As preparation for a panel presentation at Spring VON 2006 (focus on voice over IP tools) on communities and communication in MMOGs, I collected some survey data on VoIP usage among MMO players. Anecdotally, and from personal experience, VoIP usage seems to be associated with high-level raids where tight coordination and real-time crisis management are needed. I was interested in exploring this more.

In a recent survey, I asked players whether they had ever used a VoIP tool. Across the board, the results were fairly stable. About 70% of respondents had used a VoIP tool at some point. There were minor age and gender differences. Male players were slightly more likely to have tried a VoIP tool than female players. And we see a slight decline over age. After a mild peak in the 18-22 age range, we see a gradual decrease.