What?
A more interactive and chat-like replacement for the current IGM system. Rather then “sending mails to other players”, conversations happen in 1:1 chats with realtime messaging.
This presumes that a general “chat room feature” (possibly across game worlds) is implemented as a prerequisite, with 1:1 conversations between players being a special case of a chat room.
Why?
IGMs look and feel very dated, especially the parts based on our “Generation 1” framework. But even the newer bits are confusing, especially due to their partial implementation of the “email metaphor” without proper threading.
To foster better and more convenient interaction within the game, this system should be modernised.
This is not supposed to be full-featured replacement for things like Discord or our forums. But it should facilitate interactions between players that either don’t use these platforms or otherwise wouldn’t have gotten in touch.
When?
TBD, but likely after or as part of Project "Glow-Up" (UI refresh).
This can serve as the basis for other in-game communication, like alliance chats or global chats per game world or beyond.