
Vivox and Unity are a match made in heaven for online game developers. Vivox's robust voice chat platform can be seamlessly integrated with Unity, allowing for a more immersive and engaging experience for players.
By leveraging Vivox's capabilities, developers can create a more social and interactive environment within their games. This is particularly useful for games that require communication and teamwork, such as multiplayer shooters and strategy games.
One of the key benefits of using Vivox with Unity is the ability to manage and moderate online chat more effectively. Vivox's platform includes features such as keyword filtering and user reporting, which can help to create a safer and more respectful community.
Developers can also take advantage of Vivox's scalability and reliability, which ensures that voice chat remains stable and uninterrupted even in high-traffic games. This means that players can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable experience, without the frustration of dropped connections or lag.
Unity Acquisitions
Unity has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its services and offerings. One notable acquisition is Vivox, a company behind 3D positional voice tech in games like Fortnite and PUBG.
Vivox's technology is described as the "only cross-platform, 3D positional audio technology" and has been integrated into more than 125 games worldwide. It provides both voice and text chat capabilities, enabling gamers to communicate with each other in real-time.
The Vivox team, based in Framingham, MA, will remain intact and operate independently, offering cross-platform communication services to various game development studios.
A different take: Obihai Technology
Unity Acquires Voice Chat Tech
Unity has made a significant move in the gaming industry by acquiring Vivox, a company that provides in-game voice and text chat technology. This acquisition will enable Unity to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to game developers.
The Vivox technology has been integrated into over 125 games worldwide and is known for its 3D positional audio capabilities. This means that gamers can hear other players chatting around them directionally in 3D space.
Unity's CEO, John Riccitiello, sees voice chat as a critical part of gaming across platforms and believes that Vivox's technology will be a key differentiator for Unity's customers. He's excited about the roadmap of Vivox and plans to use Unity's cross-platform support expertise to make it easier for developers to take advantage of the deeper communication made possible by Vivox.
Vivox's technology is currently used in popular games like Fortnite, PUBG, and League of Legends. The company's technology will continue to operate independently, offering cross-platform communication services to various game development studios.
The acquisition is a strategic move by Unity to expand its offerings and provide game developers with more tools and services to create engaging gaming experiences.
Online Games
As part of Unity's acquisitions, the company has made significant strides in the online gaming space. Epic Games, a Unity partner, has integrated Vivox's communications platform into Fortnite, allowing for voice chat on Nintendo Switch only. This is a notable example of how Unity's acquisitions can enhance gaming experiences.
In addition to Fortnite, several other online games have also integrated Vivox's platform. These include Hawken, Eximius: Seize the Frontline, and Hell Let Loose, all of which are live and available for play. Players can expect seamless voice communication and chat functionality in these games.
One notable example of a game that has successfully integrated Vivox's platform is EVE Online. Developed by CCP Games, EVE Online has been a pioneer in the online gaming space, and its integration of Vivox's platform has further enhanced the player experience. Players can now communicate with each other in real-time, making the game even more immersive and engaging.
Other notable games that have integrated Vivox's platform include Overwatch, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and World of Tanks. These games are all live and available for play, and players can expect top-notch voice communication and chat functionality.
Here are some notable games that have integrated Vivox's communications platform:
These are just a few examples of the many online games that have integrated Vivox's communications platform. As Unity continues to grow and expand its reach, it will be interesting to see how this technology continues to shape the gaming industry.
Vivox Features
Vivox is free to use and readily available on all platforms.
It's a game-changer for developers, giving them the power of voice for free. Vivox is the father of in-game voice, revolutionizing online communications in the gaming industry.
The Vivox SDKs are available for both iOS and Android SDKs, making it accessible to mobile game developers.
Vivox is capable of cross-platform play, allowing communities to play together and communicate together seamlessly.
Over 125 of the world's biggest games use Vivox, with a monthly active user count over 100 million strong.
Vivox is the only service that provides easy to use integrated cross-platform communications, making it a top choice for industry developers.
Smaller studios with fewer resources can still engage with Vivox, as it's free up until 5,000 concurrent users.
A unique perspective: Broadvox Communications
Controversy and News
Vivox has faced backlash from the Linux community for its stance on Linux support.
The company has been accused of discouraging game developers from supporting Linux, instead encouraging them to drop Linux altogether.
A developer for Alderon Games, working on the MMO dinosaur game Path of Titans, received a reply from Vivox suggesting that eliminating Linux from their platforms might not be worth the cost.
Vivox's response was seen as dismissive of the developer's request for Linux support, and the company's willingness to help with alternatives was not seen as a genuine offer.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by game developers who want to support Linux, and the importance of having a clear and supportive stance on platform compatibility.
Major Announcements
Vivox announced a partnership with Linden Lab on February 27, 2007, to provide integrated voice communications to the Second Life Grid.
This included spatial audio that allows residents to hear each other based on their positions, a technology licensed by DiamondWare Technologies.
Vivox partnered with Sony Online Entertainment in 2008, bringing integrated voice chat into all existing and planned SOE products, including SOE's out of game communication application, Station Launcher.

