RP Enforcement? No 'leet' names?

[Ahris]

As far as i know, all MMO's has a naming policy of some sort, it goes with the PG rating, but mostly the fact that none of them would survive the bad PR that could be the result of not having one.

Mostly it concerns names of a discriminating/offensive nature, how far it goes beyond that is up to the devs obviously.

Most traditional fantasy MMORPG's initially brags about their strict RP naming policies to attract customers from the RP communities, but in my experience they are only enforced until they have enough mainstream players to secure their income.

Seeing names like Killjoo or Dartvadeer doesn't bother me at all, but in my mind there's no way they could be 18+ and therefore not the people i'd hang out with in the game.

[ThePotatoLord]

I don't mind names as long as I can read them without going throught a bunch of mental gymnastics, no numbers or special characters/triple lettlers and I'm good.

[princereaper]

and why would they limit a name? or take away a name?

what i cant name my guy princereaper, because hes not a prince or a grimreaper?

also i think godly would hate you!

his name is godly lol.

also i named one of my characters voldermort, just because hes a bad arse deatheater, and i wanted this guy to resemble that badarseness.

so again, your restricting names and roleplaying it self.

if some guy wants to call him self, "the best player" let him be called the best player, in the end of the day hes going to get attacked and laughed at if he can't prove he is the best.

which is hard to do lol.

[Norelion]

While I get your point since it's a mmorpg (the whole genre was made for true roleplayers ) we play I wanna add my five cents to this discussion.

Many of you would call me hardcore-roleplayer but I don't wanna enforce names anymore, I just ignore names since from an in character position I don't see any names floating above the characters (and in MO I don't see them as a player as well).

If you can ignore them it has only advantages to allow all kind of names... at least for me.

[PhamTrinli]

I really do hope they have a very strict naming policy in place and enforced at launch. No body parts or misspelling of body parts as names, no sexual acts as names, no words as names, no numbers in names (except spelled out numbers maybe...), and no "leet" tags or leetspeak.

Basically the following sums up everything I DON'T want to see in any player's name:

xXx[1]C0ckSuck3r[1]xXx

If I ever see someone with a name like that I will do everything I possibly can - and try to get others to - make their game life a living hell.

This is an example of an acceptable name:

Joe

Although it isn't very creative, it is still an actual name.

This is an example of a good name:

Hanastah

Why? It's somewhat unique, it's a name, and it doesn't have any of the aforementioned garbage in it.

Now let's think of how we can come up with a set of rules that are mathematically (programmatically) enforceable -

I'm pretty sure the following can be enforced using preg matches:

• No character can appear more than twice consecutively
• Only special characters allowed in name: - '
• No numerals allowed in name
• No pairing of 2 same-characters can appear more than once in an name (ex. xxjoexx <-not allowed; xxjoe <-allowed)
• All names must be unique without taking capitalization into account
• Names must contain at least 3 different characters

as for the body parts, sexual acts and common words - they can catch most of that with a dictionary comparison.

[Calinir]

While I'm not a RPer at heart and never do it out of my own choosing, I always respond to RPers with RP (no matter how short and quick) simply because I don't feel the need to ruin another persons fun and because they tend to be understanding and mature players usually with a sense of humor. In this same regard I always tend to name myself something that at least partly fits in with the game world I'm playing in (be it fantasy or sci-fi)

As far as a naming policy goes, there is only one game world (no separate servers) which we're all going to be playing in (no RP servers or any other separate servers have ever been mentioned by the devs as far as I know (I'm not talking about different server clusters hosting different parts of the same world) which is one of the great things about Mortal IMO as it means we're all in one big world together and there have already been some good suggestions about removing numbers and consecutive identical letters.

I honestly don't care if you call yourself "Dethreepa" but for the sake of all those RPers out there why not call yourself "DeathReaper" (at worst they'll RP you as a village idiot and everybody is happy)

My question to all these RP haters out there is simply this. Why are you spending your time and money to (A) game in a world where the entire premise is a fantasy setting if you can't stand the idea of fantasy and want to bring in RL in at every oppertunity (B) even if you have a reason why, why would you want to ruin RPers or anyone elses enjoyment of the game simply for the sake of ruining it?

