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[Robin64]

The notion is that people seek out their friends when they want to play, rather than friends trying to get those people to play. It's a slightly more casual approach to the whole thing.

 

[CambriaRising]

This couldn't just be a parental control option?

Oh right, Nintendo would rather not do the extra work.

 

[Freezie KO]

I think that people who let their 8 year old kids play Call of Duty are lacking something as parents, yes.

They're lacking baseless sanctimony.

 

[TheCongressman1]

Exactly, and in a better world this gimped functionality would just be a parental control option.

Seriously. I'm tired of this backwards online philosophy Nintendo has.

 

[Robin64]

This couldn't just be a parental control option?

Oh right, Nintendo would rather not do the extra work.

Parents ignore parental control options. Parents then go to the press. The press then reports Nintendo allow pedophiles find kids in their area.

Simple way to avoid that.

 

[Prologue]

Please stop, voice chat in MK is not a crucial feature. This is not a team tactical shooter or anything. It does not hinder the gameplay.

So you create a room, invite friends, talk to friends, join an online game with other people.
Race ends, go back to lobby, chat with friends, other people can't hear you / you can't hear them.

That's how I expect it to work?

If you're not friends with the person, you can't hear them. If you are, you can.

Has anyone mentioned that you're able to join other games with a friend?

 

[dock]

The Wii U has a really good setup for voice chat, with chat audio coming from the gamepad only. The audio jack in the controller is a nice setup, something which is great on the PS4 as well.

It's a real shame to see voice chat removed entirely during gameplay, because it would be fun to hear remarks when using weapons against other players.

 

[Mesoian]

This couldn't just be a parental control option?

Oh right, Nintendo would rather not do the extra work.

I agree that this sort of thing should be a system level restriction. The 360 does it this way and it ends up working really nicely, though even then the party system pretty much negates random voice chat in games I end up playing there anyway.

 

[mr stroke]

Good... I don't really care to talk to anyone that isn't a friend.

All my consoles are set to friends list only.

This is such short sided thinking
Not everyone plays this way :

Nintendo still doesn't get online and it's 2014

 

[Tathanen]

They're lacking baseless sanctimony.

Good one.

 

[Solid Samus]

The logical footing is that these kids do use voice chat online while playing games, and Nintendo's sales are shit. Those are two truths. It's more than me wanting them to add it. They're a business, and getting with the times would probably help their brand and business.

Or you could just judge everyone that disagrees with you as a poor parent.

These kids use voice chat in Call of Duty, sure, but have you taken a second to consider to what end they utilize the voice chat (and how grown ass adults utilize that voice chat in the very same ecosystem, often validating the idea that yeah, kids ought not to be voice chatting on that shit to begin with? something the devs don't have to worry about blocking because they can say "Well it's the guardian's responsibility to make sure children don't have access to those features, or access to the game in general."), and how that might not mesh so well with a game that's actually outright targeting children in every sense like Mario Kart?

It's something Nintendo probably thinks to worry about every time some parent with their 'baseless sanctimony' goes to a hungry press with a bullshit story

 

[Dr.Bergenstein]

So, what exactly is the point of parental controls again?

It's 2014. For cryin' out loud Nintendo, it's 2014.

 

[DAREALGUMMY]

Yeah. If your friends are playing public, you can just join them.



This is not true. It wasn't even true in Mario Kart 7.

 

[CastorTroy]

Good! I mean, I don't really want random strangers screaming at me during mah Mario Karts.

 

[Hiltz]

I understand why this restricted use of voice chat frustrates some people, and they have right to feel that way. Personally, I'm not bothered by it only because I rarely use voice chat on the home console or on PC for that matter. Quite frankly, I think voice chat is particularly important to certain genres and franchises, and Mario Kart isn't one of them.

 

[CambriaRising]

Parents ignore parental control options. Parents then go to the press. The press then reports Nintendo allow pedophiles find kids in their area.

Simple way to avoid that.

Must have missed all of the headlines about Xbox 360 and Ps3 being a bastion for pedophiles because they allow voice chat in lobbies.

 

[PseudoViper]

Just when you think Nintendo couldn't f**k it up they managed to do it again.

Feels like this should be a meme >.>

 

[Solid Samus]

Must have missed all of the headlines about Xbox 360 and Ps3 being a bastion for pedophiles because they allow voice chat in lobbies.

they don't make those headlines because Xbox 360 and PS3 aren't kid friendly nintendoes doncha know

 

[TalentBurke]

One of the reasons I will not buy a Wii-U. You can't even talk to your friends during the game. What a shitty online infrastructure.

