Blizzard backs off from displaying real names online

quote TheSeven

Just proves that people are embarrased to be playing this game all day.

It's hardly about embarrassment.

Just proves that people are embarrased to be playing this game all day.

quote Matt

It's too bad they caved. Despite the highly exaggerated apocalyptic scenarios, it wouldn't have put anyone in danger, as names are not private information in the first place. WoW's main forum, as well as MMO-Champion, to a lesser extent, is full of immature and cowardly posters who think harassment and insulting everyone else is funny; taking away their anonymity would have forced them to show a little more respect, like they would have to in... you know... the real world.

Sounds like an official game forum to me. Maybe in the next five years we'll see "Forum Moderator" turn into a common, paid position with the continued growth of internet communities and the expanding problems within some of them.

quote Supernova1332

quote bruceleethree

quote Noraf45

quote bruceleethree

Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity

Really? If that's what games are about why do you need to spend tons of money on consoles and keeping your computer up to date? Couldn't you just drive down the street with a megaphone?

*ONE PART OF THE FUN* Sorry for missing that disclaimer, I didn't think it was needed unless you just started playing video games online and have never encountered it since the inception of online multiplayer...

Gotta love the socially inept, eh noraf? I wonder how he's doing living at mommy and daddys house at 24.

"But mummy said I was a good boy!!"

quote bruceleethree

quote Noraf45

quote bruceleethree

Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity

Really? If that's what games are about why do you need to spend tons of money on consoles and keeping your computer up to date? Couldn't you just drive down the street with a megaphone?

*ONE PART OF THE FUN* Sorry for missing that disclaimer, I didn't think it was needed unless you just started playing video games online and have never encountered it since the inception of online multiplayer...

Gotta love the socially inept, eh noraf? I wonder how he's doing living at mommy and daddys house at 24.

quote Noraf45

quote bruceleethree

Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity

Really? If that's what games are about why do you need to spend tons of money on consoles and keeping your computer up to date? Couldn't you just drive down the street with a megaphone?

*ONE PART OF THE FUN* Sorry for missing that disclaimer, I didn't think it was needed unless you just started playing video games online and have never encountered it since the inception of online multiplayer...

quote bruceleethree

Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity

Really? If that's what games are about why do you need to spend tons of money on consoles and keeping your computer up to date? Couldn't you just drive down the street with a megaphone?

quote bruceleethree

Blizzard has lost their touch. Who was the man responsible for this inane policy? Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity, who would want *serious Starcraft gamer A* to know your name so after you beat him badly and send him off, he stalks and kills you?

It's our choice to reveal our identity, if you make it mandatory then 1984 was right..

The most likely of scenarios, I assure you.

quote bruceleethree

If people typing bad words in a virtual field offends you then you have more problems to worry about than knowing their true identity.

^

quote Matt

It's too bad they caved. Despite the highly exaggerated apocalyptic scenarios, it wouldn't have put anyone in danger, as names are not private information in the first place. WoW's main forum, as well as MMO-Champion, to a lesser extent, is full of immature and cowardly posters who think harassment and insulting everyone else is funny; taking away their anonymity would have forced them to show a little more respect, like they would have to in... you know... the real world.

What about video games has you equating it with "the real world"?

What does virtual world have anything to do with, real world?

If people typing bad words in a virtual field offends you then you have more problems to worry about than knowing their true identity.

quote Matt

...taking away their anonymity would have forced them to show a little more respect, like they would have to in... you know... the real world.

Not in the least. For example, say my name was John Smith. I flame, harass and otherwise pester everyone on the forums. You know my name, but what does that give you? "Hey, John, stop that" as opposed to "Hey, xxawesomexixkillerxx, stop that". Now that you've called me out using my real name I'll stop.
LOL, JK I still wouldn't give a *bleep*.

Personally I was baffled that this idea got past the lips of whatever lowlife thought of it, let alone set it in motion. While the forums are optional, privacy is extremely important to people, either for good reasons or for paranoia.

It's too bad they caved. Despite the highly exaggerated apocalyptic scenarios, it wouldn't have put anyone in danger, as names are not private information in the first place. WoW's main forum, as well as MMO-Champion, to a lesser extent, is full of immature and cowardly posters who think harassment and insulting everyone else is funny; taking away their anonymity would have forced them to show a little more respect, like they would have to in... you know... the real world.

Member: "Help me moderator! John Smith is cursing and swearing and..."
Blizzard mod: "Which John Smith?"
Member: "*bleep* you!"

Blizzard has lost their touch. Who was the man responsible for this inane policy? Seriously, games are about trash talking in anonymity, who would want *serious Starcraft gamer A* to know your name so after you beat him badly and send him off, he stalks and kills you?

It's our choice to reveal our identity, if you make it mandatory then 1984 was right..