BioWare Mythic Would Never Implement Real ID

BioWare Mythic would never introduce something similar to Blizzard's Real ID service to Warhammer Online, according to producer Carrie Gouskos. Real ID is a service that requires its users to log in to Battle.net using their real names. This was almost imposed by Blizzard on its forums, but aggressive fan backlash prompted BioWare to belay that initiative.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Gouskos said, “No. Never. Never. No,” when she was asked whether BioWare Mythic would ever implement Real ID. “I would fight that tooth and nail. I've had some very personal, really bad experiences in online communities with that. Personally, I’m against it.”

Eugene Evans, BioWare Mythic's general manager, added that, “We wouldn't do it. I'm surprised they did it, and for a group that is so close to their community, it was amazing that they misread it that poorly. I'm pleased to see them reacting to the community. We should all learn to listen to our communities. Their community made it very clear what the right answer is.”

He is, of course, referring to the furious response of Blizzard's fans when it announced that the StarCraft II forums will require posters to use their real name in the messages. Gamers were dismayed and started to publish personal information about Blizzard employees, using names taken from the credits reels of the company's games.

The fans went even to post detailed information about Bobby Kotick, the chief executive officer of Activision Blizzard, including the address of his homes, the names of his wife and daughters and various other private information to show what harm can a real name do in the hands of an evil advanced Internet user. Blizzard, through its CEO, Mike Morhaime, has subsequently announced that this measure would now become optional, following this incredibly strong negative feedback.