Valorant, a tactical first-person shooter game, is the digital playground where players like user MythlessRWF fear pressing the button for voice comms. Yet, this user has enjoyed investment into the game for some two years, relying solely on non-voice communication tools available in the game. Like many players, they fear toxicity from other users, compounded by personal challenges such as social anxiety and speech difficulties. The question posed: Could they further their gaming experience without employing voice communications?
Summary
- Player MythlessRWF has been reticent to try Competitive play due to the perceived need for vocal interaction.
- The fear is largely due to their personal battle with social anxiety and a speech condition, as well as the anticipated negativity from other players.
- Demonstrating an active desire to progress, they inquire about the efficacy of non-vocal comms methods such as pings and text chat.
- While considering the potential for negative interactions, they also express an interest in potential support available in the community.
Community Feedback
violetsse addresses these fears firsthand, pointing out ‘Pings and the in-game character call-outs are often more than enough’ for successful gameplay, even when solo queueing to Diamond. That’s not to say it’s all sweetness and light, they highlight the existence of potential toxicity for not employing verbal communication, but also reassuringly indicate that a player can contribute significantly without the need of a microphone.
AP3Brain, maintaining the stance that voice comms are not paramount, confirms wins scored during mute games, stating, ‘…I still get Ws. There are people in Radiant that have not spoken a single word.’ This perspective is powerfully reassuring, underscoring that success in Valorant isn’t limited to those who are vocally communicative.
Negativity & Positivity
Upon turning to the underbelly of the issue, Paradisegained16 admits there will always be players who will express annoyance at silent participants, however, they distinguish between being annoyed and being toxic. Ultimately, how one communicates is a personal choice, and while voice communication is the fastest method, it’s still within one’s discretion.
That being said, an anonymous user offered an optimistic viewpoint: ‘Comms not needed if you drop a 50 bomb with the lobby muted 😎‘.
Moving Forward
123ilovebasketball suggested easing into vocal comms with an intermediary step: ‘Maybe try comms in quickplay first so you don’t have the pressure of ranked and a rating weighing on you?‘ This presupposes that not all players on the platform are negatively spirited, and that the idea of communicating with fellow players needn’t be a cause of anxiety.
Ultimately, it’s clear: every player has their comfort zone and it’s up to them to find the gameplay style that suits them best. It’s a game, after all, and is meant to be enjoyed. So, strap on your armor, grab your weapons, and play as you wish -voice comms or no. And remember that many of your fellow gamers, like user MythlessRWF, could be fighting battles larger than the one on the screen.
