Our mission was simple: locate a gang safehouse and eliminate any uncooperative outlaws. But after two hours, our ragtag vigilante squad was still struggling to find the hideout.
As I wrestled to gain the attention of my posse in Red Dead Redemption, an idea struck me. The content of my voice-transmitted communiques wasn't at fault. Instead, it dawned on me that people's perception of my language was the issue.
As an accentless Canadian who neither slurs nor stutters, I had to ask: What makes my opinions and suggestions so tough for teammates to consider? The answer is Microsoft's crappy VOIP (Voice over IP) service.
Ever notice how everyone's voice turns into the same whiny, nasally shriek while playing on an Xbox 360? Well, those annoying squeals you tolerate may harm your gameplay experience as well as your ears.
You may not notice it on a day-to-day basis, but the power of your voice is incredible. The diction, pitch, and timbre of your words influence others to a measurable degree. Whether you're debating with a peer or trying to score a date, your vocal register will probably affect the outcome of the scenario.
In Steam-powered games of Team Fortress 2 and Counter-Strike: Source, players often use high quality microphones. Having said that, it's important to highlight the examplary level of cooperation seen in many online PC titles — cooperation which is sorely lacking on console titles. Is there a causal link between the quality of your recording device and the quality of your teamwork? Probably not. However, a clear, audible voice will certainly help your fellow gamers take you more seriously.
Imagine you're in the midst of a heated game of Firefight in Halo 3: ODST. You're low on health, ammunition, and morale. Suddenly, Morgan Freeman's soothing, baritone voice issues forth from your TV set. Don't bother denying that you'd hang on his every word. While Mr. Freeman's celebrity status would certainly play a role, I'm sure that the clarity of his microphone — and hence his voice — would also encourage you to listen up.
A part of me is certain that with better voice communication, the tone and maturity of Halo matches would certainly change for the better. What do you think?