 

[Solid Samus]

Just when you think Nintendo couldn't f**k it up they managed to do it again.

Feels like this should be a meme >.>

What's going on in this thread has been a meme for as long as I can remember

 

[DedValve]

Parents ignore parental control options. Parents then go to the press. The press then reports Nintendo allow pedophiles find kids in their area.

Simple way to avoid that.

Because Xbox 360 and ps3 are constantly or even remotely in the press due to their voice chat I. Their kid friendly games?

Have everything muted by default. Option to unsure lies in each individual game or in system settings. Crisis averted. World saved. Nintendo undoomed.

 

[Robin64]

Must have missed all of the headlines about Xbox 360 and Ps3 being a bastion for pedophiles because they allow voice chat in lobbies.

But you didn't miss the ones about how Animal Crossing allowed sex fiends to find kids, right? Or how Swap Note did? Seriously, Nintendo get shit over that sort of thing. Nobody gives a damn about the online for 360 or PS3, but as soon as Nintendo allows something, the press runs with it.

It's a double standard, for sure, but it is there.

Parents who buy their kids Nintendo games tend to give more of a shit than parents who buy their kids Call of Duty.

 

[RedSwirl]

I think it's going to be like this until Nintendo feels they have a solution in place which will minimize the bad press of seeing headlines like this: "Nintendo's online video game console allows pedophiles to talk with children."

Citing how many bratty 12 year olds play COD these days isn't the point. Nintendo's family image puts them in the crosshairs for this shit and they know it. Doesn't mean I agree with some of their over-reactions but there you go.

There's that but there's also the fact that the people who design Nintendo's online services reportedly have never used PSN or Xbox Live. This is all still a very Japanese approach to online gaming -- a thing that never really took off in Japan to begin with outside MMOs.

 

[Snakeyes]

I'm much more disappointed with the lack of invites than shitty voice chat with strangers.

 

[jimi_dini]

good... I don't want to auto hear some douche bag's music or 10yr old cussing. I prefer to opt-in than be forced to opt-out.

Yup, even Naughty Dog is still unable to get this right.

Every single fucking Uncharted 3 game - select player -> mute, select next player -> mute. Oh I'm so sick of it. And then some fucks join mid-game and annoy me to no end. Right, there is a voice volume option in the menu. But the damn thing isn't saved as well.

There was exactly one instance, where I actually wanted to talk to someone. And guess what, he was a friend of mine and we played coop together. And that's it.

Guess what I really liked. Playing Mario Kart Wii. Because no player was able to ruin other player's fun (except cheaters, but that's another problem). That's properly designed.

 

[Freezie KO]

These kids use voice chat in Call of Duty, sure, but have you taken a second to consider to what end they utilize the voice chat (and how grown ass adults utilize that voice chat in the very same ecosystem, often validating the idea that yeah, kids ought not to be voice chatting on that shit to begin with? something the devs don't have to worry about blocking because they can say "Well it's the guardian's responsibility to make sure children don't have access to those features, or access to the game in general."), and how that might not mesh so well with a game that's actually outright targeting children in every sense like Mario Kart?

That's why there are parental controls. There's already an ESRB warning that says the experience may change online. Nintendo is solving a problem that isn't there. And also, how come you can't invite friends? Or how come you can't chat with friends during races?

The lack of features in this game is emblematic of how inept Nintendo is at handling online in 2014.

--

Just when you think Nintendo couldn't f**k it up they managed to do it again.

Feels like this should be a meme >.>

It is a meme.

Please understand.

 

[DedValve]

But you didn't miss the ones about how Animal Crossing allowed sex fiends to find kids, right? Or how Swap Note did? Seriously, Nintendo get shit over that sort of thing. Nobody gives a damn about the online for 360 or PS3, but as soon as Nintendo allows something, the press runs with it.

It's a double standard, for sure, but it is there.

Parents who buy their kids Nintendo games tend to give more of a shit than parents who buy their kids Call of Duty.

That's because pedophiles where using those features. I remember a looooong time ago this happened with either mmos or xbox chat.

A massive part of why Nintendo is in its current state is because they refuse to move with the times or allow options. Parental controls in a Nintendo console is the most useless feature ever.

 

[Effect]

Must have missed all of the headlines about Xbox 360 and Ps3 being a bastion for pedophiles because they allow voice chat in lobbies.

