Blizzard Backs Down On Real Names For Forums

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 Real ID 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.

Comments

Here's why they did it..

[Khyber]

I found a couple of shareholder credit card and security code numbers, and fired off an e-mail with them enclosed, with the clear phrase "Implement RealID, this is what is up at stake, bare minimum."

I'm brutal, but that's the *ONLY* way you're going to get them to listen. Threaten their money directly, and they'll back the fuck off.

*waves to Electronic Arts*