Ventrilo

Gaming Communication

The world of online gaming has exploded since the release of Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) such as World of Warcraft and real-time strategy games like the newer versions of Counter Strike. Communication is the key factor when going to a raid, a siege, PVP (player vs. player) arenas, shootouts and other gaming events that need team play. The former method of chatting with the team members order to implement the planned strategy proves to be more of a hindrance than being able to help. Chatting restricts the movements of a player's character for the character's actions also need the keyboard to be triggered. These actions are cancelled while a game console or a chat box is utilized so while a player is chatting, he could easily be killed by the opponent or be too late to help out a team member.

The problem here is that gamers need to communicate without restrictions on their characters action. The hands are preoccupied with the keyboard and mouse; the keyboard for character skills and other actions, the mouse for navigation. With the hands out of the picture, the only way left to communicate is through speaking. Just imagine if you can speak to your teammates directly and without delay. Battle plans, raids and setting up an ambush will go as swiftly as the plans; each member would be able to execute his/her part perfectly, team leaders would be able to bend to any change of situations and make split second decisions that could be carried out directly to the members in the shortest possible time. Hence, this would lead to the team's victor - higher PVP points for the guild, another point for the team, bragging rights and self-confidence gained by knowing that you are superior than you opponent and every other players look up to you and your team for bringing glory to your side. Indeed, this type communication is a powerful tool for securing success in of tactical games. Yet, it still remains in the imagination of online gamers and for years, the virtual world has craved for this kind of power and control.

The Answer

As a solution to this problem and to give the gamers what they crave for, Ventrilo was forged. It is the Archimond and Kil'Jaden of online gaming communication. It is primarily based on the concept of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) which caters to Microsoft, Mac OS X, Solaris, Kopi, FreeBSD and NetBSD. Efforts are being made to make it available for Linux users and for now, it is compatible with WINE. But unlike other VOIP software, Ventrilo is designed with the top of the line sound quality and at the same time, it exhausts a small fraction of CPU resources which insures that it will not cause any problems with your daily computer activities, especially when playing for a game event. Also, it provides a simple user interface that is perfect for some new users. All the features are displayed in one window that revolves around the concept of "click and you shall receive". Plus, the software allows you to configure the sounds you will hear. It could either be per user, per server, per channel or global. The default setting would sound like that of a telephone, but with higher codec settings, the sounds could be heard in much better quality. Ventrilo is currently supporting GSM full rate and Speex to provide the codec. But as well as the codec, your internet connection needs to be faster than a dial-up to avoid low quality calls. All these sound options could be customized to suit the user's preference.

These features made Ventrilo spread like the wrath of the Lich King, and pierced through the heart of every gamer as an M-14 would. Of course, it could not be avoided that imitations would appear to mimic the industry's standard, but then, the gamers have chosen and Ventrilo tops their list.

How the Answer Works

Ventrilo maximizes the use of headsets and microphones for simulating a telephone conference call which is meant for the players to utilize, especially when facing opponents. For this simulated conference call to work the Ventrillo system is designed to have two basic elements; a Server which hosts the call and the Clients that needs to download and connect to the server. The Client is a freeware that can be downloaded. On the other hand, the Server is released under restrictive licensed.

The Pre-requisites

Ventrilo, as mentioned above, provides a client-server connection. The client freeware can be downloaded. But before it can connect to the server, some light must be shed upon the following considerations:

• The IP address and server's hostname. The individual behind the server should know both these things. It will have to be relayed to the client.
• Port number. The default port number for both the client and server is 3784. This port number can be changed. Upon changing it, the server needs to inform the client so he/she can you the same port number.
• Password. Always remember that the password indicated by the server is case sensitive.

In case you have installed the software and still having problems with it, try viewing the FAQ's page of this website or click 'Help' in the Ventrillo window.

Installation

After all these considerations have been made, it is time to set it up. Below are some a few simple instructions to guide you in installing Ventrillo.

Upon starting the Ventrilo program, a new window will appear. Click the "->" button beside a pulldown window that indicates "User Name". Clicking the button would then trigger a new window to load.

Next, click on the "New" button which will open a pop-up window where you can create your login name. You can indicate any name you want. Then click on the "OK" button. This will take you back to the main window.

Click on the "->" button beside the "Server" pulldown window. Just like before, this will trigger a new window to load but here is where you enter the details about the server you are attempting to connect to.

After that, click on the "New Button". This will open a pop-up window where you can input a name that will describe the server. For example, "GM's server" can be used to indicate your guild master's server. Then click "OK".

Try to click the "Hostname or IP" box. Then enter the server's IP address.

Next, click on the Port number box. Ventrilo will have a default port number, 3784 already in the box. But if the server has changed the port number, then you will have to indicate the new number as mentioned above. The click on "OK"

After finishing with the port number, click on the "Password" box. Then input the server's password if there is any. Then, click on "OK". This will return you to Ventrilo's main window.

If you are already on the main window, click on "Connect" for you to connect to the server which details you inputted.

For configuration of the sound and microphone settings; click the Set-up button. The under it, select the "Help" button. This will give additional facts to help you navigate through Ventrilo and especially the Voice page.

Now you and other team members can finally talk through all of your game strategies and plans without hindrances and restrictions. Hence, you can fully enjoy the game and give justice to these words: "A plan is as good as the pieces on the field that will execute it."