Longer Playtime Courtesy of SILK
Almost two years ago to the day, we announced that we were making our SILK codec (the code that optimizes call quality) available to our developers, for free. It’s been a fun and interesting couple of years since and we’ve been pleased to see varied industry adoption as a result. This week that adoption grew and we’re very happy to see gaming power-house, Steam leverage SILK to improve the playability of its titles.
Yesterday Steam announced the introduction of the SILK codec, allowing gamers to enjoy a significant improvement in voice communications while playing, enhancing the gaming experience. Available immediately, this feature is both in one-on-one or group chats, and works on the desktop and in-game.
So why is this so important to the playability of the game and how will it enhance a users experience?
Not so long ago, we conducted a study that assessed the impact call quality has on a users rating of said call and the length of time an individual stays on the call. As you can see from the graphs below, the average user rating and length of call increases as call quality improves. This makes sense because if you can clearly hear what’s being said, you’ll be more engaged and enjoy it more. Based on the results of the study, it stands to reason then, – that with improved call quality, we believe that players will game longer, due to better communication with team members, friends and more.
Call quality (bandwidth) improves along the X axis from left to right.
So to all you gamers and Steam fans out there, have fun and let us know how you’re enjoying the improvements.
The quality is much improved, but I’d hope for still more. For me, at least Left 4 Dead 2 doesn’t let me set the microphone gain high enough – resulting in a bad experience because different players have different volume and obviously in a highly active game situation you can’t have voice at a very low level.
There is also some skipping, like packet loss. I’m not sure if that’s a result of the network or problems with voice activated transmit some friends use.
Overall great improvement, it’s now usable where as before you just needed to have an external software. There’s still quite a bit to improve, although this time it might be much simpler things.
I jsut want that quality can be better and better….Now is ok,but not much high…with the future update I want that microphone and videocall can be cleaner.I have a suggest:Why Skype doesn’t include a software for claner voice and video,that adjust automaticaly all for make Skype better and better.Quality is ok,but not much high yet =(.Sorry.Continue to work and improve it,Thanks for all!
Hi all I am a novice in Skype development. I want to use SkypeKit to develop application. I have requested an invitation to get the SkypeKit Beta Program yesterday(5/4/2010). But still won’t get anything which I can download. But I need it very urgently.
So I request you all to share a link from where I can directly download SkypeKit or at least its documentation.