Games that use Vivox Voice include EverQuest, APB, EverQuest 2, Star Wars Galaxies, and Planetside 2.
On May 10, 2006, CCP Games and Vivox announced that EVE Online players would have real-time, in-game voice communication.
The agreement between the two companies provided an integrated solution that allows players to speak with each other in-game and create audio conference channels for their gang, corporation, or alliance.
Vivox partnered with NCsoft on May 13, 2008, to bring voice to the NCsoft player community.
In 2008, Vivox also partnered with 38 Studios to provide voice technology for their upcoming MMO.
Vivox's spatial 3D voice technology was included in Real Time Worlds' MMO, APB, declared on March 24, 2009.
Vivox provided its software for Epic Games' Fortnite Battle Royale on the Nintendo Switch, offering a direct voice chat solution that also supports cross-platform communications.
In February 2019, Vivox announced it would provide its software development kit for Switch voice chat, allowing other games to take advantage of this approach.
Controversy

Vivox has faced backlash from the Linux community for its approach to supporting Linux users. This controversy highlights the challenges of developing software for multiple platforms.
Many Linux users feel that Vivox is discouraging game developers from supporting Linux. This is evident in a response from Vivox to a developer asking about paying them to add Linux support.
Vivox suggested that the developer consider eliminating Linux from their platforms, citing the cost of developing a custom solution. This approach has been met with criticism from the Linux community, who feel that it is unfair to exclude users based on their operating system.
The Linux community is not alone in its concerns, as many users feel that Vivox is prioritizing its own interests over the needs of its customers. This controversy raises important questions about the responsibilities of software developers to their users.
Compare to Competitors
Vivox has some notable competitors in the gaming and esports sectors.

TT Voice is a mobile gaming voice communication platform that operates in the gaming and esports sectors, founded in 2014 and based in Guangzhou, Guangdong.
One key difference between Vivox and TT Voice is their focus on professional esports talent development.
TT Voice serves as a hub for professional esports talent development and offers a full ecosystem for the gaming community.
Vivox's main competitor, TeamSpeak, specializes in VoIP solutions for various sectors, including esports and corporate environments.
It offers a platform for audio communication with features like security, surround sound, and a customizable user interface.
TeamSpeak's services cater to the esports industry, corporate communication needs, and developers seeking integration for their applications.
It is based in Chula Vista, California.
Online Presence
Vivox's online presence is quite impressive, with a strong focus on community building.
The company's website is a great resource for learning more about their products and services.
Their online platform allows users to create avatars, which are customizable digital representations of themselves.
Vivox's platform has been used by millions of people worldwide.
One of the key features of Vivox's online presence is their social network, which enables users to connect with others who share similar interests.
This social network has been a huge success, with many users reporting that it has helped them make new friends.
Vivox's online platform also includes a variety of tools and features that make it easy for users to communicate with each other.
These tools include voice chat, video chat, and instant messaging.
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