Is there an autoplay for the audio ?

In my own experience, when I offer clients the option to develop in Storyline or Rise, and have to point out that in Rise the audio will not autoplay on each slide, then unless the customer decides to skip audio altogether, they inevitably opt to go with Storyline because they feel (and I agree 100%) that forcing the learner to click to play audio on each and every slide significantly deteriorates the learner's experience. It flies in the face of decades of end-user eLearning experience.  Stopping the course at every single slide for an extra click instead of offering a pleasing flow irritates the learner--or, as others point out, the learner simply skips the audio (and forcing them to go back to play it by means of an end-of-section control block only increases the resentment factor). While of course no crucial learning content should be in VO only, if one adds VO to a course it's there for a reason and needs to be heard smoothly and seamlessly.

Back when Rise was first released I asked about this issue and Articulate said the various browsers were forcing this limitation.  If that's not still the case, and if the autoplay option can in fact be offered, from a learner experience standpoint this should be a no-brainer.  I realize it may not be easy on the development side.  But isn't the learner's experience what it's all about? If the source of this issue remains the browser companies--then go back to the table with them and push back about offering at least the option.

Articulate has added so many wonderful elements to Rise, including Storyline interactions and now branching scenarios. All wonderful innovations. But at the end of the day, if Rise can't autoplay the audio on each slide, that simple failing is a complete deal-breaker for most of my clients, and I don't get to use Rise and all those great features.  In fact, it happened again with a new client this afternoon. He loved the idea of the online development tool and was all set to have me use Rise until I explained the audio limitation.  He immediately said: "You're joking. That's ridiculous. That won't work for my audience."

There you have it. Browsers, meet eLearning.  Please, if this feature can be added, think of the learner's experience, and make it a priority. I almost never get to use Rise because of this one issue. "For want of the nail, the shoe was lost...."