Groups, Radios and the GPS (Long Read)

[GipsyCab 0]

I'm relatively new to DayZ (and freakin' loving it), so i thought this might have been suggested before, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the forums, so here I go:

- Group System: Players would be able to create a group, which would basically mean 2 things: a dedicated communications channel (just like in ArmA 2) and linked GPS locations, so every groupmember can see the others on his map, provided the others own a GPS, too.

- GPS-Linking on Vehicles: Just like groupmembers, vehicles would be "linkable" through the GPS, so if a vehicle had one (e.g. Military Offroad) it could be liked to one's - and thus, also the groups' - GPS and constantly show up on the map. This effect would end if anyone unlinked the vehicle's GPS, which could be done by a mouseclick.

- Two-way radios: These would be found in military spawns and rarely in residential spawns. They offer a limited range of frequencies that players can communicate globally on, but only if both players own the device. In reality there would be about 80 channels (on CB-radio), which would obviously be too much, but maybe there could be 12 channels available to communicate on. This could also be an addition for the Group-system; if group-members own a radio, they can communicate on their own frequenzy with noone being able to tap in. The radio would constantly be powered and on the chosen channel, in case someone tries to reach out; it could also be switched off.

- Radio Scanners: These can only be found in military spawns and enable the player to receive radio communication on all channels, but only work one-way. They also show signal strength which would decay like 1/r^2 (antiproportional to the square of the distance), so multiple players (or one player with patience) would be able to triangulate the sender's position.

Now I realize that most players would probably just use Skype, TS or whatever to communicate, but it could be a nice addition to the game in terms of gameplay: if someone finds a radio in a residential area, he could transmit on a few channels and hope for a hero to overhear his cry for help and come to the rescue; but there could also be bandits stopping by.

What do You guys think?

[[email protected] 506]

Nope. Sorry but I don't believe in helping groups to co-ordinate their actions in such an unrealistic way. I would have the radios and such, but players in groups would have to communicate over open channels (unless they're using Skype/TS/etc.) and so anyone would be able to listen in to them. I think that would add awesome tension and immersion to the game in that you would never know who could be listening, and you'd have to watch your back just that little bit more.

It could also encourage code languages unique to DayZ!

[Very Ape 748]

Nope. Sorry but I don't believe in helping groups to co-ordinate their actions in such an unrealistic way. I would have the radios and such, but players in groups would have to communicate over open channels (unless they're using Skype/TS/etc.) and so anyone would be able to listen in to them. I think that would add awesome tension and immersion to the game in that you would never know who could be listening, and you'd have to watch your back just that little bit more.

It could also encourage code languages unique to DayZ!

Imagine if they could block you from running Teamspeak, Mumble, Skype, etc. :D

[GipsyCab 0]

Nope. Sorry but I don't believe in helping groups to co-ordinate their actions in such an unrealistic way. I would have the radios and such, but players in groups would have to communicate over open channels (unless they're using Skype/TS/etc.) and so anyone would be able to listen in to them. I think that would add awesome tension and immersion to the game in that you would never know who could be listening, and you'd have to watch your back just that little bit more.

It could also encourage code languages unique to DayZ!

I agree, actually. I just thought it would discourage people more from using Skype etc., but that won't be happening anyway, I presume. But You're right, that wouldn't be realistic and wouldn't fit in, so scratch that ;)

I would also like to see a GPS that doesn't tell you the direction that You're facing in, because I know a regular GPS doesn't do that, at least not the ones I know. And i don't know about the military ones. But it would require You to either use a compass or the sun.

Thanks for the beans by the way!

Edited February 16, 2013 by GipsyCab

[Welch (DayZ) 756]

Imagine if they could block you from running Teamspeak, Mumble, Skype, etc. :D

Lots of people would rage. They'd freak out and the dev's give in after a while because it'd be too hard.

[[email protected] 506]

Lots of people would rage. They'd freak out and the dev's give in after a while because it'd be too hard.

I know.. Unfortunately. My squad will only be using ingame communications however, with a predefined meeting point where we will wait for each other as soon as SA is released. Currently thinking one of those new apartment blocks from Новосёлки.

Maybe we could have it as a server setting? Like a hardcore mode?

Edited February 16, 2013 by Ingasmeeg

[GipsyCab 0]

I know.. Unfortunately. My squad will only be using ingame communications however, with a predefined meeting point where we will wait for each other as soon as SA is released. Currently thinking one of those new apartment blocks from Новосёлки.

Maybe we could have it as a server setting? Like a hardcore mode?

I think they can't do that out of political reasons, Microsoft probably wouldnt be too happy about that, and You could always find 3rd party alternatives; but it would be awesome ;)

I'd really like to see some kind of radio system in the standalone though, It's just something I always think of when a zombie-apocalypse is the topic.