News: Blizzard Backs Down On Real Names For Forums

[News Bot]

Ashe Tyrael writes "Earlier this week, Blizzard announced that they were going to be implementing changes in their official forums (for StarCraft II when it launched, and for WoW prior to Cataclysm) that would require users to post under their real names, as part of the RealID system. After perusing nearly 14,000 European and 50,000 US forum posts, the majority of which decried this move with various levels of vehemence, it looks like Blizzard has given in to the pressure. From the official statement: 'We've been constantly monitoring the feedback you've given us, as well as internally discussing your concerns about the use of real names on our forums. As a result of those discussions, we've decided at this time that real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums.' Not that this doesn't leave room for them to re-implement this at a later date, but that's a pretty definite 'no.' It was clear they were going to take criticism, but the size of the backlash was impressive. It seems likely Blizzard simply wasn't expecting that level of antipathy toward their new policy.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

[News Bot]

Blizzard nixes decision to require real names on forums just three days after it is made.



Earlier this week Blizzard Entertainment drew great debate from its engaged community over a new tweak to the Real ID service. The measure would require users to register with their real names, where they would be attached to forum postings beginning this month with Starcraft II.

Now you'll never know his name.




However, Blizzard has repealed that policy just three days after it was announced. In a post on the World of Warcraft forums, Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime explained the situation.

"I'd like to take some time to speak with all of you regarding our desire to make the Blizzard forums a better place for players to discuss our games," Morhaime said on the forums. "We've been constantly monitoring the feedback you've given us, as well as internally discussing your concerns about the use of real names on our forums. As a result of those discussions, we've decided at this time that real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums."

The completely voluntary Real ID system, a service that allows friends to easily follow each other's activities is already live for World of Warcraft users and will launch with Starcraft II at the end of the month. Additionally, Blizzard plans to move forward with beefing up forums by implementing comment threading, improved search functionality, and the ability to up- or down-vote posts. The new forums will arrive near the release of Starcraft II this month and World of Warcraft's Cataclysm later this year.[ Watch Video ]

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"Blizzard rescinds naming policy" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:55:05 -0700


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