Username Changing - Minecraft 1.8 (Read 10566 times)

ItsLawrence · « **on:** 20 May 2014, 15:36:05 »

As many of you are likely to be aware; after Minecraft 1.8 Mojang has plans to allow users to change their Minecraft username using their Mojang account. They have introduced methods for us to check who a specific user is (uniquely, regardless of their name) and have allowed for default Minecraft server features (such as the ban lists, etc.) to work according to this new unique identifier.

We use a large number of plugins on our servers which provide extra functionality such as Towny and McMMO, etc. Most of these plugins store data about you by attaching your information to your username, this won't be possible in the future as you will have the ability to change your name. Whilst we are taking steps to ensure all our custom plugins are updated to this new system, we cannot be certain that some of those we don't make are. Bukkit and Mojang have urged developers to move to this new system however development takes time and we don't know if the changes needed will be implemented before Mojang allows the username changing options.

As we can't be certain of the date of this change we have introduced a system which will block all users who have changed/are using a changed name. This change is hopefully only temporary but is necessary to ensure the safety of your in-game items/experience and the server as a whole. It is however likely we will continue to use this for the foreseeable future, if you have no plans to change your name then you will be completely unaffected by this change. As part of this update you will be unable to access any of the CloudSquid servers if:

You change your username to something different to one you've already used on our servers.
You use a username which has already been used by another user of our servers.

Just to make that clear: if you decide to change your username you will be unable to access the server for the foreseeable future.

The changes by Mojang to allow username changing has not yet been released and as such this information is all subject to change, we are adding this feature as a precaution and letting you know early so you don't rush to change your name. The most up-to-date information about username changing from Mojang seems to be the bottom of the help topic found here: https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/928638-minecraft-usernames

If you have any questions regarding this change (both the change to Minecraft and our change) please feel free to reply to this topic.

Chompertons · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 May 2014, 16:09:13 »

The cries of a thousand angry 12 year olds will echo the forums.

Darkwings · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 May 2014, 19:51:29 »

While I don't plan to change my username (registering as soon as it was possible on Mojang's website even before I owned a copy of the game was a smart move), I suggest to make this a BIG FAT RED ALERT MESSAGE both on the in-game welcome message and on the server tooltip in the server list.

Maybe even in the website profile, but that's unlikely to be spotted if the previous options failed.

I'm saying this because this is equivalent to a permanent self-ban and, as you are most probably aware, most people don't read stuff. Ever.

8BitCarpenter · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 May 2014, 20:18:20 »

Quote from: Darkwings on 20 May 2014, 19:51:29

While I don't plan to change my username (registering as soon as it was possible on Mojang's website even before I owned a copy of the game was a smart move), I suggest to make this a BIG FAT RED ALERT MESSAGE both on the in-game welcome message and on the server tooltip in the server list.

Maybe even in the website profile, but that's unlikely to be spotted if the previous options failed.

I'm saying this because this is equivalent to a permanent self-ban and, as you are most probably aware, most people don't read stuff. Ever.

I second this motion. Many people lack the ability to see beyond the end of their nose. This would help them.

Nebih · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 May 2014, 22:18:16 »

What if I change my username from "nebih" to "Nebih"?? Will that screw all my stuff up and not let me online? :c

DrewG2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 May 2014, 22:36:53 »

Quote from: nebih on 20 May 2014, 22:18:16

What if I change my username from "nebih" to "Nebih"?? Will that screw all my stuff up and not let me online? :c

lol, i thought about you as soon as i saw the name of this... xD

ItsLawrence · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 May 2014, 23:00:54 »

Quote from: nebih on 20 May 2014, 22:18:16

What if I change my username from "nebih" to "Nebih"?? Will that screw all my stuff up and not let me online? :c

Sadly yes this is included (the data is case-sensitive), you can however wait to change your name because eventually we do plan to allow those with changed names to connect, and no one else will be able to register with the uppercase one as your lowercase version already exists.

Nebih · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 May 2014, 23:14:29 »

Quote from: ItsLawrence on 20 May 2014, 23:00:54

Quote from: nebih on 20 May 2014, 22:18:16
What if I change my username from "nebih" to "Nebih"?? Will that screw all my stuff up and not let me online? :c
Sadly yes this is included (the data is case-sensitive), you can however wait to change your name because eventually we do plan to allow those with changed names to connect, and no one else will be able to register with the uppercase one as your lowercase version already exists.

Okay great! Thanks for the feedback.

gamergirlxo · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 May 2014, 23:29:42 »

oh, lawrence, you're in for some fun buddy!

Olah0001 · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 May 2014, 00:09:24 »

so we will still know everyone by their original name for now at least.

