Character names being not globally unique

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mercetron wrote:
I would love to see character names not being globally unique.
+1

This is one of the things I feel that D3 got right.

Besides how else can I ever be in a party where we are all named "Bruce" to avoid confusion?

On the other hand, perhaps Diamond supporters should have their account name reserved as a unique name.
Running heists fully zoomed in... because
Any official comment on this?
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WippitGuud wrote:


Possible solution:

A character (not account) not accessed in 120 days has their name removed. On the character list, you would show up as unnamed_character. Upon selecting that character to play, you are forced to choose a new name.


No no never!
I do not want a system like that ever. Being forced to log into the game periodically even if I want a long timeout is just bad.

I like the system as it is. Being the first to find a nice name makes you feel proud. The others have to be a bit more creative. That's competition.
Last edited by Tanit#7208 on Jul 24, 2012, 10:21:15 AM
I hope the name system will be changed to allow same character names, Diablo III style.

We already have our unique account names, why should we also be required to have unique character names? Just use account names in chat and friends lists and let us name our characters cosmetically, since this has no bearing on the underlying account mechanics. It also means we can identify a popular player, regardless of what character they're playing.

By not allowing numbers in names, this will become a huge problem later on, especially since the game is free to play. Not only will it create a huge number of names that won't be used again, it's discouraging to new and current players when they find they can't get the name they want.
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mercetron wrote:
Any official comment on this?


It's very likely that character names will remain globally unique. We're still discussing this however, no decision has yet been made.

Chris made a comment here relating to this: http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/38754/page/2
Due to the transient nature of zones and inter-mingling via gateways and gaining reputation, I believe that names should be globally unique.

That said, I think that stale names should be able to be requested and then taken, based on some mechanics already expressed elsewhere.

Name squatters should have a difficult time maintaining them if they don't play regularly.
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Samantha wrote:
"
mercetron wrote:
Any official comment on this?


It's very likely that character names will remain globally unique. We're still discussing this however, no decision has yet been made.

Chris made a comment here relating to this: http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/38754/page/2

How about doing something along the lines of what Cryptic does in their games (e.g. Star Trek Online):
* assumption: account names are globally unique
* assumption: no special characters in account names
* avatar names are a combination of character name + account name (e.g. "<character>@<account>" or "<character>!<account>" or "<character>+<account>" or "<character>$<account>")

This would allow multiple players to have characters with the same "name", because their account names differ:
Blubb@Baelturath
Blubb@Samantha
Blubb@zeto
Blubb@Tanit
etc. etc. etc.

By default the full handle would be shown but the display of the account name could be disabled in the settings.
Semi-Lengthy.

Spoiler
The names I have used in the past, both inside of gaming and out (while still in regards to the net), have always been somewhat unique in comparison to your typical fantasy game.

SqueakyToyOfTerror (used for about 7 years)
TacoBiter (used for well over 7 years)
ADuckOnQuack (used for almost 4 years)
TheHardPlace (the least unique, but oh well)

I have always enjoyed that when my names are seen, anyone who recognizes it will know who it is, those who do not are irrelevant to the point.

Furthermore, several of my names have sparked conversation on relatively slow nights. As do many others.

Many people do actually hold an interest in knowing the point, origin, and meaning behind names used, especially for those who have consistently used the same name(s) for numerous years, across differing games, and multiple consoles.

The point behind the name, is usually just as unique as the name itself. Now this serves on both side of the fence. The unique purpose behind a name should be all the more reason for one person to have it, as it has a meaning to them.

However, that is not to say that the same name will not have significant meaning to others as well, and no one person should hold the rights to it.

That said, I am honestly stuck on the fence with this one, not able to sway my mind to one side of the pasture or the other.

The first step, I do believe is allowing SPACES and NUMBERS in names. For one, it is more visually appealing to see Squeaky Toy Of Terror, rather than SqueakyToyOfTerror or STOT, for example.

Before the argument is made that there is nothing aesthetically appealing about a name that long --- let's stay on point, uniqueness while maintaining availability.

While I would support some form of surname, prefix, or other unique identifier, I do not believe it should be one's account name. Some people prefer a sense of anonymity between the forum and in game.

Any aspect between showing a link between the forum and in game should be kept away, unless the player themselves choose to make it obvious.

Using account names has other issues as well. Such as person's using an account name the same as somebody else's character. For example, I have a character named TheHardPlace, there is also a forum account with this name. It is not mine. I know of this account because I paid for the key to try and get a relative interested before OB hits.

This current situation is a flaw of my own since I created said account, however the possibility of this being done accidentally or purposely is quite high as well with some names.

As stated, I can not make up my mind on the issue as I can see both sides of the argument. However, if I were to have to choose, I'd leave the system as it is, other than adding the ability to use spaces and numbers.


...narf
came here to open this topic, did a search instead.

+1

Unique name requirements are the bane of modern gaming.
Just put an effort in it. This is a fantasy game, the sky's the limit for suitable names.

Don't name your characters RangerGirl or TemplarPants and you'll be fine.
Last edited by Blaeqard#6083 on Aug 1, 2012, 8:24:04 PM

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