Change forum/in-game display name?

#1 - April 14, 2014, 4:32 p.m.

I’ve been trying to separate my real identity from my online identity for a while now, so I’m going back to old accounts and changing my display names to something that isn’t connected to my real identity. My current account name isn’t my actual name, but it easily connects me to my real identity. Unfortunately, it’s visible both in game and on these forums.

Is there any possibility of allowing at least one account/display name change? I understand why ArenaNet does not want to allow random account name changes, but they could compromise by allowing one or two account name changes per account. Blizzard allows people to change their overall account name at least once.

Thank you for your time!

Gaile Gray

#7 - April 15, 2014, 10:55 a.m.

I do not foresee that we will set up a system for display name changes for the very reasons suggested above: Having a display name that remains constant (save those that present a security issue or breach the Naming Policy) is a way for players to not “dodge their own reputations” after bad behavior. For instance, we don’t allow “naming and shaming” on the forums for people who scam other players, but there are ways that players let others know what happened. If BadScammer.1234 gets to change to NicePlayer.9876, his or her reputation can essentially be wiped clean, and that’s not good for players watching out for particular issues or specific individuals within the game.

Display Name changes may come along — I cannot answer definitively — but I can state that if they ever are offered, they will be restricted and handled with care.

TL;dr: There’s a reason that there is “red tape” and for the vast majority of requests, and that red tape prevents a nefarious individual from doing a “reputation reset” and reduces the calls on Customer Support so that they can focus on genuine issues.