Is a chat feature needed on HeroesWorld?

Didn't the forum itself start as a replacement for the chat, right?

As far as I remember, not exactly, but it definitely wouldn't have grown so much if it were just a chat.
UPD: They said it was indeed a replacement for the chat. I confused it with attempts to create a general discussion thread alongside a live chat, which was always in a semi-dead state.

In short, the chat is permission to flood the entire forum.

I didn't understand this phrase at all.