Blizzard's RealID: Time for EA/Mythic/Bioware to strike ;)

[LeBaiton]

Blizzard's planning on implementing a system called RealID on their official fora. If one wants to post, they get a warning that they are about to post with their real names attached to that forum post, if they agree, their name is there for all to see, be it a troll post, a flame or a technical question regarding World of Warcraft...

Time to hit the internet with advertisements for UO, UO Marketing people...

People are claiming there have been about 38k posts on the WoW fora about the upcomming changes, and a lot of people are quitting the game over it. If you guys could pick up just a fraction of the people leaving, you'd be good for a few more years

"Value your privacy? Come play the world's oldest and most amazing MMO, Ultima Online!"

You know I'm right!

 

[BlissMarie]

Woah, what is wrong with them? The world is too dangerous for something like that.

BlissMarie

 

[Nok]

No, that wasn't an earthquake in California yesterday... it was the public reaction to Blizzard's Real ID initiative!

 

[Babble]

Got a link to that or is it April again?

 

[BlissMarie]

No, that wasn't an earthquake in California yesterday... it was the public reaction to Blizzard's Real ID initiative!

hehe
It's crazy... it sounds like a death wish.
I guess it will cut way back on forum posts, at the very least.

BlissMarie

 

[LeBaiton]

Got a link to that or is it April again?

Just check the nerdrage on the General Discussion forum on the european WoW website, it's insane really, and that's only the european one, the american forum is just as insane...

 

[Babble]

Eeeek
Just saw something worse. Big competition for UO

"Seeing it in action, the property system plays out like the most detailed housing system I’ve ever come across. Not only is it a space that belongs to you that you can invite your friends to, it’s a space that you can literally build for yourself. It is here that the real fun and imagination of LEGO is truly represented in a way that we haven’t necessarily seen in any of the franchise’s previous video game efforts."

GO LEGO UNIVERSE!

 

[jbfortune]

What's to stop them using a fake name?

 

[Tazar]

Got a link to that or is it April again?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38134494/ns/technology_and_science-games/

Will that do?

 

[Babble]

"In addition, our Terms of Use agreement requires that players provide us with accurate information, as certain aspects of the customer service we provide (for example, addressing forgotten-password issues) rely on identity verification -- if a player uses a fake name, it would ultimately impact our ability to provide him or her with timely service."

 

[Coppelia]

It's been a long time since ******* have been at the head of Blizzard. It's just the next step of the most disrespectful staff of the gaming industry. If you think it's bad to be their customer, think it's even worse working for them.

At least for EA we know that all they want is our money. They'll stick to selling games with outrageous DLC at the release and put a cash shop in our P2P game while making us pay the subs + the expansions. But when Mark Whatshisface cried too much about crowd control on forum boards, he was ejected. They don't blame forum trolls for Warhammer's fail.

 

[Babble]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38134494/ns/technology_and_science-games/

Will that do?

Yes, sounds cool.
I wonder how many people will kill each other over flame wars.

 

[Trebr Drab]

Blizzard is in a deal with Facebook, who also has recently hit the wall on privacy issues.

It seems that they want to create an internet gaming money system, where they can control RMT money and allow money trade between games. Probably items too. It wouldn't stop there, as any links to gaming would be expanded into PayPal territory.

With the Facebook games coming on strong, this can be a very lucrative thing. Control of it, looking to have every game tied into it, but there's got to be something more. What I haven't figured out yet is why a public identity is what they're shooting for. I can understand why they'd want a single identity, as much as I'm against the whole principle, but why public? Why such a complete lack of privacy, where through Facebook everyone knows what sites you go to and what your internet activity is at all times?

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

"Value your privacy? Come play the world's oldest and most amazing MMO, Ultima Online!"

*chuckles*

Amusing. And true. Though if I said my full first reaction to this, I'd be banned for sure.

I don't know that any trolling problem is worth revealing people's real-life names. I mean, really. Only a complete idiot would think something like that.

