GM Chat Window Change - Please Read

Good morning, ladies and liches!

As part of our ongoing effort to provide the best service and security we possibly can, we have introduced a new Game Master chat interface!

Now, when a Game Master contacts you, a special notification will appear in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, just to the left of your standard mini-map and above your beneficial buff bar. The appearance of this notification, known as a “GM Chat Request,” will signal a pending message from a member of our in-game staff. To access this message, simply click on the GM Chat Request icon and a special chat window will open which will allow you to have a secure conversation with the awaiting Game Master.

By default, this window will appear on the left side of your screen, just above the standard location of your primary chat window. This window may be moved around and even closed at will. If closed, the GM chat window may be re-opened at any time by clicking on the “Open GM Chat Log” button, accessed via the In-Game Knowledge Base (the big red “?” icon in your navigation tray). With this, should a Game Master send another message after the GM chat window is closed, the GM Chat Request icon will again appear in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

If you are unable to view the GM Chat Request icon or GM chat window, we highly recommend that you reset your User Interface (UI) and ensure that all active AddOns are up-to-date. For more information regarding the Reset UI process, please see the following article:

http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20377

With this new interface, it will be easier than ever to talk to one of our Game Masters without the distractions of busy scrolling chat text, and with full confidence that you are indeed in a conversation with a representative of Blizzard Entertainment.

Should you possess any questions regarding this new feature, please do not hesitate to ask. :)

Thank you!

Q u o t e:
So, if a player is using an in game chat mod that opens a chat window similar to an MSN-style chat window, does that mean their conversation with the GM will no longer appear there? Only through the new method of the in game GM chat window?

AddOns may indeed interfere with the normal functionality of the new GM chat interface. Likewise, the new interface may not respond to AddOn prompts or commands. This depends solely on the AddOn and its design.

In truth, it's difficult to predict precisely how this change will affect the array of UI-specific AddOns available. So, should anyone place a petition—or otherwise expect communication from our in-game staff—we encourage them to be mindful of how our new interface system may be interacting with active AddOns.

Q u o t e:
So when and if we have a incoming GM chat, we get a message saying "GM Wants to talk to you"?

Whenever a Game Master first initiates contact, the intended recipient will be notified of a pending message by the appearance of a "GM Chat Request" icon in the upper-right hand corner of his or her screen. To begin speaking with the awaiting Game Master, the recipient need only click on the icon. :)

Q u o t e:
I would assume then, that a chat mod, or any addon for that matter, could potentially prevent the in game GM chat window from working correctly. Something to keep our eyes open for if we ever open a ticket to speak with a GM.

This is correct. It is indeed possible that certain AddOns may interfere with the display of the new GM chat window.

As it is unclear as to how all AddOns will interact with the interface system, as a whole, it's best for those who have petitions open to, as you've said, keep an eye open for any signs of GM contact or possible complication. :)

Q u o t e:
zomg, more questions! When the "GM Chat Request" comes up, does that mean a GM is actually there waiting to talk? And what happens if we're really busy...like not dying to the Heigan Dance, and don't notice the icon, will the GM think we're ignoring them and send an email instead?

When the icon appears, it does indeed mean that a Game Master is awaiting your reply. With bated breath, I do imagine. ;)

That said, while a Game Master will remain patient for a period of time, should a GM Chat Request not be responded to after 5 to 10 minutes, it is likely that correspondence will shift to email.

Though it is our goal to speak with all requesting players personally, ensuring that all petitions are addressed in a timely fashion is also a priority. The GM Chat Request icon is rather apparent, though; all that's needed to keep a Game Master's attention is a click of the icon and quick "one sec."

Q u o t e:
Could they take it a step forward and possibly add a Raid Warning type notification. On my UI, the icons by the map are a little smaller than most (due to resolution settings), and one might not notice it as much as a Raid Warning of "Incoming GM Message!"

To the Suggestions Forum with ye! :)

Q u o t e:
Will this "GM wants to talk to you" notice look different then a standard "Open Ticket" notice?

Quite. The GM Chat Request icon is substantially larger and glows a slight blue around the edges.

For reference, the exact text which appears within this icon is as follows:

Q u o t e:
GM Chat Request
A GM would like to chat with you. Click here to begin.

Q u o t e:
So when and if we have a incoming GM chat, we get a message saying "GM Wants to talk to you"?

For reference, this is what the GM Chat Request icon looks like when available:

http://us.blizzard.com/support/image.html?id=422

Q u o t e:
Are addons like WIM no longer able to handle GM chats?

That depends solely on the AddOns design, though it is indeed possible that our new chat interfance may not be completely compatible with available UI modifications.