I don't see why someone would want to change their username tho....

edixsabourin · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 May 2014, 02:50:24 »

Quote from: Olah0001 on 23 May 2014, 00:09:24

I don't see why someone would want to change their username tho....

Some people, like myself, just don't like the username we decided upon back when we made our Minecraft accounts, and would like to have it something else, or, if you got a Minecraft account off a friend, then you might also want to change it. An example would be someone took an immature name when they made there account, but now regret it, and want it something else, to show that they have grown up from inappropriate usernames.

Olah0001 · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 May 2014, 23:24:30 »

Quote from: edixsabourin on 23 May 2014, 02:50:24

Quote from: Olah0001 on 23 May 2014, 00:09:24
I don't see why someone would want to change their username tho....

Some people, like myself, just don't like the username we decided upon back when we made our Minecraft accounts, and would like to have it something else, or, if you got a Minecraft account off a friend, then you might also want to change it. An example would be someone took an immature name when they made there account, but now regret it, and want it something else, to show that they have grown up from inappropriate usernames.

I can see that

you could also use it to say if you cause a lot of trouble then you can change your name and no one would know you .-.

HarryX11 · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 May 2014, 16:27:09 »

Interesting concept of name changing, not sure if I like it though

Olah0001 · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 May 2014, 00:48:45 »

Quote from: HarryX11 on 24 May 2014, 16:27:09

Interesting concept of name changing, not sure if I like it though

I don't like it... I just don't get it....

Baskelbar · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 May 2014, 20:42:03 »

Be prepared for a large drop in Users

danniel1998 · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 May 2014, 23:53:35 »

Quote from: dawolfman91 on 27 May 2014, 20:42:03

Be prepared for a large drop in Users

I wouldn't worry about that. The people that are actually smart enough to read up on the issue will (hopefully) know that if they change their username they won't have access to the server. So therefore you should still see the usual people online unless they are mega desperate to have a username change and are willing to lose their access.

Chompertons · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 May 2014, 01:25:30 »

Quote from: danniel1998 on 27 May 2014, 23:53:35

Quote from: dawolfman91 on 27 May 2014, 20:42:03
Be prepared for a large drop in Users

I wouldn't worry about that. The people that are actually smart enough to read up on the issue will (hopefully) know that if they change their username they won't have access to the server. So therefore you should still see the usual people online unless they are mega desperate to have a username change and are willing to lose their access.

The thing to be concerned about here is less about existing player retention than it is about how new people experience joining servers. From my experience in server shopping, the second I ran into an issue with the server I left immediately or gave up on the connection process. If new people who have already changed their names go looking for a new server and are met with a login error when trying to connect to NC, that's instantly a lost new player. Lack of new players over time = server death. Playing with a touchy thing here.

Hexidecima · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 May 2014, 01:30:36 »

I don't understand what the big deal is. If you started with a username and have accomplished something with that name (good or bad) then why not keep it; it is your legacy. I'm sure there are some circumstances that drive one to change their username but what your name is are on the server (ill named or not) does not defined who you are. It is what you do that defines you. O.K. , so maybe that is a little to deep for most, but I happen to believe that everyone contributes a little bit of there psyche to everything they do; be it a trival blocky game or a source of living. What I'm saying is, embrace your title because the reality is that, despite it is a name for a fantasy world, there is a true story as to how you came to create that name. It could have been a miss-type, or something you were goofing off with, never-the-less the tale is real.

If you believe that I have wandered way off subject or got to serious about this topic, then please please please forgive me. I have been up for 34 hours and I just wanted to contribute to the conversation (lol). Hope everyone has an awesome time in Noobstown, konnichiwa (good day) people.

gamergirlxo · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 May 2014, 01:48:00 »

Quote from: Hexidecima on 28 May 2014, 01:30:36

I don't understand what the big deal is. If you started with a username and have accomplished something with that name (good or bad) then why not keep it; it is your legacy. I'm sure there are some circumstances that drive one to change their username but what your name is are on the server (ill named or not) does not defined who you are. It is what you do that defines you. O.K. , so maybe that is a little to deep for most, but I happen to believe that everyone contributes a little bit of there psyche to everything they do; be it a trival blocky game or a source of living. What I'm saying is, embrace your title because the reality is that, despite it is a name for a fantasy world, there is a true story as to how you came to create that name. It could have been a miss-type, or something you were goofing off with, never-the-less the tale is real.

If you believe that I have wandered way off subject or got to serious about this topic, then please please please forgive me. I have been up for 34 hours and I just wanted to contribute to the conversation (lol). Hope everyone has an awesome time in Noobstown, konnichiwa (good day) people.

