The voice chat capabilities for the Nintendo Switch have been a sore spot for fans. After people have been so used to working with services like Skype or Discord, the launch of Nintendo’s voice chat functions through an app on smart devices had players questioning the company’s delivery of the feature. Why not use the Switch itself and remove the need for a smart device altogether?
Slowly over time, there’s been progress. Vivox developed a program — Vivox SDK — that aids in communication and embraces cross-play among platforms. This console-based chat system (voice and text) has already been implemented on the Switch, in the realm of Fortnite. Today that changes, as Vivox is opening their technology to authorized Nintendo Switch developers.
“We’ve already seen a great deal of success with Nintendo and the use of our voice services in Fortnite,” said Dave Verratti, president of Vivox. “We are extremely proud to be a part of the Nintendo ecosystem. We’re happy to help Nintendo continue to push the envelope in their products by bringing gamers together through enhanced communications. Multiplayer games can and should excel on Nintendo Switch, and we’re excited to see the results of the Vivox SDK on Nintendo Switch.”
Hi-Rez Studio has been working with Vivox and plans to update SMITE and Paladins with Vivox SDK functionality. Beyond that, the progress of the feature lies in the hands of the development community.
What games do you want to see incorporate Vivox SDK? Wargroove, Stardew Valley, even perhaps Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? As long as we don’t have to use the Splatoon 2 headset’s cabling, I’m game for any possibility.
Source: Vivox PR
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
