We just published updates to three policy documents on our website.
The first one is the Naming Policy. We currently have rules in our User Agreement that give you brief guidelines on what types of names are allowed, however, many felt that these guidelines were not clear enough. We have published a Naming Policy that expands on the guidelines in the User Agreement with a bit more detail and clarification on what is expected when players name their characters or guilds.
There is one change in the Naming Policy enforcement that is new. We are handling first-time offenses as per our standard practice: a mark is placed on a player’s account and the character is blocked (inaccessible) until they rename it, and the account mark also involves a “time out” period during which they’re unable to play. The change to enforcement comes with the second offense on an account. On a second offense, we will assign the offending player a new, randomly-generated name, their account will be marked, and it will be unusable for a period of time, as called for within the escalating suspension system. This new enforcement policy for a second offense was created to discourage repeat offenders from creating offensive names.
The Rules of Conduct and Conduct Breaches and Outcomes pages have been updated to reflect the information in the Naming Policy.
Secondly, the Rules of Conduct and Conduct Breaches and Outcomes have been updated to clarify PvP conduct issues, specifically the issue of match manipulation and other types of PvP abuse, such as leeching. Earlier this year in our update to the Universal Tournament Rules, we stated that match manipulation was against the rules. After continuing confusion as to whether it was technically against the rules to engage in match manipulation outside of tournament play, we have updated the Rules of Conduct and Conduct Breaches and Outcomes to reflect our position that match manipulation and abuse is against the rules and the spirit of the game in all forms of PvP play.
If you’ve got any questions, please let us know.
Policy Updates
Regina Buenaobra
Dronte
So HB ties are going to be watched or that doesnt count as PvP in Anet's view? (as it has been ignored so far)
FoxBat
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Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra
The change to enforcement comes with the second offense on an account. On a second offense, we will assign the offending player a new, randomly-generated name, their account will be marked, and it will be unusable for a period of time, as called for within the escalating suspension system. This new enforcement policy for a second offense was created to discourage repeat offenders from creating offensive names.
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MMSDome
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Originally Posted by Dronte
So HB ties are going to be watched or that doesnt count as PvP in Anet's view? (as it has been ignored so far)
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Black Metal
I hope that offensive name submissions are truly reviewed, and not rubber stamped into temp ban. There have been two scenarios which clearly illustrate this: numerous reports of completely innocent names being temp banned because they got reported by someone either immature or retaliation for something else. Also, people who have wanted their names changed for whatever reason had their friends report them.
Jensy
Good, I hope this starts to put an end to the hordes of leechers in JQ/FA.
(What, a girl can dream!)
(What, a girl can dream!)
upier
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Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra
we will assign the offending player a new, randomly-generated name
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra
Secondly, the Rules of Conduct and Conduct Breaches and Outcomes have been updated to clarify PvP conduct issues, specifically the issue of match manipulation and other types of PvP abuse, such as leeching.
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Should reports in such cases be sent in though support?
Or is this rule only applied IF a specific number of party members reports the problematic party member?
Regina Buenaobra
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Originally Posted by upier
Are there any plans for making this into a purchasable feature (where the user selects the new name of choice)?
On the subject of leeching - what happens if the offender is not reported by the demanded number or party members? Should reports in such cases be sent in though support? Or is this rule only applied IF a specific number of party members reports the problematic party member? |
Re: leeching. Nothing has changed in terms of how players should report leechers. The Live Team is taking a look at the reporting system, because they do know that the way the system currently works discourages people from reporting a leecher.
EPO Bot
Here is one: Wenever you get banned for leeching your faction bars are set to zero. And those who report a leecher get a hundred bonus Balt points.
Bobulation
The naming policy seems very good.
Ctb
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| It is definitely not an easy thing to implement, but we're keeping it in consideration. |
I realize I've never worked on the ANET backend, but, to me, this is a simple database update. How can changing a name of a character possibly be a difficult thing to add?
Eragon Zarroc
lmao, i want to know what randomly generated names would be like? =D
Regina Buenaobra
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Originally Posted by Ctb
I don't understand these types of responses... you just got done saying you can already do it, but it's not easy to implement?
I realize I've never worked on the ANET backend, but, to me, this is a simple database update. How can changing a name of a character possibly be a difficult thing to add? |
Zahr Dalsk
* Have offensive racial, ethnic, or national connotations.
Ok, this is fair.
* Reference sexual acts or real life violence.
Ok.
* Are pornographic.
Yeah, I'm sure people were jacking off to character names. Let's be fair, some armour suits already make better fapping material than a name ever could.
* Make inappropriate references to human anatomy or bodily functions.
Good. Tired of immature stuff.
* Reference illegal drugs or activities.
lolwhat?
* Reference major religious figures.
Awesome, so no more characters named Praise Jesus and such, I like this.
* Reference certain real-life people that may cause distress (e.g. Hitler).
Cause distress to who?
Ok, this is fair.
* Reference sexual acts or real life violence.
Ok.
* Are pornographic.
