BheRizeR'S Blog

Dolby and EA enhance voice chat experience in hit MMO racer

Black Box, an EA studio, and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. today announced that Need for Speed World, the massively multiplayer online (MMO) action racing game will incorporate Dolby Axon voice chat technology before the December holiday season. Need for Speed World combines the rush of illicit street racing, deep RPG style progression, and vehicle customization into an immersive, socially connected experience. The game will be featured at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX 2010) in Dolby’s booth, number 612, in the Washington State Convention Center, September 3–5, 2010.

“In Need for Speed World, we’re able to continually update the game with new technology to provide the best MMO racing experience for our players,” said Stephane Grefford, Producer, Need for Speed World. “Working with Dolby Axon, we can give gamers a seamless channel of communication enabling in-game collaboration towards becoming the top racer. We’re excited to be the first title in North America to incorporate Dolby Axon to help enhance our players’ overall racing experience.”

“Dolby Axon helps ensure that communication among team members happens clearly and quickly when racing at over 100 miles an hour in Need for Speed World,” said Matt Tullis, Marketing Director, Games, Dolby Laboratories. “We’re really excited to be working closely with EA in bringing a new level of voice chat to their game.”

By integrating Dolby Axon into online game titles, game developers can provide players with a new level of realism in online gaming:

• Improved audio chain processing (noise suppression, echo suppression) for clear voice communication
• Surround sound voice chat over stereo headsets, stereo speakers, and 5.1 playback systems delivering realistic and exciting in-game communication with teammates
• Compatibility with any stereo headset, enabling gamers to experience clear, crisp voice quality without specialized equipment

Need for Speed World is being developed by Black Box, an Electronic Arts studio and is available online for the PC. More information and details on the game can be found at the Official Website or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.