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

Oh god...

[Anonymous Coward]

*fap* *fap* *fap* OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!! 8=====D~~~~~~

I love watching CmdrTaco suck a dick. It makes me so horny.

They learned why it's a bard idea the hard way...

[Visaris]

"""So Blizzard are now making it so instead of showing your character on those forums, it'll instead show your real name with the option of attaching your char name too it (no option of not showing your real name).

Now I think it's fairly safe to say that this is perhaps the dumbest idea that anyone has ever had ever.

To alleviate people's concerns, Blizzard employee Bashiok decided to say his real name on the forums, his real name is Micah Whipple World of Warcraft - English (NA) Forums - Will Blues also post with their real names? Post #16

So say hi to Micah Whipple

Address:
473 Avenue B
Lakeport, CA 95453-6032

Phone Number:
(707) 263-0190

Age:
28

Family:
Kimberly K Whipple, age: 54
Jason Stephen Whipple, age 34

It looks like he's staying in the same house as his mother =[

Free People Search | WhitePages
PeopleLookup People Search - Public Records, Background Checks More.

Oh btw, here is his facebook too:
Micah Whipple | Facebook

Music
Honeypie, Closed Heart Surgery, The Sound Of Animals Fighting, White Stripes, Tool Band, Radiohead, Disorient Express, The Mars Volta, The Unhandled Exceptions, As Tall As Lions, The Dear Hunter

Movies
*Big Trouble in Little China*, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Disney Pixar

Television
The Daily Show, Samurai Champloo, Tim and Eric Awesome Show: Great Job!, Freaks and Geeks, 30 Rock, Human Giant

I think we can all see what a great idea this is going to be."""


link to very indirect source

Re:They learned why it's a bard idea the hard way.

[Visaris]

"Do you know what makes you rather pathetic? "

Woa, there! I just posted a link to something I thought was interesting. Wow. I guess that makes me pathetic now...

Re:Facebook slippery slope

[stonewallred]

Just how does those blizz blue dicks taste fanboi? Is the cum nice and tasty or does it get bitter once they jizz in your mouth? Fucktarded faggot, ass kissing, mother fucking cum gargling dickless pussy. And yeah, posted under my /. RealID fucker.

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*