EA DICE has confirmed that it’s considering bringing back a feature forBattlefield 2042that’s long been requested. In many ways,Battlefieldfans have already lowered their expectations forBattlefield 2042’s continued development. Yet DICE continues to roll out seasonal content, even faster perhaps than whenBattlefield 2042first launched. It’s also reevaluating other decisions, including the lack of a communication feature that has frustrated someBattlefield 2042players.It’s been increasingly accurate over the past decade or so that online multiplayer games have chosen to limit the ways that players communicate with each other. Given thelimitations of text and audio moderation toolsand gaming companies being unwilling to fund those moderation tools, limiting communication has been an attractive alternative. Yet as live service games struggle to retain players, some are actually reversing course and catering more toward dedicated niche communities.RELATED:Harassment in Online Games Experienced by 74 Percent of AdultsBattlefield 2042is considering making just such a decision. DuringBattlefield 2042’s recent update 4.0Dev Corner Twitch stream, EA DICE mentioned that it was considering reintroducing “All Chat” functionality. All Chat is a text chat feature where players on opposing teams are able to talk with each other. Further information on the subject is planned to be shared during the Inside Battlefield podcast planned for release Monday, March 6.
Response withinBattlefield 2042’s online communitieshas been largely positive but also captures some of the concerns developers have that likely led to All Chat being disabled in the first place. Players mention how excited they are to trash-talk the other team again, and that some of their favorite multiplayer interactions stem from conversations in All Chat. There are those that have voiced their concerns, though, saying they’re not looking forward to toxic chat or asking EA DICE to make sure there’s an option to turn All Chat off.
Obviously, no player is going to say they will use All Chat to harass or bully other players, but that is certainly something that happens in online games where it’s enabled. Developers have seen the frequency of inappropriate chats and measured whether there’s constructive chat as well, and decided it wasn’t worth it. However, unhealthy chat with “banter” is seen as a positive to some core shooter players, which makes some developers reconsider whether enabling some harassment is worth it.
EA DICE has yet to fully confirm its plans for All Chat’s return toBattlefield 2042. Those plans may coincide with increased moderation efforts so that All Chat doesn’t lead to increased bullying and harassment. Alternatively, EA DICE may not consider it a priority. But it’s certain to create a conversation about the positives andnegatives regarding All Chatand why many modern games have chosen to disable it altogether.
Battlefield 2042is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