In my mind it's kind of the same thing as going to a Lord of the Rings movie (spending time and money) to heckle the people watching it and all the while complaining that the Orcs don't have AK47s and smoke blunts and bringing in a boombox blasting "I see death around the corner" during all the climactic scenes. It doesn't mean you have to go out and LARP after the film but at least let other people enjoy their experience while you're enjoying yours, unless you dont enjoy it in which case go watch another movie.

TLDR; Why not enjoy yourself while NOT ruining other peoples experiences and at least remotely try to fit in with the game world you choose to be a part of? Regardless if people still choose to make ridiculous names at least it gives you a quick indication of their maturity level and character.

[Norelion]

Originally Posted by PhamTrinli

I'm pretty sure the following can be enforced using preg matches:

• No character can appear more than twice consecutively
• Only special characters allowed in name: - '
• No numerals allowed in name
• No pairing of 2 same-characters can appear more than once in an name (ex. xxjoexx <-not allowed; xxjoe <-allowed)
• All names must be unique without taking capitalization into account
• Names must contain at least 3 different characters

as for the body parts, sexual acts and common words - they can catch most of that with a dictionary comparison.

Hmm, no "Llarion" for example and many other unique rp-names... I'm against rules if they are not well thought-out.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Calinir again.

This was a great post Calinir, really! I mean the whole genre was made for roleplayers and nowadays we're treated as we were insane just because everyone got the picture of some nerd in their head (which I do not see as a problem) even though they, themselves would fit in this role much better... roleplayers are people like anybody, they just enjoy playing a role - it's like being an actor.

[PhamTrinli]

Originally Posted by PhamTrinli

• No pairing of 2 same-characters can appear more than once in an name (ex. xxjoexx <-not allowed; xxjoe <-allowed)

Originally Posted by Norelion

Hmm, no "Llarion" for example and many other unique rp-names... I'm against rules if they are not well thought-out.

I'm against replies where the person posting has not read the post to which they are replying.

xxjoe <-allowed

[-Linn-]

how about Nnemenna? Would for instance be a perfectly good name in my oppinion...


I'm sorry, I -do- see where you're coming from. I just dissagree with rule nr. 4(case by case basis instead) and 6(2 different characters would be better imo). Whilst I'm for having rules in, I don't want anything potentially limiting to be hardcoded.

[Norelion]

Originally Posted by PhamTrinli

I'm against replies where the person posting has not read the post to which they are replying.

xxjoe <-allowed

Well, I read the whole post, I always do... my mother-tongue isn't english and you said:

Originally Posted by PhamTrinli

No character can appear more than twice consecutively

and I simply overread the "twice", so I'm really sorry! I guess I didn't really think 'cause I read the example.

[PhamTrinli]

Originally Posted by -Linn-

how about Nnemenna? Would for instance be a perfectly good name in my oppinion...


I'm sorry, I -do- see where you're coming from. I just dissagree with rule nr. 4(case by case basis instead) and 6(2 different characters would be better imo). Whilst I'm for having rules in, I don't want anything potentially limiting to be hardcoded.

Ok, I guess you have a point with the example you made there. Hmmm... maybe more like this:

A pair of same-characters can not appear at both the beginning and end of a name.

I know there will still be some names you could come up with that could break that rule and still be good names, but I'd rather take some restrictions than be open to having people name themselves weird crap that is immersion breaking.

[wastedfate]

Im still extremely new, but, I think the amazing PvP system is it's own solution for this. While a dictionary comparison is still needed so people don't name themselves something offensive, If your in the wilds, why not tell "Princereaper" that his name is horrible, then kill him for it?

[Gamefreak565]

I see some names in this game that are absolutely retarded.

Things like XXIIIlIOOIlIIIO that I have seen around Bak-Ti is just redundant and not needed within them game. How would you even begin to identify that person other then "The guy with the fucked up named with a lot of X and I characters."