Ban IPs. Link board accounts to game accounts. Phase out that economist you hired and hire 3 more moderators.

*shrugs*

Almost anything except what they are doing.

-Galen's player

 

[LeBaiton]

I have no idea why they're shooting for a complete lack of privacy, but I do know that it'll be a whole lot easier for people to look you up on the internet if they know your real name...

Add the fact that every little thing you do on the internet is basically logged by google, even future employers could look you up and see what you're doing in your spare time...

Makes for a very scary combination, and the Blizzard people do nothing but downplay the fears of their subscribers. I guess they think they're all mindless sheep... *shrug*

 

[Saunders]

Bravo, Gianna!

 

[Petra Fyde]

Stratics has boards for WoW players too, if they can't bear to quit http://vboards.stratics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15

 

[Wenchkin]

I could understand that the forum account should have a real ID name attached to it, making you accountable for what you post etc. But there's no justification in displaying that name for the general public. Ewww!

I don't personally have issue with employers knowing what I do, I take the view that it's better to just behave online and post responsibly, than rely too heavily on user accounts and hope nobody can connect them. But more because I have experience of being followed round the internet by someone and realise that's not always secure. I think we should all have the option of hiding our RL name on a game forum when it's out in public. I certainly wouldn't want young kids playing a game if their RL names were on the forums. Big big nono there...

Wenchy

 

[Beer_Cayse]

Here is a link to an ArsTechnica article about it - Jul 6th.

 

[Beer_Cayse]

Key phrase in the comic - panel #4: "The MMO community will never grow up until it's made accountable for its behavior"

I look at it like this ... if Blizzard subs drop it's for one of possibly 2 reasons:
1. person has something to hide ... does not want the anonymity uncovered so they can be horses arses.
2. person is truly against the "open information" this presents, but I really hope they do not divulge social security numbers or anything on applications for credit, jobs, job benefits or the like.

In case it's not clear, I like this move. Would I like it if EA did it? no problem. But then again, that comes from working in an environment where my credit, police/driving record and more are under scrutiny daily and reviewed every 3 years in detail. <shrug>

ADDED: I should mention that even my fingerprints are double-checked.

 

[Shelleybean]

I used to play WOW and I'd be pretty upset right now if I still played. It's something that would probably make me quit on principle.

 

[G.v.P]

In the spirit of Twitter, @RT lol

No, that wasn't an earthquake in California yesterday... it was the public reaction to Blizzard's Real ID initiative!

 

[Lady Storm]

Welp that explains the lack of players in WOW yesterday...... thought it was too quiet.
I play a very busy shard and loged in and poof nada in sight.... thougth it was odd mid day to not see tons of people in game when school is out and all.

On the name bit........... Just one more way to get your personal id stolen. Great just what we need ----NOT!!

 

[Eyes of Origin]

hmm i dunno... might have been a fluke Storm.. last night my server was hoppin ....

I dunno about the realID stuff... for friends its ok because you have the option of doing it or not... but on the forums? hopefully they give you a way to hide your info =/

 

[Archie]

Key phrase in the comic - panel #4: "The MMO community will never grow up until it's made accountable for its behavior"

I look at it like this ... if Blizzard subs drop it's for one of possibly 2 reasons:
1. person has something to hide ... does not want the anonymity uncovered so they can be horses arses.
2. person is truly against the "open information" this presents, but I really hope they do not divulge social security numbers or anything on applications for credit, jobs, job benefits or the like.

In case it's not clear, I like this move. Would I like it if EA did it? no problem. But then again, that comes from working in an environment where my credit, police/driving record and more are under scrutiny daily and reviewed every 3 years in detail. <shrug>

ADDED: I should mention that even my fingerprints are double-checked.

The ole, "If you aren't doing anything wrong then you have nothing to worry about!"

 

[StifledArgument]

Once again Blizzard thinking of themselves instead of their players. So not shocked.

 

[StifledArgument]

The ole, "If you aren't doing anything wrong then you have nothing to worry about!"

