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Game developers don't spend much time worrying about telecommunications regulations, in general. After all, video games are entertainment, not a utility. But the growth of online multiplayer gaming presents new challenges, some of which may involve regulations not originally intended for video games. The reason is the Federal Communications Commission's evolving treatment of communications capabilities using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology.
These days, MMOs are hot properties. One of the key elements holding games like World of Warcraft and Second Life together is the ability to communicate in real time with other players. The communication may occur through a variety of means depending upon the game, but chat and VoIP are two common capabilities that game developers support in their games.
PROVIDERS AS CARRIERS
Most online game providers assume that the inclusion of chat and VoIP capabilities in their games will not make them FCC-regulated carriers. So far, that belief has held true. The FCC requires only a specific kind of VoIP-those services that allow calling to regular telephone numbers-to comply with its regulations. This encompasses Vonage's service and the Skype Out service, but online games do not typically(at this time) offer the ability to call to or from ordinary telephone numbers, so they are not subject to the...