Internet stalkers rejoice: Blizzard’s forums to require real names

We all know that the internet is a powerful tool for acting childish, trolling, and hating each other behind the protective shield of anonymity. We also all know that the mysterious forces at work behind the scenes at Activision Blizzard (read: Bobby Kotick) are on the warpath against all that is good in the world. That’s why it should come as no surprise that Blizzard has announced the required use of your real name on their official forums. Blizzard claims:

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.

By the way, posting on Blizzard’s forums is only sort of optional. Sure, you don’t have to use them in order to play their games, but they are the primary place for technical support from the company.

The risks presented in this change are obvious: exposing the real-life names of players means the ignorant stupidity and discrimination rampant on the internet can be made even harsher, and possibly be carried into reality. Female and transgendered people can be identified, tracked down, and stalked or harassed more easily, celebrity WoW players can be uncovered, employers can discover your gaming habits, etc. Ashelia over at HellMode has written a wonderful piece on this issue.

So far, reaction to the announcement has been wildly negative. The thread discussing the issue on the official World of Warcraft forum is 45 151 posts long (2258 pages), and is filled with people declaring that they will leave the game.

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