People don't associate the PS3/360 with being family and kid friendly. Nintendo will get the spotlight in a situation where this does occur. Should they? No. It's a double standard. They should be able to provide as open as a system as they wish. Provide as many options as possible. However they have to deal with reality as it is. They will be blamed regardless. They have to protect themselves as a company and that means they might have to provide a more limited system for one game vs another. We don't have to like it. I don't like it but I understand why it's done.

I still feel though that you can hit Nintendo for a lot of things and rightfully so. Unrestricted Voice chat is just perhaps the wrong thing to go after them over in the grand scheme of things. There are far more important things that should be focused on that they would be more free to address if pushed.

 

[KingSnake]

Parental control is just to cover your ass legally, a lot of the parents have no idea how to properly use it.

 

[ciD_Vain]

If they did have open chat, news channels will probably take this as an opportunity...

"You'd expect it from a Playstation, you'd expect it from an Xbox...but a Nintendo? Coming up, how Nintendo is allowing strangers from all over the world to openly chat with your children in what may seem to be just another Mario Karting game."

lolz

 

[CambriaRising]

But you didn't miss the ones about how Animal Crossing allowed sex fiends to find kids, right? Or how Swap Note did? Seriously, Nintendo get shit over that sort of thing. Nobody gives a damn about the online for 360 or PS3, but as soon as Nintendo allows something, the press runs with it.

It's a double standard, for sure, but it is there.

Man, I forgot how deep the persecution complex goes.? Or how about in the swap notes situation, where their solution was to make the game unusable for everyone? And you know what, it is totally valid that people would not want their GPS location revealed while using the 3ds, a system that has a constant location beacon even while sleeping. Has anyone else had a game that would allow either of those things

Oh..Uno on Xbox 360. I forgot, there were no headlines or anecdotes about how you could see a guy's dick or boobs if you played Uno on Xbox Live. Must have been because everybody just wants to pick on Nintendo, right?

Its a dumb decision, there are plenty of kid friendly MP games on PS3 and 360 that allow this. Nintendo could implement a meaningful system wide parental control if they wanted to, just like they could make a hundred other obvious improvements to their ecosystem, they just won't. Because this is easier.

People don't associate the PS3/360 with being family and kid friendly. Nintendo will get the spotlight in a situation where this does occur. Should they? No. It's a double standard. They should be able to provide as open as a system as they wish. However they have to deal with reality as it is. They have to protect themselves as a company and that means they might have to provide a more limited system for one game vs another.

Really? Tell that to Minecraft.

 

[Freezie KO]

If they did have open chat, news channels will probably take this as an opportunity...

"You'd expect it from a Playstation, you'd expect it from an Xbox...but a Nintendo? Coming up, how Nintendo is allowing strangers from all over the world to openly chat with your children in what may seem to be just another Mario Karting game."

lolz

They should just wait until nobody knows what a Nintendo is. Then they'd never have this problem.

 

[Mesoian]

If they did have open chat, news channels will probably take this as an opportunity...

"You'd expect it from a Playstation, you'd expect it from an Xbox...but a Nintendo? Coming up, how Nintendo is allowing strangers from all over the world to openly chat with your children in what may seem to be just another Mario Karting game."

lolz

Though with that mindset, Nintendo might as well not include online for any of their games.

 

[pixlexic]

Best feature ever!

 

[KingSnake]

Nintendo could implement a meaningful system wide parental control if they wanted to, just like they could make a hundred other obvious improvements to their ecosystem, they just won't.

What should they do that if anyhow they are dead after this generation?

 

[YoshiStrife]

So just because Nintendo wants to take the 'easy way out' and not use parental controls for the purpose they are there for, the rest of us who actually want to enjoy certain other features like voice chat get shafted?

Perhaps it is the easy way out, but it's not fair at all for the amount of diehard Nintendo fans that really want these features in their games. I'm not seeing the arguments for Nintendo at all - they should be giving us options, not shafting everyone out, like it or not.

At the same time, I'm sad at no option of proper battle arenas. And also sad at no option for proper item customisation a la Smash Bros in friend lobbies. Why I can't choose to have no blue shells is beyond me.

 

[eudaemonic]

But you didn't miss the ones about how Animal Crossing allowed sex fiends to find kids, right? Or how Swap Note did? Seriously, Nintendo get shit over that sort of thing. Nobody gives a damn about the online for 360 or PS3, but as soon as Nintendo allows something, the press runs with it.

It's a double standard, for sure, but it is there.

Parents who buy their kids Nintendo games tend to give more of a shit than parents who buy their kids Call of Duty.

