The first and most significant change is that 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.
This is a frightening and, honestly, confusing proposition for many reasons:
Personal Security
My friend Mikey Il first pointed out the article to me, and we had an interesting discussion about personal security. On one side of the debate, there's the fact that we, as gamers and as Internet users, already put a ton of information out there about ourselves. On the other side, we choose to put that information out there. As a gamer, I chose a handle that doesn't have my name anywhere in it, and, in forums and in gameplay, I expect that level of anonymity.
As a Gamer Girl
Yes, I know, this is pretty much the same thing. But, as a girl who chose to use an actual girl character in gameplay, I have experience of what can happen - even before my actual name is out there. Raunchy dancing, awkward chat interactions and shocked audiences whenever you jump on voice chat - it comes with the territory. In forums, the same applies - if you choose to use a picture of yourself or publicize that you're a woman - watch out.
All things said, this atmosphere is expected. When you add in identifying information, especially for those of us with unique names, the awkward interactions can move from iffy in game to downright frightening.
Reputation Management
In the social space, your reputation is essentially whatever shows up on the first page of Google. Forum posts with your real name? Fair game. As one poster in the Blizzard forum points out:
People play this game for relaxation on their off time. But, for example, if you had a unique name and applied for a job and the potential employer googled your name and found posts on a gaming forum they may not hire you because they have ill conceved notions about gamers.
In my research on the interactions in the MMORPGs and their forums, there were trolls aplenty. But, like in every other forum, social network or blog comment thread out there - you take the good with the bad. Impeding on your users' basic expectations of privacy is unconscionable.
What do you think? Would you tie your full name to everything you do online?
