Added in a recent software update to Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, Game Chat Transcription is a brand new feature that's designed widen accessibility in multiplayer titles. Here's a closer look at what it offers and how to use it.
What is Game Chat Transcription?
When enabled, Game Chat Transcription automatically transcribes in-game voice chats into text and in-game text chat into audible speech for other players. It bridges the gap between typed and verbal communication, opening up the platform to those with related disabilities.
Although still in its early stages, the current implementation manages to frequently translate between text and speech on the fly. It's still common to encounter spelling errors, mistranslations and other inaccuracies, however, which can be caused by the technology itself and player pronunciation.
Which games currently support the feature?
For now, Microsoft debuted the feature exclusively in Halo Wars 2, providing a new way for players to communicate during multiplayer and co-op matches. Microsoft has announced plans to integrate functionality across more titles, but it has yet to announce any information on when this can be expected.
However, being baked into the OS, it wouldn't be hugely surprising if third-party titles also began to adopt the feature later down the line.
How to enable Game Chat Transcription for Xbox One
Game Chat Transcription is built directly into the Xbox One OS and can be found within the Settings application. This is enabled on a system-level, which means all supported titles will automatically use the feature.
(Note: With the feature still in its early stages, it appears some users are yet to see the Game Chat Transcription within their Xbox One's Settings app. While we haven't been able to determine an exact cause of this, it appears it is independent of both region and Xbox Insider ring enrollment.)
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down to the Ease of Access tab.
- Select Game chat transcription.
- To automatically transcribe other players' voices into text, check the box labeled Speech-to-text on.
- To have your text responses automatically read aloud to other players, check the box labeled Text-to-speech on.
- To change the type of voice used when reading your text responses aloud, switch between the available options in the drop-down box labeled Text-to-speech voice on the right-hand side of the screen.
How to enable Game Chat Transcription for Windows 10
While Game Chat Transcription is integrated into Windows 10, you'll need to use the built-in Xbox app to change your preferences regarding the feature. Within the app's settings, you can find the same features offered by the Xbox One version. Here's how to enable and customize the feature for Windows 10 PCs.
- Open the Xbox application.
- Choose the Settings tab.
- Scroll down to Game chat transcription.
- To automatically transcribe other players' voices into text, check the box labeled Speech-to-text on.
- To have your text responses automatically read aloud to other players, check the box labeled Text-to-speech on.
- To change the type of voice used when reading your text responses aloud, switch between the available options in the drop-down box labeled Text-to-speech voice.
