Battle.net forum posts to require users' real names
This will not go over well.
Blizzard has posted over on Battle.net that starting this month, users commenting on official forums will do so using their real names.
" ... in the near future, anyone posting or replying to a post on official Blizzard forums will be doing so using their Real ID -- that is, their real-life first and last name -- with the option to also display the name of their primary in-game character alongside it. These changes will go into effect on all StarCraft II forums with the launch of the new community site prior to the July 27 release of the game, with the World of Warcraft site and forums following suit near the launch of Cataclysm. Certain classic forums, including the classic Battle.net forums, will remain unchanged".
Blizzard feels the forums are a great place to discuss WoW and the like, but its also gaining the reputation of "a place where flame wars, trolling, and other unpleasantness" seem to "run wild".
"Removing the veil of anonymity typical to online dialogue will contribute to a more positive forum environment, promote constructive conversations, and connect the Blizzard community in ways they haven’t been connected before," wrote US community manager Nethaera.
"With this change, you’ll see blue posters (i.e. Blizzard employees) posting by their real first and last names on our forums as well".
The post goes on to say the use of Real ID will give the forums and more "social-networking" appeal, while giving Battle.net users a way to "interact with one another" through the "ever-changing social-gaming experience for years to come".
Thanks, RPS.