I have two deaf guildies, and if they want to raid, I’ll take the time to type out the instructions. If they can perform and do what they’re supposed to do, I don’t care if they can hear me or not.
Odhran, via World of Warcraft forums
Being mute means I can’t talk even if I wanted to especially not with a microphone, the solution to this is best answered with a chat system.
Foxes281, via reddit
Dota 2 went one better when they added the chat wheel, which supports a large range of subtitled tactical “shouts”, including the ability to add your own custom ones. This feature effectively negates both disability and language barriers.
Justin Cheadle, gamer & developer, deaf
Text chat allows players who are unable to hear or speak well enough to chat by voice to still communicate. It should not be used instead of voice that however, as that would exclude players who can’t read or see well enough to use text chat. Both options should be provided.
Text chat doesn’t necessarily mean typing, it can also mean pre-set phrases, as seen in Hearthstone and DOTA.
Best practice examples:
- Hearthstone pre-defined text chat
- Overwatch communication options
- Rocket League custom quick chat
- World of Warcraft text chat
Categories & Levels:
- Hearing (Intermediate)
- Speech (Intermediate)