Character names should not be required to be unique

Forcing unique character names is the way to go because it fosters a sense of identity and permanence in the game. In a world as expansive as PoE2, knowing that your character’s name is yours alone adds a layer of authenticity and pride. It also encourages players to get creative with their naming rather than relying on generic or overused options. A unique name system ensures that the most dedicated players—those who get in early and contribute to the game’s community—are rewarded.

Let’s not forget, Discord is a cautionary tale here. When Discord used the discriminator system (e.g., User#1234), it diluted the significance of usernames. Names became less meaningful because multiple people could have the same identity, which created confusion and undermined the sense of individuality. When Discord moved to globally unique usernames, it reinforced the importance of a name as part of personal branding, even if it required some adjustment.

For PoE2, sticking with unique names promotes a stronger, more vibrant community. Players will see someone named "OverDeath" and know that's the OverDeath—not one of a hundred people with the same name. Yes, it might lead to some name-squatting, but that’s a small price to pay for a world where names actually carry weight. It’s not about accommodating every roleplaying whim—it’s about building a game world where names are as distinct and memorable as the characters behind them.

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666lol666#3140 wrote:

NO F....... WAY!!!

At least the character names must stay unique. The number behind the accountname is already more than bad enough!

Please re-read. I'm arguing:
1) Don't require character names to be unique
2) Hide the actual numbers while playing the game

So you'd be able to pick any name you want for your character, change it anytime you want, and not see those very annoying numbers after your name

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Helldrazi#4560 wrote:

Forcing unique character names is the way to go because it fosters a sense of identity and permanence in the game. In a world as expansive as PoE2, knowing that your character’s name is yours alone adds a layer of authenticity and pride. It also encourages players to get creative with their naming rather than relying on generic or overused options. A unique name system ensures that the most dedicated players—those who get in early and contribute to the game’s community—are rewarded.

Let’s not forget, Discord is a cautionary tale here. When Discord used the discriminator system (e.g., User#1234), it diluted the significance of usernames. Names became less meaningful because multiple people could have the same identity, which created confusion and undermined the sense of individuality. When Discord moved to globally unique usernames, it reinforced the importance of a name as part of personal branding, even if it required some adjustment.

For PoE2, sticking with unique names promotes a stronger, more vibrant community. Players will see someone named "OverDeath" and know that's the OverDeath—not one of a hundred people with the same name. Yes, it might lead to some name-squatting, but that’s a small price to pay for a world where names actually carry weight. It’s not about accommodating every roleplaying whim—it’s about building a game world where names are as distinct and memorable as the characters behind them.

I see your point, but I'd point out one very simple thing - you say that it's not about accomodating my roleplaying style, but you're very clearly arguing for your roleplay style, one where there's only one "John" in the entire world, in a game of over a million people.

I'm not disparaging your preference, but I do want to point out that you have just as subjective a preference for a style of play the same as I do, though we disagree as to whose preference should be in the game.

As for the rest of your post, I simply disagree that it fosters any kind of community, and would argue it only fosters resentment when you see a lower level player with a name you wanted. Imagine the name that you've used for 10 years in countless games being taken by a lvl 5 player, just because they got into the game before you, I'd be annoyed and I bet most people would be!

As for Discord, I will point out that they do allow overlay/display names in addition to the account name, which actually works pretty well IMO. I'd be perfectly happy with a cosmetic or display name if it meant I could play the game how I like to.

We disagree, but you took the time to type out a thoughtful reply, so thank you for your perspective!

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Vel#9433 wrote:

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666lol666#3140 wrote:

NO F....... WAY!!!

At least the character names must stay unique. The number behind the accountname is already more than bad enough!

Please re-read. I'm arguing:
1) Don't require character names to be unique
2) Hide the actual numbers while playing the game

So you'd be able to pick any name you want for your character, change it anytime you want, and not see those very annoying numbers after your name

I never said that the charnames would have numbers too. All I said is that the numbers behind the account names already suck and having other people running around with my char names would suck even more!

"

Vel#9433 wrote:

I see your point, but I'd point out one very simple thing - you say that it's not about accomodating my roleplaying style, but you're very clearly arguing for your roleplay style, one where there's only one "John" in the entire world, in a game of over a million people.

I'm not disparaging your preference, but I do want to point out that you have just as subjective a preference for a style of play the same as I do, though we disagree as to whose preference should be in the game.

As for the rest of your post, I simply disagree that it fosters any kind of community, and would argue it only fosters resentment when you see a lower level player with a name you wanted. Imagine the name that you've used for 10 years in countless games being taken by a lvl 5 player, just because they got into the game before you, I'd be annoyed and I bet most people would be!

