Towards a framework for designing speech-based player interaction in multiplayer online games

In this paper we consider the question of how best to design voice communication for use in online multiplayer games. We propose a framework to helps shape both our understanding of games and how we approach games as objects of study and as artifacts to be designed. The framework suggests a focus on designing player-to-player interaction within games. We discuss existing implementations of voice communication in multiplayer games, and the metaphors implicit in their design. We propose alternative metaphors that might be used in future designs. We conclude with an outline of work currently in progress that is attempting to understand how best to design for voice communication in Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs).