Koniving, on 19 September 2013 - 05:30 AM, said:
As unhappy as I am with PGI, I confess you just described Battlefield 3 and 4 for the PC. (Although yes, Bf3 and Bf4 actually do have those hot key messages, but the chat system is identical).
BF3 & 4 are a fascinating case study for their sound engine. Although the chat systems for BF3&4 are identical to that of MWO, DICE added a number of other communication tools so that players didn't have to rely on just a chat window. For example, the spotting system was outstanding because not only did you get a visual icon you also got an audio notice where a soldier barked out what exactly was being identified. In addition to the hot key messages, players also had the comm rose and had a special function to request medical help/ammo packs. So far I've only mentioned the active communication tools.
DICE also implement a number of passive communication tools. The automated soldier's audio clues are a good example. A nearby soldier will automatically yell out when a grenade is thrown in their direction or will call out when they are under fire.
The point being that DICE didn't rely on a chat window as its sole form for player communications. DICE complemented the chat window with a number of other communication tools, both active and passive, which resulted in a robust and in depth player communication system.
PGI on the other hand gave us 2 communication tools. A chat window and a passive targeting system. That's it.