I think the ability to voice and text chat with players within a 50nm-100 or so radius around your aircraft would be great. This should only be an option and maybe be added as a “multiplayer communications” button at the top of the screen with the others. Popping out a window only at the demand of the pilot, or keypress binding.
This can be set frequency based, so that pilots can talk locally at airports if they desire as well. The important thing here is to set everyone on a non-used or the least used frequency world wide as the default frequency for all aircraft. One unofficial example of this in the U.S. is Freq: 123.45. It is a common air to air one that might even be acceptable world wide.
It is tempting to use the common CTAF, but I feel that would make some people unhappy that want to simulate traffic patterns at real airports.
On legal sides of things, this should be okay if implemented smartly. A first run question perhaps after the simulator is installed. Do you want to have multiplayer text and/or voice chat enabled? (This might change the rating or experience if turned on, also Microsoft does not actively monitor communications in the simulator).
Also, even having in game messaging to friends on your friends list should be there. It does not need to be voice, but it would be nice if there was a way to have this and maybe a tiny notification that pops up in the corner of the screen showing you got a message(if enabled via another toggle on/off button).
I do understand a lot of the complexities of putting this system in, and why MS and Asobo might feel better on their side without it. Basic things like text filtering for slander is a must, but already implemented on most platforms.
A big justification that any pilot knows, is communication is a key aspect in Aviation, and should be in simulation. "1. Aviate 2. Navigate. 3. Communicate.
P.S.
Don’t forget to make it push to talk(PTT), and not voice activated, thanks!
You “can” set up Voice channels in Discord, that can interface with MSFS, with either fixed frequencies, or get auto-generated when the 1st person transmits on a new frequency.
!00% control – either set up as a Public service. or a Private Sever for Friends.
So why would MS / Asobo re-invent the wheel, with all the associated liabilities .. or the possible need for Moderation. !!
i Rarely play multiplayer its usually off. i’m just agreeing with everyone but you that it should be in game and i was getting fed up of reading posts telling everyone to get on discord… we get it… go team discord
Yep, I hate discord, and I hate how so many developers use it instead of forums now.
I also don’t fly multiplayer, and have all multiplayer functions turned off. That said, I’ve always found it strange how there’s not some form or proximity voice chat in MSFS, since multiplayer was such a big selling point. Perhaps this is why Microsoft attempted to buy Discord in 2021. That’s my theory at least.
Totally agree one scenario recently ive wanted this is At Duxford Uk a lot of people gather to fly warbirds
and quite often do mock combat like just getting on each others tail and see how long we can stay there etc would be really nice to be able to say hi im happy with text to be honest
We need some form of communication with other players in this game, without having to use a 3rd party app. (not everyone will have it anyways).
Since it’s clear we will never get voice communication in this sim, why not give the ability to chat via text.
Range Text: Can text other players within a one mile range. Can be toggled on/off by the user.
World Text: Can text players anywhere in the world, if they’re tuned to your Comm2 Radio frequency. Can be toggled on/off by the user.
Edit: To expand on this wish, make the chat appear in a window/panel that could be moved to a second monitor if the player chooses to do so.
I like this idea. That will make it more like a social MMO. It would need the usual things like block, mute, profanity sensors, friends, groups/parties (temporary and persistent), direct message or public channel, sub channels for the type of communication perhaps (general chit chat / navigation & weather reports / technical help & support / formation flying, racing, rallies & events) etc?
Also the 1 mile range is FAR too low IMO. 1 mile is nothing in an aircraft. Make it 25 or 50 mile radius minimum I think otherwise it would be pretty lonely.
Maybe user can increase the range.
And what happens if you are chatting with a group then go out of that range?
Group chat could always tune to the same Comm channel and would be able to talk from anywhere on the map. That would be the World Chat option.
The Range Chat would just be for folks very near to each other.
BTW, I agree with your suggestions. There would have to be profanity filters of some sort.
Maybe even some players here with a high trust level could volunteer to be chat-mods.
I was working in an experimental software solution to develop multiplayer radio communications for flight simulators. It is not an in-game but an external software solution fully integrated with MSFS and other simulators too. Basically, pilots can tune a frequency in the plane COM and use it to talk with other players. It includes PTT, radio noise simulation, public and private channels and much more. It feels so realistic. I still have it but requires a dedicated server on the internet plus some software and tools to develop. Which means expenses and costs. It cannot be free. I paused the project since most of the users are just interested in a free solution.
I know that such a great service will cost money and effort.
In the past I used discord for communications with my MP mates and it worked pretty well.
Integration with the onboard radio’s would be even better of course.
I’m currently out of sim flying due to lack of time and a decent FS computer but
will be back in the near future.
Happy
Discord can already be integrated to communicate with MSFS, and use Voice channels in Discord as MSFS Frequencies, either static, on generated on the fly, if someone tunes their radio into a non static one.
And Discord already has built in, individual player volume controls, individual muting, and identification as to who has their Mic keyed., PLUS the ability of that DIscord’s admins to control any disruptive behaviors from a temporary silence to a permanent ban.
Several MSFS orientated Discord server, already freely support this type of Community radio system.