And that has to be the stupidest thing I have heard. Have you played WoW? Do you know the emo level of some of these people?

"I don't agree with you" Hmmm, stalk and kill. I have a question about my uber machine *I want said machine, who is this again?"

This is a stupid idea by Blizzard, but then again, what else is new?

 

[JC the Builder]

Anyone see the video of that women who left a guild and showed what she was going to do with people disrespecting her? Hit them with a tire iron. Imagine if she had the names of the people she was mad at, she could actually make good on her threat.

 

[Taylor]

Anyone see the video of that women who left a guild and showed what she was going to do with people disrespecting her? Hit them with a tire iron. Imagine if she had the names of the people she was mad at, she could actually make good on her threat.

True, in theory. Although, the particular girl in question could be outrun by an inanimate object.

In all seriousness, if I Blizzard decided to release my name, I'd close my account immediately. I don't even let Facebook have my personal info. Cyber crime is, you know, kind of a big deal - a huge concern atm. Given enough info, these folks can: sell your info to information brokers, hack your account, possibly get to your computer and turn it into a bot, or even steal your identity.

 

[LeBaiton]

Well, been reading the american and european WoW fora for a bit, and all I can say is: Blizzard sure did a SWG Sony there, for anyone that remembers

Never thought I'd see the day. Perhaps they have a WoW 2 up their sleeves though, they're sneaky ones, 's what they are!...

Still firmly believe EA/Mythic/Bioware should get off their behinds and reap the profits!

Where's the UO marketing campaign? People are leaving WoW!

 

[Taylor]

So, Blizzard's stated reason for implementing this change is that they hope to reduce forum trolling.

Trolling can be cruel. It hurts people's feelings and offends their sensibilities. I agree 100% that trolling is an undesirable phenomenon.

However, does the end (conquering trolls) really justify the potential consequences (irl threat/harm, information brokerage, identity theft, etc.)? Even if the probability of these consequences becoming manifest is very low, is it really worth the risk?

 

[BlissMarie]

In case it's not clear, I like this move. Would I like it if EA did it? no problem.

Do you come from a small town? That is a sincere question, not a smart-a$$ one. I think most of us who were raised in the big city have a slightly different perspective on security.

I have a squeaky clean record and pass background checks with no problem. Nevertheless, I don't want -everyone- online knowing my real name or other personally identifying information.

I also think females have a different view on security. We have something guys don't have and most of us want to keep it plenty safe.

BlissMarie

Added the following:
I had to watch a documentary, last year, for my sociology class. The documentary was Big Brother, Big Business. It is a real eye opener.

Everything we do that can be documented, is being documented and the information is being stored by numerous data storage companies. Records of our activities are sold to anyone who is willing to pay the required dollar amount.

If you have any interest in your personal privacy, the documentary would probably be a good thing for you to watch. You can watch it for free on hulu.com. Here is a link http://www.hulu.com/watch/46559/cnbc-originals-big-brother-big-business

 

[Archie]

And that has to be the stupidest thing I have heard. Have you played WoW? Do you know the emo level of some of these people?

"I don't agree with you" Hmmm, stalk and kill. I have a question about my uber machine *I want said machine, who is this again?"

This is a stupid idea by Blizzard, but then again, what else is new?

I was disagreeing with Beer_Cayse. :/

 

[Beer_Cayse]

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Not as big as NYC, but it has a decent population. I lived for years in places like Miami, FL and other more metro areas. I have no doubt that whatever can be recorded about us is up for grabs for the almighty $$ or Euro or whatever.

BUT ... knowing that, why balk at one more way to get to the same damn info that government agencies and who knows what already have?

 

[Wenchkin]

The way I see it, a game is leisure, entertainment. You go there usually to get away from RL, rather than bring it in there with you. I don't see any good justification for adding a RL name to any game character, that's between the player and the game publisher. Rather than the person who wants to carry grief into RL or just likes to make nasty phone calls.