[PhamTrinli]

Originally Posted by wastedfate

Im still extremely new, but, I think the amazing PvP system is it's own solution for this. While a dictionary comparison is still needed so people don't name themselves something offensive, If your in the wilds, why not tell "Princereaper" that his name is horrible, then kill him for it?

This will not make people change their character name.

[Norelion]

Originally Posted by PhamTrinli

This will not make people change their character name.

To some it will be quite the opposite since it is PvP what they are here for... so they'll choose provoking names because they know there will be more action for them.

[Killerkakadu]

I think that names like "gdfgdf" or "alkfsalfjs" or "Blubmaster" are ruinig the game ...

[Amaryl]

So phamtrinli, according to your naming rules, I can't name my character Bob. Which is a perfectly good name.

Secondly, why do you consider normal names like Joe, John, Fred, Average, while overly exotic names are great? I don't understand that.

I mean really why is Acamapichtl (an aztec name) better then John Smith? because it reminds you to much of the real world or what?

Why would Astrid (girl name of norse origin) be better then Rose or Violet.

Lets be honest here, There are no floating names. so there's really nothing to be fucked about, and naming conventions are comepletely useless and resources wasting.

Since people with stupid names like "xxxpwnyouussss" don't really tend to talk until you're dead or you killed them.

and for RP values, it really makes no difference if you're in the middle of a conversation and a Khurite pk named Kachuin, Temuge or Kubla kills you. or ToetToetImaBUSLol. you'll be dead, IC"ly you don't know who beat you and your conversation is stopped short.

[PhamTrinli]

Originally Posted by Amaryl

So phamtrinli, according to your naming rules, I can't name my character Bob. Which is a perfectly good name.

You're right, but I am just offering suggestions for naming conventions rules. If you think you have some better suggestions for naming rules then I'd like to hear them (really).

Originally Posted by Amaryl

Secondly, why do you consider normal names like Joe, John, Fred, Average, while overly exotic names are great? I don't understand that.

I mean really why is Acamapichtl (an aztec name) better then John Smith? because it reminds you to much of the real world or what?

Yes. This is called immersion breaking. This doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed, though and I have already said as much. Afterall, those examples you listed above are actual names. What I'm against is naming your characters garbage for names - things that aren't even names.

Originally Posted by Amaryl

Why would Astrid (girl name of norse origin) be better then Rose or Violet.

That is purely a matter of opinion, and under the rules I listed above those would be perfectly acceptable.

Originally Posted by Amaryl

Lets be honest here, There are no floating names. so there's really nothing to be annoyed about, and naming conventions are completely useless and resource-wasting.

Since we're being honest now - I thought I was, before - I don't like it when I see names that would not fit within the game world. A lot of people don't. It's also irritating when you see names that look like they should belong to a bunch of 13-year old "leet" clan counter-strike players. You have already said that it doesn't bother you and that's fine. But how about the rest of us? Maybe a good solution would be to eventually have a separate server with stricter naming conventions? I don't know.

Originally Posted by Amaryl

Since people with stupid names like "xxxpwnyouussss" don't really tend to talk until you're dead or you killed them.

It's not just that you have to look at it when they talk to you - it's that you know it's there and you will see it. Games like these are much more fun to a lot of people if they can immerse themselves in the fantasy world as much as possible. Things in the game become more meaningful and your accomplishments in game mean more to you that way. When you see names like this it completely shatters that immersive feeling and says "it's just another game that doesn't really mean anything". The whole point of immersion is trying to make you feel like your actions and accomplishments in the game matter, but as soon as you see something like this then you immediately start to question the value of those actions and accomplishments because they really don't mean anything to players with names like that. After that it just turns into another kiddy arcade game with about as much meaning as playing bejeweled.

Originally Posted by Amaryl

and for RP values, it really makes no difference if you're in the middle of a conversation and a Khurite pk named Kachuin, Temuge or Kubla kills you. or ToetToetImaBUSLol.

Oh, but it does! It most certainly does! Situations like this can either serve to heighten the immersiveness of the game and stimulate your imagination - or - stifle the imagination and break the fantasy setting.

