P2P Communication Improvement Suggestions

[shadowvfx 3]

I started playing Day Z a week ago and love the concept of the game, but I'm having a very frustrating time dealing with encounters of other players. I know what you're thinking "Duh, that's the POINT of this game". True, the unknown human element is indeed integral to the gameplay in Day Z, but I'm finding myself more frustrated with the limitations of this being a GAME vs being real life.

My main issue is with communication. It's clunky, difficult, and unclear. I am not a bandit and I try playing this game how I see myself trying to survive in real life. I'm cautious and defensive, but almost every time I've been killed, it was by another survivor who I was trying to communicate with before taking the shot on them. In real life, it would not be too difficult to communicate my intent, but in Day Z it is very cumbersome and confusing. Many times, people don't even realize you're trying to talk to them at all. I think there are some things the game can do to overcome some of the valleys that separate this game from real life.

We need some way of communicating quickly and effectively with other survivors that doesn't involve the clumsy chat and avoids any ambiguity or confusion. My suggestion would be to borrow a page from Counter Strike's quick-radio commands. A survivor could simply push a key (lets assume it's f1) then a list of "shouts" would be shown.

1) Hey There!

2) Back Off!

3) Anyone Here?

4) I need help!

5) Identify Yourself! Are you Friendly or Hostile?

6) I'm friendly.

7) I'm going to kill you!

8) Don't move or I'll shoot!

9) Need help?

Once you press the number to shout that dialogue, it would be received by any players within the Direct Chat distance and it would come over as part of the game's audio. Meaning that, if you ever hear the words "Don't move or I'll shoot!", then you know someone within 50m is probably targeting you and is offering you one chance to respond appropriately, instead of just capping you in the head.

A feature like this could reduce the number of player-kill deaths in Day Z by allowing people to quickly and easily communicate without having to completely expose themselves or drop their guard. Remember that communication is integral for any society to establish and thrive, and this element is sincerely needed in a game like Day Z.

[shadowvfx 3]

I would imagine that simple gestures could also be done like this, or in a cobination with the shouts. It would be nice to do a quick handwave from a crouched position. Or a hands up stance when you know your back is against the wall (metaphorically speaking). Simple gestures and phrases like these are all it takes to start connecting with other survivors and to see them less as walking loot caches and other human beings.