Yeah, I'm sure people were jacking off to character names. Let's be fair, some armour suits already make better fapping material than a name ever could.
* Make inappropriate references to human anatomy or bodily functions.
Good. Tired of immature stuff.
* Reference illegal drugs or activities.
lolwhat?
* Reference major religious figures.
Awesome, so no more characters named Praise Jesus and such, I like this.
* Reference certain real-life people that may cause distress (e.g. Hitler).
Cause distress to who?
DarkNecrid
Do you really have to ask which group of people the name Hitler might cause distress too? Really?
Thanks for the update Regina.
Thanks for the update Regina.
makosi
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Originally Posted by Zahr Dalsk
* Reference certain real-life people that may cause distress (e.g. Hitler).
Cause distress to who? |
You'd be surprised at how many people can be offended over the most minor things they're exposed to and you'd be surprised at how people get trigger happy with the /report system. However, I suppose the support team have to respect people's concerns in this politically correct age.
Zahr Dalsk
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Originally Posted by makosi
Jewish people (driving German cars.)
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For example, if I saw someone named after Fred Phelps, I'd be pretty pissed, unless the name was poking fun at him.
upier
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Originally Posted by Zahr Dalsk
* Reference certain real-life people that may cause distress (e.g. Hitler).
Cause distress to who? |
Seriously, I am sure it's pretty distressing to be constantly reminded how massively one failed at genocide and taking over the world!
Poor guys!
On topic:
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Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra
Re: leeching. Nothing has changed in terms of how players should report leechers. The Live Team is taking a look at the reporting system, because they do know that the way the system currently works discourages people from reporting a leecher.
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Good to know.
Longasc
There are names that are so incredibly dumb that they make me lose faith in humanity.
makosi, the oh-so funny and creative "Jewy People Driving German [Cars]" and the choice of your location in the user info, "Psychiatric Ward", are probably not covered by the naming policy of GW or the policies of this board, but such stupidity is the reason why restrictive policies are needed for MMO games, as common sense and sense of decency obviously got totally lost.
makosi, the oh-so funny and creative "Jewy People Driving German [Cars]" and the choice of your location in the user info, "Psychiatric Ward", are probably not covered by the naming policy of GW or the policies of this board, but such stupidity is the reason why restrictive policies are needed for MMO games, as common sense and sense of decency obviously got totally lost.
TheodenKing
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Originally Posted by EPO Bot
Here is one: Wenever you get banned for leeching your faction bars are set to zero. And those who report a leecher get a hundred bonus Balt points.
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Good stuff, Regina. I am not easily offended, but it does bother me when I see inappropriate names or conversations in outposts where all ages may be present. The policy update should allow your team to manage the offenses a little easier than before.
Gift3d
Those are understandable guidelines.
However i don't see how the names Brawling Headbutt and Explicit Sadist don't adhere to them.
[brawling headbutt][sadist's signet] Anet, you jokers.
However i don't see how the names Brawling Headbutt and Explicit Sadist don't adhere to them.
[brawling headbutt][sadist's signet] Anet, you jokers.
BenjZee
I think that if the names funny but it has the slight chance of being offensive of rude then just dont risk it.
There are some guidl names that make me think careful aswell.
one of the top of my head: Guess why we play one handed [fap]...or something along those lines.
There are some guidl names that make me think careful aswell.
one of the top of my head: Guess why we play one handed [fap]...or something along those lines.
makosi
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Originally Posted by Longasc
There are names that are so incredibly dumb that they make me lose faith in humanity.
makosi, the oh-so funny and creative "Jewy People Driving German [Cars]" and the choice of your location in the user info, "Psychiatric Ward", are probably not covered by the naming policy of GW or the policies of this board, but such stupidity is the reason why restrictive policies are needed for MMO games, as common sense and sense of decency obviously got totally lost. |
As for the 'Hitler' confusion, the name kinda died out after the 1940s and it's safe to say that any occurences are going to be related to the late and not-so-great Adolf. If in doubt, avoid at all costs.
Rhamia Darigaz
is there any chance the naming policy could be updated to reflect the fact that there are no offensive words, only easily offended people, and that the punishment is for playing a game with easily offended people rather than for having a name that is somehow inherently offensive? i find the current wording absurd and unbecoming of a legitimate business such as arena net.
Dre
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Originally Posted by EPO Bot
Here is one: Wenever you get banned for leeching your faction bars are set to zero. And those who report a leecher get a hundred bonus Balt points.
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encourage reporting: no
they want to decrease the number of leechers, not increase the number of (false) reports (I hope
)
Massive Impulsa
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Originally Posted by Black Metal
Also, people who have wanted their names changed for whatever reason had their friends report them.
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Whut!? Was this possible! x) - Wow then i so wanna report my ranger and hopefully i can change his name!
I dont hope i risk to get that character banned/deleted because it does have armor and weps worth of 1000k + :>
makosi
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Originally Posted by Rhamia Darigaz
is there any chance the naming policy could be updated to reflect the fact that there are no offensive words, only easily offended people, and that the punishment is for playing a game with easily offended people rather than for having a name that is somehow inherently offensive? i find the current wording absurd and unbecoming of a legitimate business such as arena net.
