Naming Violation or misunderstanding

#1 - Feb. 26, 2013, 6:32 p.m.

I’m gonna start this off by saying, I did make the mistake of violating the name thing once with the name Senor Nipple. I did not name it this for any reason in particular. I wanted a name somewhat similar to my normal name, Nipper. Sometimes my friends call me Nipple for whatever reason. Clearly I didn’t think much about it. My mistake, I’m sorry.

So I get the warning and am made to change the name. Okay no big deal. I go with Mr Nipperz. Why? My main is Nipperz and I’m not very creative when it comes to character names. Now I’m suspended for 72 hours.

After a very drawn out discussion over email with customer support, it turns out that Nipper is a sexual reference. This makes no sense to me. How is it I’ve played since launch with this name and only now after a small infraction is it bad? I use Nipper in just about every game I’ve played since WoW. Nipper is also my nickname IRL.. Just for reference Nipper in the English dictionary means kid or something similar to pliers. That has no bearing on why I use the name Nipper but neither does any sexual reference.

What say you GW2 forums. Is Nipper close enough to a sexual reference to warrant a 72 hour ban?

Gaile Gray

#34 - Feb. 27, 2013, 2:18 p.m.

The only connotation I can find for “nipper” is “a young person.” I’ve heard the expression, like “When I was a young nipper…” and it was not offensive or intended to be offensive at all. I have heard of a related word — abbreviated form, but different, in my opinion — that is very offensive for people of Japanese descent, but I don’t see that this is connected.

You have had a series of name blocks, Nipper, but I’ll investigate this and we’ll figure it out. No more use of… that other words, now, y’hear? Thanks.

Gaile Gray

#37 - Feb. 27, 2013, 2:58 p.m.

Ok — after an extensive discussion, here’s what we’re doing: We have uncensored the names and removed the suspension. However… here’s what you need to know: If the name is reported again, it may be censored again if the agent who reviews it feels it is across the line. I personally don’t feel that Nipper is offensive at all, but there may be folks who disagree with that opinion.

I am not sure how bound you are to the names and you now have a couple of choices:

Play the characters and take the chance
do a “voluntary rename”

We do not do renames “upon request” but we will in some special situations, like this one.

If you wish to continue to play on the characters, you’re good to go. If you wish to rename, please submit a ticket and ask that it be escalated to me personally, so I can get involved in the rename process. (You’re welcome to include a link to this thread in your ticket, as well.)

Thanks.