One of the first things responsible parents teach their kids is "don't give out personal info to strangers online". I've seen enough little kids convince their unsavvy parents to buy them an 18 rated game to know this could backfire on Blizzard when someone's kid is put at risk unnecessarily. Not smart IMO.

Wenchy

 

[Lady Storm]

IDK about WOW loosing players. Their forums yes but the game?? IDK The next big expac is due soon.
As for this id givin out, watched a program on pbs that looked at how people could get lost in the u.s. and the athoritys said it would be virtualy impossible with nearly every step from birth to grave tracking by private and government agencys. Your ID is on the web whether you want it or not.

 

[maroite]

IDK about WOW loosing players. Their forums yes but the game?? IDK The next big expac is due soon.
As for this id givin out, watched a program on pbs that looked at how people could get lost in the u.s. and the athoritys said it would be virtualy impossible with nearly every step from birth to grave tracking by private and government agencys. Your ID is on the web whether you want it or not.

Pretty much this. If people wanted to find out who you really were, they could. And for many people its not that hard.

I actually like the RealID idea. Then again, I don't go to the cest pool that is the WoW forums, and for good reason. Maybe now since they're trying to enforce this, more good players will go to the forums without fear of being trolled by pro forum warriors.

As for the RealID in game, its nice and you can control who adds you because they have to first know your email (admittedly its not that hard to find someones email) and second you have to ACCEPT their request.

Thus the only people in game who can see my real name are people who already know it to begin with. The best part about it is that it shows me where my friends are, what char they're on, and what game they're playing.

As far as the OP goes, I personally wouldn't want like 90% of the people posting on the WoW forums to come to UO.

 

[maroite]

Do you come from a small town? That is a sincere question, not a smart-a$$ one. I think most of us who were raised in the big city have a slightly different perspective on security.

I have a squeaky clean record and pass background checks with no problem. Nevertheless, I don't want -everyone- online knowing my real name or other personally identifying information.

I also think females have a different view on security. We have something guys don't have and most of us want to keep it plenty safe.

BlissMarie

Added the following:
I had to watch a documentary, last year, for my sociology class. The documentary was Big Brother, Big Business. It is a real eye opener.

Everything we do that can be documented, is being documented and the information is being stored by numerous data storage companies. Records of our activities are sold to anyone who is willing to pay the required dollar amount.

If you have any interest in your personal privacy, the documentary would probably be a good thing for you to watch. You can watch it for free on hulu.com. Here is a link http://www.hulu.com/watch/46559/cnbc-originals-big-brother-big-business

If you are honestly worried about that... then you should protect yourself better.

It took me all of 30 seconds to find your email. Just saying... putting your real name on a forum isn't going to make it any easier to find out about you.

 

[Arcus]

If you are honestly worried about that... then you should protect yourself better.

It took me all of 30 seconds to find your email. Just saying... putting your real name on a forum isn't going to make it any easier to find out about you.

Finding someones email is ALOT different than finding someones address , phone number , wifes name, kids names....etc

 

[Taylor]

But with someone's first and last name, location, and email address, I could figure out a lot.

 

[maroite]

Finding someones email is ALOT different than finding someones address , phone number , wifes name, kids names....etc

Uhh... not really. For anyone with a degree in Network security, you know that having an email address/domain name is usually one social engineering step away from having all the information you could have.

Not to mention most people emails are linked to their real names in some way or form. A little digging can reveal a lot, and google is MUCH more powerful than most people realize.

Also, the only thing displayed is the persons name, you can choose to hide the other personal information such as location, and you don't even put your phone number into profiles for forums. At least, anyone with half a brain doesn't.

 

[BlissMarie]

BUT ... knowing that, why balk at one more way to get to the same damn info that government agencies and who knows what already have?

I was making more than one point in my post. The fact that anyone can pay to find out I like energy drinks, chocolate and vegetables doesn't really bug me. It does cause me to think before I act, sometimes, especially when using a card for purchases. I now know that every purchase I make, which is not a cash purchase, goes into someone's database with my name attached to it.