[erieking]

People that ask why this question is being asked don't roleplay. When you do roleplay, you care about stuff like this. I personally think that the same thing should be enforced in some ways. Like if someone names their character Gordon for example, someone else names their character Gorrdon and he saw him walking around. I'd be pissed personally.

[O_Arawn]

Regarding symbols- many ethnic names, both real and in fantasy lore, contain symbols. For example, I'm of Irish heritage and have an apostrophe in my surname and many people use hyphonated names. Being allowed to carry this into gameplay would be nice. Although I don't agree with forcing people to have contrived RP names it is nice to not have to run into people with names like Supahawt and Chronic420. It's ridiculous and can detract from an overall game experience and is as annoying as people who insist on speaking olde English. As far as being semi-true to the game setting I liked how it was handled in Pirates of the Burning Sea (one of the few things that game did right) and actually assigning a fitting name has never bothered me as long as it's not too strict, like regulating that a name like "Jim" doesn't fit the fantasy environment. So what. Sorry for the rant but my point is that overly silly names don't add to anything to the game but they can detract from it. Of course, please no numbers, that just goes without saying.

[Hodo]

Originally Posted by Mendrak

Will there be any kind of naming enforcement? Guild or character name-wise.
I currently play Age of Conan on the Cimmeria server, which is RP ruleset enforced. This means you can petition the GMs if you see names like "scoobydoo" or "leetkiddy" etc, or Guild names with similar effect.
After playing games like WoW and UO which had no naming restrictions it was a sweet relief to have realistic names in an MMO.

As much as I would love to see a actual enforcement on the naming policy. I doubt it will happen.

TOOOOO many 10-13y/o punks who think its cool to make a dark skinned toon and name it something derogatory, or use their leet gamertag for a game name.

I have already run into more than a share of gamertags... xxxSHADOWZxxx is a great example. Or the one I seen a day or two before the patch, "goldvendor".... I can remember playing a game at one point that FORCED names. If it detected a gamertag or leet name it prevented it on creation, then gave you a name from its database.

[Sync205]

Firstly, certain people are talking about abvious rules that will be enforced :

• No Numbers
• No Symbols
• No Underscores

These are a bit obvious for a game of this quality...
I would like to see them restrict Capital Letters to the first letter in each word. Nothing bugs be more than xXxLeEtNeSzxXx or some hideous name.

Secondly, i dont think this will be a Major problum in MO.. The player base seems to be older, at the moment anyway, and i cant see many 20 year olds wanting a name like HaWt_lEeT ... Ofcourse there will be a few, but not enough to ruin the experience...

[dscoombs]

Oh please let anyone call themselves anything. If nothing else, it gives you some idea of who it is that's approaching you :P

snap character judgements ftw!

[Hodo]

I would even accept a random name generator by race in game.

[cainrae]

This problem could be fixed easily.

Give players an option called "Enable RP Status" or something, then give the players another option "Toggle RP Names" so that it will only display the name of players who have the RP Status enabled.

[ArthusKT]

Personaly. I would go to the extreme that leet and dudespeak names would mean instant ban. I dislike the teenies and adults who choose to act like teenie kids running around with annoying names. But it is FFA pvp. So do I guess we can do as I did in lineage 2. Kill the morons. Sadly we can't delevel them

[pighunter101]

I never realized people even paid attention to names. In my exp, 90% of the time, the name gets shortened into the first three letters on /g and in vent its the same or the RL name.

[pighunter101]

Originally Posted by Hodo

I would even accept a random name generator by race in game.

Holy shit, that would suck.

[Harsk]

Originally Posted by Mendrak

Will there be any kind of naming enforcement? Guild or character name-wise.
I currently play Age of Conan on the Cimmeria server, which is RP ruleset enforced. This means you can petition the GMs if you see names like "scoobydoo" or "leetkiddy" etc, or Guild names with similar effect.
After playing games like WoW and UO which had no naming restrictions it was a sweet relief to have realistic names in an MMO.

Ask Cuntsmasher.