In the chat.gf file, you'll see settings for the chat server your game server is logging into. The default settings are the GameSpy server. Now, if the GS server goes down or won't allow you to connect (as happened a month or so ago for several weeks), you won't have chat in the game. It is possible to use a different chat server, and currently (to the best of my knowledge), SFCX.net is hosting a chat server. To connect to their chat server, you need to edit the chat server entries in your chat.gf file. I don't have the details at hand at the moment, but perhaps if either one of the SFCX/net guys, or FireSoul, can post the details or send them to you, or perhaps get in touch with them. Alternatively, you can also set up your own chat server and use that. Again, SFCX.net or FireSoul have the details for that.