Blizzard has announced that they will be implementing their Real ID system into their official World of Warcraft forums. So what does that mean for the future of posting? Major changes. In the past, anyone who posted on the forums could use an anonymous character name. Following the release of Cataclysm those posting on official forums will see both their first and last real-life names. The option to display their main character name will also be available as well. This change however, is not intended to be retroactive, so older threads and posts will remain anonymous.

Starcraft II forums will see this change as early as July 27, with the release of the game. World of Warcraft will follow close behind when Cataclysm comes out.

Those familiar with the official Blizzard forums, have come to know that over time it has gone from a community that shares info, experience and ideas to a place where trolling, flame wars, and other negativity seem to be the only thing posted. Blizzard hopes that by establishing Real ID, it will remove a layer of anonymity and promote a healthy and positive community that will in turn add to the entire player experience. 

In addition to the display of real-life names on the forums, a number of other features will also be available as well. Users will be able to rate posts, topics will be threaded by context, and Blizzard posters will be able to broadcast important messages forum wide. Improvements to search functions will be made also. 

Blizzard says “With the launch of the new Battle.net, it’s important to us to create a new and different kind of online gaming environment — one that’s highly social, and which provides an ideal place for gamers to form long-lasting, meaningful relationships. All of our design decisions surrounding Real ID — including these forum changes — have been made with this goal in mind.”

For more information on Real ID, check out Blizzard’s Real ID and FAQ page.

Source: Battle.net

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Real life names to be displayed on official Blizzard forums soon