So much this. If I don't see a story about someone trying to hook up with a nine year old in MK8 even with the friend code feature within the first six months, I'll be shocked.

I wouldn't doubt it if they have a kill code for chat if that happens too. People love going after Nintendo. Kinda surprised it has the chat ability at all.

 

[Robin64]

Man, I forgot how deep the persecution complex goes.? Or how about in the swap notes situation, where their solution was to make the game unusable for everyone? And you know what, it is totally valid that people would not want their GPS location revealed while using the 3ds, a system that has a constant location beacon even while sleeping. Has anyone else had a game that would allow either of those things

The 3DS does not do GPS location. You are talking rubbish.

But yes, it is easier for Nintendo to completely remove talking to strangers. It's not exactly a debatable thing either, now there is ZERO chance of a child talking to a sex pest. Job done, safe online.

 

[Shaanyboi]

Lame. How does Nintendo expect to compete with PS4/Xbox One with these kinds of limitations?!

they said it themselves... they're bad at competing

 

[Effect]

Really? Tell that to Minecraft.

That's a particular game and not the platform or company/division as a whole. Now that is a game that should be on the Wii U or just Nintendo platforms and Nintendo is stupid (and I will continue to feel this way) for not going after it since it fits their image greatly but that's a separate topic. Just because Minecraft exist on those systems does not make those system defacto family or kid friendly systems and mean they'll be treated as such by the general public, parents, etc.

 

[Exile20]

good... I don't want to auto hear some douche bag's music or 10yr old cussing. I prefer to opt-in than be forced to opt-out.

This brings back memories of people cursing some guy out for having his shitty music playing.

 

[Mobius and pet octopus]

This is a really smart move. Consoles are notorious for BM kids and even adults. I personally just mute everyone, or used to, when I play on a console except for friends.

 

[The Great Dave]

Wait, a Nintendo game has shit online? Wow. Of all the companies.

 

[Solid Samus]

This brings back memories of people cursing some guy out for having his shitty music playing.

Fucking Halo Reach, man. Every other map. I don't want to listen to the music you think is good because you're 16 and it fucking sucks

 

[CozMick]

ffs some people.

Nintendo absolutely should allow us the choice.

This should not be defended in any way.

 

[Of All Trades]

People don't associate the PS3/360 with being family and kid friendly. Nintendo will get the spotlight in a situation where this does occur. Should they? No. It's a double standard. They should be able to provide as open as a system as they wish. Provide as many options as possible. However they have to deal with reality as it is. They will be blamed regardless. They have to protect themselves as a company and that means they might have to provide a more limited system for one game vs another. We don't have to like it. I don't like it but I understand why it's done.

I still feel though that you can hit Nintendo for a lot of things and rightfully so. Unrestricted Voice chat is just perhaps the wrong thing to go after them over in the grand scheme of things.

Minecraft is the most popular game for kids and has sold 12 million copies on the 360. It also has voice chat at all times. Somehow MS has managed to create an environment where kids can talk to other people online without the press going apeshit, so maybe it would behoove Nintendo to do the same.

Edit: Minecraft is not just one game, 12 million copies represents a major chuck of the userbase and there were anecdotes here about people buying them just for that game. It's literally a system seller.

 

[Robin64]

Minecraft is the most popular game for kids and has sold 12 million copies on the 360. It also has voice chat at all times. Somehow MS has managed to create an environment where kids can talk to other people online without the press going apeshit, so maybe it would behoove Nintendo to do the same.

Serious question, does Minecraft have a worldwide matchmaking service? Can I hit "random game" and be with a stranger?

 

[Chance Hale]

Read the title as online play and nearly had a heart attack. Still real silly, but not a big deal.

 

[Freezie KO]

Minecraft is the most popular game for kids and has sold 12 million copies on the 360. It also has voice chat at all times. Somehow MS has managed to create an environment where kids can talk to other people online without the press going apeshit, so maybe it would behoove Nintendo to do the same.

Edit: Minecraft is not just one game, 12 million copies represents a major chuck of the userbase and there were anecdotes here about people buying them just for that game. It's literally a system seller.

More people probably use voice chat on Minecraft than own Wii U consoles.

 

[Mesoian]

Serious question, does Minecraft have a worldwide matchmaking service? Can I hit "random game" and be with a stranger?

There is a list of open servers that you can join at any point. Most people don't leave their servers open though because the public tends to destroy anything that's made, see that 1:1 scale reconstruction of denmark.