Global channels? Where is everyone?

I've just started playing (EU, Defiant) and I feel pretty lonely. I've seen like 2 other players pass me by, and by default there doesn't seem to be any kind of global chat channels since I have not heard anyone say anything. Seeing near-zero player activity in the first hours of playing makes me feel like I wasted money on a game no one's playing anymore. Any pointers to some chat channels that have some actual chatter going on? Even the Help channel looked dead.

Well, first off, welcome to the game and to the forums!

Secondly, you've picked up the EU version of the game. That's fine, but the EU servers are markedly less populated than the North American servers. Defiant, in particular, if I recall correctly, is very low population. I don't know of any simple workaround for that one, though.

However, there are global channels. However, you aren't in them by default. Check out the server-specific forums down towards the bottom of the forum lists. If you go into the Defiant one, you might be able to find some global channels to join.

By default, you should be seeing the "Broadcast" channel. That one is where you can post something, and everyone in your zone only will see it. And you can see whatever else somebody else posts in Broadcast, as long as you are in the same zone.

Hope that helps a bit.

If it's too empty for you, consider purchasing the North American edition.

I might get flamed for this, but considering you've only recently started playing i'd go for unsubbing the EU account and purchasing the NA version of the game, your bound to be more satisfied with the population on some of the servers here, I used to play exclusivley on Defiant for a good number of years till this time last year I purchased a NA account and have not regretted my decision since. =]]

Sal's is a badgechat channel cross server for defiant and union, lots of chatter in there and organisation of various badge related fun. It is a public channel so anyone can join up and say hi.

Of the two primarily english speaking euro severs you have started on the quietest, you will however have access to Union also, so make another toon on there and give it a try.

If you are using a trial account I am unsure of the restricitions in place, that may have something to do with how quiet you are finding it.

Welcome to the game and the forum, Loraen

I'd suggest you join the Defiant Events channel - it's the main chat channel for the server - there's activity there at almost every time, even very late at night

I think IO'll be around in a few hours, so you can also contact me at my global chat handle @Golden Girl if you want an intorduction tour

Global Chat Channels were not original to the game; it is not really obvious as to how you get on them. here is a brief description of them. To join, I think the command is, for instance, "/chanjoin Defiant Events". You can also do it from the search GUI, I believe. (It's been a really long time since I joined a global channel.)

So that's how to FIND "Defiant Events" and "Sal's". I only play on NA servers, myself.

Welcome to the game!