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Blizzard unfazed by Real ID outrage

Controversial name-badges to go ahead?
Steve Hogarty 9 July 2010

UPDATE: Oh, turns out they're more fazed than we gave them credit for. Blizzard in Real ID u-turn.

Despite massive resistance to Blizzard's plans to force all forum users to display their real, full name next to Battle.net posts - as well as the worrying efficiency with which bloggers discovered personal information about one forum mod, Micah Whipple - the developer is declining to comment on any changes to their plans. Announced on Tuesday, Real ID will plonk anonymity-scouring name badges on all who wish to post on the StarCraft II forum following the game's release on July 27th.

The controversial anti-trolling measure will also be implemented on forums for Blizzard's upcoming Cataclysm expansion, following its release later this year. The existing Diablo II and Warcraft III forums will see the move take place alongside StarCraft II's release.

Yesterday, Blizzard reps claimed that they "will be carefully monitoring how people are using the service." Adding that, "Real ID is a new and different concept for Blizzard gamers -- and for us as well -- and our goal is to create a social gaming service that players want to use."

Meanwhile, poor Mrs. Whipple's house and phone number are in the hands of angry StarCraft II fans.

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