As for Discord, I will point out that they do allow overlay/display names in addition to the account name, which actually works pretty well IMO. I'd be perfectly happy with a cosmetic or display name if it meant I could play the game how I like to.

We disagree, but you took the time to type out a thoughtful reply, so thank you for your perspective!

You're absolutely right that we both have subjective preferences, but enforcing unique names isn’t just about a specific roleplay style—it has broader implications for gameplay, identity, and community integrity. Let’s unpack the other issues at play:

Prestige and Recognition:
Unique names make achievements feel more meaningful. If you see a high-level character with a memorable name, you know that player earned their reputation. Allowing duplicates diminishes this effect. “John Ironarm” means less if it’s one of a hundred.

Simplified Social Systems:
Unique names reduce confusion in social features like whispering, party invites, and guild management. Overlay or display names can help, but they add an extra layer of complexity to systems that should be straightforward. If you're coordinating a group or trying to find someone, having multiple “Johns” is a logistical nightmare.

Anti-Trolling Measures:
Unique names help prevent impersonation and trolling. If anyone can create a copy of your character's name, they can ruin your reputation or mislead others. Unique names provide a safeguard against that.

Player Investment:
Unique names encourage players to engage early and stake a claim, fostering a sense of attachment to their characters. Yes, this can lead to name competition, but it also rewards dedication and creativity in finding an identity.

Regarding Discord: yes, they allow display names, but this works because their system is fundamentally different. Discord isn’t an immersive environment—it’s a utility platform. For PoE2, the stakes are different. Players want to feel like they’re in a singular, immersive world where their character stands out.

Finally, about resentment over taken names: that’s where creativity comes in. If your preferred name is taken, think of it as an opportunity to expand on your identity. Add a thematic twist or unique flair that makes it yours. Gaming is all about adaptability, and names are no exception. While no system is perfect, unique names help maintain clarity, identity, and immersion in a game of this scale.

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Helldrazi#4560 wrote:

Forcing unique character names is the way to go because it fosters a sense of identity and permanence in the game. In a world as expansive as PoE2, knowing that your character’s name is yours alone adds a layer of authenticity and pride. It also encourages players to get creative with their naming rather than relying on generic or overused options. A unique name system ensures that the most dedicated players—those who get in early and contribute to the game’s community—are rewarded.

Let’s not forget, Discord is a cautionary tale here. When Discord used the discriminator system (e.g., User#1234), it diluted the significance of usernames. Names became less meaningful because multiple people could have the same identity, which created confusion and undermined the sense of individuality. When Discord moved to globally unique usernames, it reinforced the importance of a name as part of personal branding, even if it required some adjustment.

For PoE2, sticking with unique names promotes a stronger, more vibrant community. Players will see someone named "OverDeath" and know that's the OverDeath—not one of a hundred people with the same name. Yes, it might lead to some name-squatting, but that’s a small price to pay for a world where names actually carry weight. It’s not about accommodating every roleplaying whim—it’s about building a game world where names are as distinct and memorable as the characters behind them.

Fully agreed. Let see if GGG honors their old playerbase.

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Raycheetah#7060 wrote:

I DON'T WANNA SEE RANDOM NUMBER STRINGS AFTER MY CHARACTER NAMES! =>[.]<=

Exactly.

They can add a unique identifier to character names, just hide it away in the back-end, don't show it as part of the name.

Else I prefer the current system of unique char names. (forum names are already ugly enough)

At least differentiate leagues.
Mandate unique name ON A TEMP LEAGUE
In standard use these battletags. Very few players play standard so there's little chance to encounter 2 players using the same name anyway.

Right now we have the landfill league (standard) reserve a fuck ton of character names. Nobody logs to these characters anymore, they have been tossed away in there years ago and that's it. But the name is locked. That's BS.

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Esubane#6099 wrote:

At least differentiate leagues.
Mandate unique name ON A TEMP LEAGUE
In standard use these battletags. Very few players play standard so there's little chance to encounter 2 players using the same name anyway.

Right now we have the landfill league (standard) reserve a fuck ton of character names. Nobody logs to these characters anymore, they have been tossed away in there years ago and that's it. But the name is locked. That's BS.

Now that's a good idea.

In fact, once a character moves to Standard, I'd be all for sticking a little #1 after their name. #1 signifying League 1, #2 signifying League 2, etc.

So, if my character is called Jeff in League 3, he'd become Jeff#3 when moved to Standard, which would look nowhere as ugly as #3672

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Esubane#6099 wrote:

Right now we have the landfill league (standard) reserve a fuck ton of character names. Nobody logs to these characters anymore, they have been tossed away in there years ago and that's it. But the name is locked. That's BS.

Untrue, Jonathan said if a player does not login to a character for more than a year, the name becomes available again.