Finding someones email is ALOT different than finding someones address , phone number , wifes name, kids names....etc

But with someone's first and last name, location, and email address, I could figure out a lot.

Thanks for your posts. You understood what I was trying to say.

If you are honestly worried about that... then you should protect yourself better.

It took me all of 30 seconds to find your email. Just saying... putting your real name on a forum isn't going to make it any easier to find out about you.

If you read Arcus' and Syrus of Gahd's post you should have a better idea of what I was trying to get across.

I protect myself fairly well, I think. Besides being cautious, I have a concealed handgun license. I carry a gun and I know how to use it.

My concern isn't so much for myself as it is for the security of the population in general. Posting certain information in a public forum is not wise. To be required to do so, in order to express your thoughts online is ridiculous and potentially dangerous. If they want to make people accountable, there have to be some better ways. Making them post their name will make almost all of them more vulnerable.

I am not sure you found my email address. When I searched google mine didn't come up. None of the Bliss ppl I saw on google were me. Also, I have recently found out I am not the only BlissMarie in the world. I have been using the name for many years and it was completely original, as far as I knew. I have many email addresses, too. Most of which I never log into. They are created to catch mail that might come from sites such as message boards.

Sometimes we need to look out for people who don't have enough knowledge, experience or wisdom to look out for themselves. I am not here to argue. I simply think Blizzard's idea is not a good one. I hope other companies don't choose the same or similar route.

Most people don't have a degree in network security. Is that what your degree is in?

BlissMarie (no, not that Bliss =)

 

[Pawain]

I dont use any social networking site but my daughter does. People put way too much info on them. Now some of these same people are worried about their names being associated with a forum post. What a joke.

Maybe people will actually learn social skills when they are not behind a wall of anonimity.

 

[maroite]

I was making more than one point in my post. The fact that anyone can pay to find out I like energy drinks, chocolate and vegetables doesn't really bug me. It does cause me to think before I act, sometimes, especially when using a card for purchases. I now know that every purchase I make, which is not a cash purchase, goes into someone's database with my name attached to it.




Thanks for your posts. You understood what I was trying to say.



If you read Arcus' and Syrus of Gahd's post you should have a better idea of what I was trying to get across.

I protect myself fairly well, I think. Besides being cautious, I have a concealed handgun license. I carry a gun and I know how to use it.

My concern isn't so much for myself as it is for the security of the population in general. Posting certain information in a public forum is not wise. To be required to do so, in order to express your thoughts online is ridiculous and potentially dangerous. If they want to make people accountable, there have to be some better ways. Making them post their name will make almost all of them more vulnerable.

I am not sure you found my email address. When I searched google mine didn't come up. None of the Bliss ppl I saw on google were me. Also, I have recently found out I am not the only BlissMarie in the world. I have been using the name for many years and it was completely original, as far as I knew. I have many email addresses, too. Most of which I never log into. They are created to catch mail that might come from sites such as message boards.

Sometimes we need to look out for people who don't have enough knowledge, experience or wisdom to look out for themselves. I am not here to argue. I simply think Blizzard's idea is not a good one. I hope other companies don't choose the same or similar route.

Most people don't have a degree in network security. Is that what your degree is in?

BlissMarie (no, not that Bliss =)

The email I found is directly linked to this Stratics Account. It could be one of many, but I was merely pointing out how easy it is to find information if you really want to. Along with the email, I also found a domain which I could believe belongs to you? Could be wrong, but it only took me 30 seconds to find that stuff, all linked to your current Stratics account.

Also, I haven't followed the forum uproar with Blizzard, because I stopped going to those forums almost 4 years ago because they're a cess pool for flaming, trolling, and generally nasty people.

I for one might actually think about going back to the forums if the RealID is put through. I think its an interesting way to keep people accountable. As far as I know, you can keep all of you information private, so that most people can't see your email, location, or other information. As I stated, I haven't looked into it, but it seems like if you can keep all of your information private, but still post as your "real name" it would be rather difficult for most people to find out who you are.

