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Massively multiplayer space opera EVE Online is getting in-game voice support, courtesy of VoIP technology company Vivox, according to a press release.

I last ran into Vivox at the South-by-Southwest festival, where they were showcasing a VoIP client that could run in any of a number of environments. Their demonstration in Second Life, however, required the client to run behind the virtual world application, though calls could be originated from within the world and terminate at other VoIP users or at a land-line. At last report, Vivox was talking with Linden Lab, makers of Second Life, about integrating Vivox into the SL client, but nothing had yet come of it.

Icelandic company CCP Games, makers of EVE, are moving faster than LL. Though no date is given in the press release, EVE players will “soon” get “real-time, in-game voice communication” that is also supported by UI additions displaying which channels are being monitored and moderator privileges that are synched with in-game roles.

As readers of my other blog know, I’m a devoted EVE player, and can report that robust voice support is an integral part of the game — or at least, of the end-game. Most players use TeamSpeak to coordinate fleet operations — which can include many dozens of players on a number of channels, all engaged in combat operations that require oversight and leadership that would be very difficult to deliver via chat.

Adding an in-game voice client to EVE will bring an important support function into the game. But, of course, it needs to work. Any sign that it doesn’t live up to its requirements will cause EVE’s exacting player-base to warp straight back to TeamSpeak, Skype or another voice client.

The nice thing about voice in EVE is that it creates closer bonds between players — or spikier grudges and enmities. It’s almost impossible to run a big op in zero-security space without benefit of voice support, so experiencing the end-game almost requires the heightened level of real-world presence that voice brings. That doesn’t seem to break immersion, for most EVE players. Part of what’s stopped Linden Lab from bringing in voice support, though, according to the Lindens I’ve spoken to, is that it would break the immersion of the world for many residents. (Much of LL still thinks of SL as an escape from reality, despite all evidence to the contrary.) But one could opt out of voice, of course. I’d argue that a greater ability to be “yourself” in SL would only drive adoption. There are probably a large number of would-be residents out there who would rather be themselves, with their own name and, if possible, their real-life look, if only they could. There are signs that LL is moving in this direction, if slowly. Adopting voice would be a step in the right direction.

For now, though, I’ll talk to you in EVE.