Features promised are similar to The Agency

38 Studios has become the latest developer to integrate Vivox's communication tools into their upcoming project, Copernicus. While we still don't know exactly what Copernicus is (a fantasy-based new IP penned by R.A. Salvatore), we do now know that it will support in-game voice chat, game-to-mobile calling and SMS.

The tools mentioned are very similar to some of the key selling points of Sony's upcoming MMO The Agency. The Agency features real time text-messaging to your phone on the status of your operatives, complete with responsive choices that allow you to make decisions affecting their performance, all without actually being at your computer. Similarly, 38 Studios' project will include "support for live events, in- and out-of-game chat, game-to-mobile calling and SMS."

The similarities shouldn't surprise you: Sony contracted last month with Vivox to provide voice services for EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies, and announced that there may be further integration in future titles like The Agency. While it's currently unclear as to whether Vivox is actually providing the services in The Agency, though that's clearly the implication from Sony's press release. Vivox's website currently notes the 38 Studios deal, but makes no mention of The Agency.

It seems more and more companies are bringing Vivox or Vivox-like technologies into their games. What will they think of next?

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