That being said, posting under your real name would make people think about what they're posting before posting it. It would make people self aware of morals imho. And from my experience, the WoW forums need a cleaning. Its just nasty. Multiply trolling on these forums by almost 2000% and you might have how nasty it gets on the WoW forums.

I honestly think its being blown out of proportions.

PS- Yes, my degree is in networking/security

 

[Beer_Cayse]

... I think its an interesting way to keep people accountable. ...

Absolutely this ...

BlissMarie - this is my main point ... accountabililty (and responsibility) needs to happen. If it is on the forums and linked to their gaming account, fine. If they value the gaming account they'll straighten up and become more civilized will they not? Otherwise ... oh, well!

 

[Archie]

When someone gets hurt in real life because of this bad idea, is that considered breaking a few eggs to make an omelet?

 

[BlissMarie]

...
I for one might actually think about going back to the forums if the RealID is put through. I think its an interesting way to keep people accountable. As far as I know, you can keep all of you information private, so that most people can't see your email, location, or other information. As I stated, I haven't looked into it, but it seems like if you can keep all of your information private, but still post as your "real name" it would be rather difficult for most people to find out who you are.

That being said, posting under your real name would make people think about what they're posting before posting it. It would make people self aware of morals imho. And from my experience, the WoW forums need a cleaning. Its just nasty. Multiply trolling on these forums by almost 2000% and you might have how nasty it gets on the WoW forums.

I honestly think its being blown out of proportions.

PS- Yes, my degree is in networking/security

It might be getting blown out of proportion.

There are ways to make people accountable that don't require public exposure of any personal information. They could make people provide documentation of their identity with official credentials, before being allowed to post.

I have not completed my degree. My major is digital forensics and I do realize that it is not that difficult to find out most anything computer related.

You live in Japan. That is important information considering the subject we have been talking about in this thread. Most likely you wouldn't need to be concerned about some American thug showing up at your front door or anywhere else you might be in Japan, for that matter. It is only natural that your concerns would not be the same as an American poster on a forum based in the USA. Perhaps your crime rate isn't as bad as ours is, either.

I can see your point, and although I think it is unwise, I can understand what you are saying.

BlissMarie

 

[BlissMarie]

Absolutely this ...

BlissMarie - this is my main point ... accountabililty (and responsibility) needs to happen. If it is on the forums and linked to their gaming account, fine. If they value the gaming account they'll straighten up and become more civilized will they not? Otherwise ... oh, well!

You! You just need a spankin' and a nap.

BlissMarie

 

[Lady Storm]

Ok got a call from a person I know is on the wow boards alot. He asked me did i know what Bliz was planning, he said that one gentilman put his real full name out there as they said it was no prob and in under 1 minute his house phone rang off the wall, his cell was inondated with messages and calls, his twitter and facebook accounts had to be shut down. Seems in under 1 minute the total info on him was all over the board. Completely.
Name, Age, Sex, Marital status, Addy, Phone, Cell # Soc sec # he was plastered all over the board. I was told to the point the man was going nuts to stop the people.

Sooooooo
Cal !! get the team off their doughnut eating tush and get some advertising out there. WoW is about to go under!!

 

[Petra Fyde]

The email I found is directly linked to this Stratics Account. It could be one of many, but I was merely pointing out how easy it is to find information if you really want to. Along with the email, I also found a domain which I could believe belongs to you? Could be wrong, but it only took me 30 seconds to find that stuff, all linked to your current Stratics account.

Admin question:
How please? Because we too aim to keep that information private. It is not freely available in public profiles.

On a personal level:
With identity theft and phishing rife on the net, I chose many years ago never to supply true information publicly on the internet. Wherever I register, if it is related to UO, I am 'Petra Fyde'. Only EA has my real information.
Does that mean I behave badly on the internet? No. I still have my usual moral values, integrity etc. I listened to 'Jiminy Cricket'. I let my conscience be my guide.