easy but i like to think that CAPS LOCK makes it easier....... either way people need to grow up and stop inserting computer life into real life. Your sig. should be the Lemur its cuter.

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Originally Posted by Fullmetal

I think its more than a nice little detail. first, this would encourage people to spread out more: grid and LL are completely empty. secondly people could travel between cities without worrying that they are missing out on parties etc by not being able to see the shouts in uldah. this is a social game above anything else, why miss out on opportunities to interact with other players because of a lack of better implemented chat channels. also , there should be a feature in the future where you could /leave chat channels so that you are not "bothered" by the supposed spammers that don't even exist yet. It seems everyone here agrees on the city wide chat, but the global chat is a bit more controversial for reasons involving fear of future population changes/spam. and again, a global channel could be very easily regulated to prevent spam - this is super easy and has been done before in many games.

Also, the fact that this thread has had 1800+ views and it was only created a few days ago indicate that people want this. maybe more should speak up.

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Not everyone here wants it, I really don't but guess I have no choice now do I?

Also, the thread has 1800+ views because it got a dev response, 2 days after the first post. And it's funny how the dev response was the first response to the thread.

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Originally Posted by Fullmetal

Also, the fact that this thread has had 1800+ views and it was only created a few days ago indicate that people want this. maybe more should speak up.

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1800 views 9 likes! Seems like everyone wants this!

you guys wouldn't know a good thing if it bit you in the face - you're playing this game, right? :D
you could just LEAVE a chat channel if you didn't want to be in it. OMG, ur precious eyes have to see all the imaginary spam from all the players in the game you wish existed. Get real.

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Originally Posted by Viridiana

Not at all. In WoW, you could literally type "/join bleh" and you would join a chat channel named "bleh." Anyone else who happened to type the same command would also be able to communicate with you, regardless of distance. The best part, though, was that it was not tied to the guild or party/raid systems. Need to carry on a private three-person conversation? Create a new chat channel. Your LS, your party, even the people around you can no longer eavesdrop, and it works with anyone on the same server.

To do the same thing within XIV, you'd have to go create a new LS just to hand it to two other people. Then you'd probably have to shatter it afterwards. And if all eight of your LS slots are taken. . .

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What he said.

I think this wouldn't be needed if they add a good /sea command with a lot of different flags and custom comments from players. I think that way people would find out faster what they need than spamming in chats that may not be read most of time.

If they add a good /sea command like FFXI's or even better (maybe multiple flags for seek multiple things) people could be doing other things while waiting for what they are interested.

/l1 on | off & /l1 <text> = :thumbs-up:
/sea = :thumbs-up:
/lfp <text> = abuse & excessive chatter
/world <text> = (see /lfp)
/trade <text> = seriously?? umm how about just fix the market searching...

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Originally Posted by Rikuu

I think this wouldn't be needed if they add a good /sea command with a lot of different flags and custom comments from players. I think that way people would find out faster what they need than spamming in chats that may not be read most of time.

If they add a good /sea command like FFXI's or even better (maybe multiple flags for seek multiple things) people could be doing other things while waiting for what they are interested.

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Adding the ability to create chat channels has less to do with finding parties and more to do with just talking to specific groups of people regardless of LS affiliation.