I agree. You did get deep there but I'm the same way. I've created a persona on the server as "gg" and if I changed my name I wouldn't be "gg" anymore, plus I like my name. I've decided (way before) that I'd keep my game as is.

danniel1998 · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 May 2014, 11:17:17 »

Quote from: Chompertons on 28 May 2014, 01:25:30

The thing to be concerned about here is less about existing player retention than it is about how new people experience joining servers. From my experience in server shopping, the second I ran into an issue with the server I left immediately or gave up on the connection process. If new people who have already changed their names go looking for a new server and are met with a login error when trying to connect to NC, that's instantly a lost new player. Lack of new players over time = server death. Playing with a touchy thing here.

I'm not sure if I'm 100% understanding what you're trying to say. From what I can comprehend you are saying that people that have not yet joined the server and have changed their username they will not be able to join the server, however I don't think this is the case and unregistered users should be able to join the server even if they had previously changed their username because the server doesn't have any data on them before they registered. Although I may be wrong on that one, and I'm sorry if I am incorrect. Additionally I doubt there will be a "Lack of new players over time" as ItsLawrence has already stated that:

Quote from: ItsLawrence on 20 May 2014, 23:00:54

...you can however wait to change your name because eventually we do plan to allow those with changed names to connect...

Quote from: Hexidecima on 28 May 2014, 01:30:36

I don't understand what the big deal is. If you started with a username and have accomplished something with that name (good or bad) then why not keep it; it is your legacy. I'm sure there are some circumstances that drive one to change their username but what your name is are on the server (ill named or not) does not defined who you are. It is what you do that defines you. O.K. , so maybe that is a little to deep for most, but I happen to believe that everyone contributes a little bit of there psyche to everything they do; be it a trival blocky game or a source of living. What I'm saying is, embrace your title because the reality is that, despite it is a name for a fantasy world, there is a true story as to how you came to create that name. It could have been a miss-type, or something you were goofing off with, never-the-less the tale is real.

Fair comment. However you do have to understand that there are a lot of people out there that are thrilled with the concept of changing their username. I for one would love to change my username because I'm not particularly fond of the one I have now, but as you have already said it does feel like it's became personal to me and if I did change it I would lose my status and recognition I have earned over the years of playing Minecraft.

This then leads me to a question. Say that I, or any other member with a different rank to Member, were to change our usernames.. would we still keep our rank/title?

ItsLawrence · « **Reply #20 on:** 28 May 2014, 18:37:38 »

Quote from: Chompertons on 28 May 2014, 01:25:30

...
The thing to be concerned about here is less about existing player retention than it is about how new people experience joining servers. From my experience in server shopping, the second I ran into an issue with the server I left immediately or gave up on the connection process. If new people who have already changed their names go looking for a new server and are met with a login error when trying to connect to NC, that's instantly a lost new player. Lack of new players over time = server death. Playing with a touchy thing here.

If you've never visited us before it won't be a big problem, we won't know if the name you are using is original or a changed one (unless you're using a name someone else has previously had) and as such they will be allowed to connect. The chance of a player joining with a name that has already been used by someone from our servers is extremely minimal.

Quote from: danniel1998 on 28 May 2014, 11:17:17

...Say that I, or any other member with a different rank to Member, were to change our usernames.. would we still keep our rank/title?

As explained in the original post if you change your name you won't be able to access the server. As for your rank it will still be attached to your original name. In the future when we allow name changing all aspects of the server will hopefully move over to your new name, the reason we're not allowing name changing at this time is because things like this aren't possible at the moment.

Mr_Talls · « **Reply #21 on:** 29 May 2014, 19:32:17 »

I think this should be something you should have to pay for. Not a lot of course, maybe $10, just to keep people from changing it a lot. Unless it is a one time change. Lots of people that have been banned from servers could come back and mess stuff up again. If they want to do this there should be an ID number attached to everyone that stays the same and then there would not be a name changing problem. What do you think?

edixsabourin · « **Reply #22 on:** 29 May 2014, 23:37:16 »

Quote from: Mr_Talls on 29 May 2014, 19:32:17

I think this should be something you should have to pay for. Not a lot of course, maybe $10, just to keep people from changing it a lot. Unless it is a one time change. Lots of people that have been banned from servers could come back and mess stuff up again. If they want to do this there should be an ID number attached to everyone that stays the same and then there would not be a name changing problem. What do you think?

There will be an ID number attached to everyone when this feature is released, Mojang has really thought this through, although I don't think we should pay. There is a time limit between when you can change your name, and it will probably be a while between changes. The reason I don't think you should have to pay is Minecraft isn't hosting itself as much as other games, yes there is log in servers and others but they are rather small. Free to play games usually charge you to change your name (if they allow it) because they need to pay to keep there game servers up. I go along with Mojang saying you should only have to pay for the game once, and I hope this won't change.