Anyone can share the experience in using Google Hangouts in Australia? Other Chat Programs?

[Helaman]

Its been a while since I saw anything on google that specifically speaks to Google hangouts but when it was first launched it was free for US but not other locales.

Is anyone in Australia using Google Hangouts for Australian Online play?

Are you using other options? I used to use Skype but the drop outs sort of upset me (mind you gaming would likely be on a non peak day for the next game) - if so are there options that work better in Australia?

[Hilstad]

So, if I understand your meaning, one has to pay to use Hangout in Australia? It is free to use in Canada.

[shadowmage75]

my experience using Hangout:

Hey, you there?
there yet?
dude, answer your chat.
are you there yet?
You're an ass.

[Avatar-1]

We use Skype for voice chat and don't really experience dropouts ever.

Personally I wouldn't mind using either Google+ or Mumble either, but nobody's really requested it so I've never bothered. Google Hangouts is free in Australia and as far as I'm aware, always has been.

We chitchat and muster in the chat room linked on the front page of pfrpg.com.au, game or no game, on a regular basis.

[IronHelixx]

I think you might have meant Google Voice, which was their early attempt at voice chat. It was free in the US and did have a cost in other countries.

Google Plus Hangouts have always been free, and is our voice chat of choice in our group.

The experience has been very positive for us.

Honestly - G+, Skype, Mumble, TeamSpeak - that all work quite well now - so your experience should be good as far as quality goes. The big difference is going to be setup and other issues.

With Mumble and TeamSpeak you may have to work with some people to get the client setup and you will need access to a server.

With Skype most people have it installed already and there is very little, if any, configuration.

With G+ Hangouts - it is pretty much zero install, since it is web based (although some people still require a browser plugin for older browsers/systems).

I would suggest just experimenting with them and see which one you prefer - you will likely be happy no matter which one you choose.

[Hilstad]

Jesse Davis wrote:

Honestly - G+, Skype, Mumble, TeamSpeak - that all work quite well now - so your experience should be good as far as quality goes. The big difference is going to be setup and other issues.

The groups I've been have always experienced so much trouble with Teamspeak that we've had to switch to a difference service before the game begins. The client won't download to one player, won't run on another's and invariably the link just won't be recognized by at least one players client.

[Avatar-1]

I've never used teamspeak, nor run into any of those issues myself, but they sort of sound like some of the necessary evils with online play that you just have to get through the best way you can (as a team - if it means everyone using someone else, then everyone should switch over to whatever works).

I've seen it surprisingly commonly that, when issues do come up, people can quickly get frustrated before the game gets off the ground if it doesn't work immediately - the best thing I can say is to try think up a workable solution or two and tell everyone (this might even mean considering that everyone moves to a different voice chat if all else fails). Or failing that, just be patient until you're all certain it won't work.

Everybody tends to try help each other and these issues usually don't last long after the game does get going. It's usually a matter of when it'll work, rather than if.

[Hilstad]

It has been my blessing to always be with very inclusive, solution-oriented groups. It's heartening to see an entire group helping a player who can only works by text manage, and enjoy, their game. Or moving another players token because the device they're using won't let them do it effectively.

You're right, whenever these kind of challenges have come up, most of the groups that I've been with have been willing to make pretty much any accommodation so that everyone can play and enjoy. I think when it comes down to it, difficulties usually bring out the best in a group of people.

…or maybe gamers are just experienced at how mutual party support works.