For the record, I specifically mentioned Discord (and not TeamSpeak) because it claims to have text as well as speech functionalities. So I won't need a mike to participate (and won't use one. A semi-permanent channel for AIW2 should also be feasible, acting as a global lobby.
Nevertheless, Tridus has a point - I personally have an in-built (irrational) aversion to third party chat clients, and am probably not alone in that perception. Used TeamSpeak once ever, and in generally need to keep my gaming environment quiet. Unless the player is a social gamer, they aren't likely to have such software installed, and AIW2 will my magically tip the balance.
Perhaps the optimal outcome is for Chris to identify an easy way to integrate one of the major third party clients into the game. FWIW given the lack of relevant experience I don't think he has the development time to make his own, nor host the server. I don't have the time to research APIs to make proper advice though.
I have the exact opposite "issue" actually.
First thing I do when there is a "general" common channel in a game is disabling it.
My experience has been that it's either filled with trolls ("hey, how do I do this ? alt-F4 lol yuck yuck") to people that mistake the "help" channel with the "I need an online friend" part, and chat for hours about stuff completely unrelated to anything I'd want on that channel. That's been the best of cases, when the channel is moderated. When it ain't...
