Battle.net RealID is upon us

Submitted by Lanctharus on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 13:45.

As of today Blizzard will be implementing the new Battle.net RealID system.  Here are some pointers from our own Gufoni regarding the system:

Today's patch sees the arrival of Blizzard's Real ID 'friending' system, which will eventually see use across all its games.

While this is a great way to stay in touch with your in-game friends, no matter what server or faction they're currently playing on, bear in mind a couple of things before you leap head first into the system:

1) Get an authenticator - whether you use Real ID or not.
They're cheap, they're simple, and they work.

2) Your Real ID is the same as your BattleNet account name.
This is the email address you use to log into the game. (It may even be your regular email address, if you haven't gone to the trouble of setting up a separate email account just for WoW.) So, at least think twice before you start giving this out to anyone who asks. While revealing your BattleNet account name isn't enough for someone to hack into your account on its own, it's a start. So, only give this information to people you absolutely trust. As Blizzard says:

Quote:
Real ID is a system designed to be used with people you know and trust in real life -- friends, co-workers and family -- though it's ultimately up to you to determine who you wish to interact with in this fashion.

3) Your Real ID reveals your real name.
Unless you have a fake name on your BattleNet account, revealing your Real ID to someone reveals your... well, your real ID! The system displays your full real name (first name and surname) to your Real ID friends - and their friends too. If this is an issue for you, then this isn't the friend system for you. From Blizzard:

Quote:
When you become Real ID friends with another player, you will be sharing your real name and opening up new communication options with that player. In addition, players who are Real ID friends with that player will be able to see your name in a “friends of friends” list, which allows people to be able to quickly send Real ID friend requests to others they may know.

You can find Blizzard's full FAQ on Real ID here:

http://us.battle.net/realid/faq.html

I recommend you read it. As useful as Real ID is (and it really, really is, among good and trusted friends), everyone has a responsibility to know what they're getting into by using the system, and they have an equal responsibility to keep their account secure.

Thank you, ladies and germs. Have a nice patch day!

 

»