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~
Battery Powered Best Friend [Vibe]
Endangered Feces [Dodo]
One was banned/disbanded/whatever'd and one was deemed worthy of reinstation after a short time. I find them both equally (and minimally) offensive... when does one cross the line?
Ate of DK
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Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra
Re: leeching. Nothing has changed in terms of how players should report leechers. The Live Team is taking a look at the reporting system, because they do know that the way the system currently works discourages people from reporting a leecher.
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If I don't get punished for reporting a leecher I might use that function in future.
Lord Of Blame
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Originally Posted by Zahr Dalsk
* Are pornographic.
Yeah, I'm sure people were jacking off to character names. Let's be fair, some armour suits already make better fapping material than a name ever could. |
Vel
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| * Reference certain real-life people that may cause distress (e.g. Hitler). |
And also, you could include the following:
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| * Reference Gwen. |
Names don't bother me much. Whatever you could do to stop botters and leechers in competitive missions will be very helpful.
Ate of DK
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Originally Posted by makosi
I'll second that.
~ Battery Powered Best Friend [Vibe] Endangered Feces [Dodo] One was banned/disbanded/whatever'd and one was deemed worthy of reinstation after a short time. I find them both equally (and minimally) offensive... when does one cross the line? |
BenjZee
Actually that jewy one isnt actually that offensive to be honest at all. The reference to hitler on the other hand is offensive to many as it was a worldwide situation. It can be germans, jews, anyone.
I have to say the dodo one it brilliant though I think the bodily functions etc it wouldn't come under this though. Maybe it means farts, words such as S**T and other bodily functions and well bodily fluids etc
Also using bush in your name could refer to bush as in a hedge etc. Its a differemt sitaution don't get me wrong but Bush doesn't offend anyone if you mean the ex president. Then again bush can refer to a certain area of the anatomy. I think it will all depend on the rest of the name ...
just be very careful
I have to say the dodo one it brilliant though
I think the bodily functions etc it wouldn't come under this though. Maybe it means farts, words such as S**T and other bodily functions and well bodily fluids etcAlso using bush in your name could refer to bush as in a hedge etc. Its a differemt sitaution don't get me wrong but Bush doesn't offend anyone if you mean the ex president. Then again bush can refer to a certain area of the anatomy. I think it will all depend on the rest of the name ...
just be very careful
Improvavel
More oppression of freedom.
I still wish to know why the word "Damn" is in the chat filter list.
I still wish to know why the word "Damn" is in the chat filter list.
Jecht Scye
The naming policy is a waste of good programming and community relations time in my opinion. This game is rated Teen by the ESRB:
Therefore, you should expect that there is strong language present. Especially since you can't control the human variable. There is strong language in chat all the time (please don't make the argument that there is a filter, I know.) and even if a forced filter was placed on that, the human variable would come storming ahead again with altered words such as (using "darn" as an example to abide by rules):
da.rn, d4rn, d-a-r-n, ect.
It's a waste of ArenaNet's resources to even try to control it. Can you greatly limit offensive names with this policy? Yes, but could the people managing the naming reports, or coding the filters fill their time with something more constructive? I sure think so.
This is unnecessary software and corporate bloat if you ask me.
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Originally Posted by http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp
TEEN
Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language. |
da.rn, d4rn, d-a-r-n, ect.
It's a waste of ArenaNet's resources to even try to control it. Can you greatly limit offensive names with this policy? Yes, but could the people managing the naming reports, or coding the filters fill their time with something more constructive? I sure think so.
This is unnecessary software and corporate bloat if you ask me.
makosi
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Originally Posted by Ate of DK
I'm sorry, but if you think those are offending. Take a second look at your own guildname.... (Jewy People Driving German [cars])
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Btw [Cars] isn't real, it's an inside joke.
HawkofStorms
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Originally Posted by Jecht Scye
This is unnecessary software and corporate bloat if you ask me. |
Children do play this game, regardless of its rating (because, lets be honest, how many parents really understand the difference between video games).
Having a chat filter and enforcing certain rules is a selling point and feature to concerned parents.
Apollo Smile
Looks like a fair list. I think they need to add names like this "X Renegade X" "Xx Noob Sin Xx" to off limits as well. 
Jecht Scye
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Originally Posted by HawkofStorms
Try telling that to parents who will buy this game for their children.
Children do play this game, regardless of its rating (because, lets be honest, how many parents really understand the difference between video games). Having a chat filter and enforcing certain rules is a selling point and feature to concerned parents. |
Painbringer
How about offend able characters? I played a match and a foreign player kept spamming a swastika in all chat… I was like good god we don’t need this can of worms opening !
Anyway thanks for a mention on leeching and that it is getting looked at
Anyway thanks for a mention on leeching and that it is getting looked at
Captain Bulldozer
Hmmm.... do the naming guidelines refer to the naming of Pets as well? Not as big an issue of course, as you only see pet names in explorable/mission instances.