Now that we are approaching the point where the game will be open to the public, we think it proper to explain our game policies. After spending many hours discussing this issue amongst the team and refining the game name policy, here it is:
No Stupid Names
There are two possible consequences for violation of this rule. If we believe that the name is borderline, your game name will be changed to something we think is appropriate, like "a_nitwit_77". If on the other hand, it is quite clear that the name is in violation of said name policy, then you will just be banned without warning . ALL game names will be reviewed after creation by either one of us or a member of the CSR team. If a CSR approves a name that we later review and find to be objectionable, the CSR will be fired. This will encourage conservatism on their part. This policy is not limited to the beta test period; it is also in effect when the game is released to the general public. Renaming or banning is not subject to appeal. Claims that the name was allowed by the login server will fall on deaf ears. The LS is not too bright and any clever five year old would be able to outwit it.
What constitutes a Stupid Name ? Ahh, but that is the question, isn't it. We think you know. We know you know. Anything with either vulgarity or profanity either direct or indirect is forbidden. No racial witticisms. Clever constructs like "Pig Benis" or "Tigole Bitties" will get you banned immediately. "Merlin57" or "Gandalf32" are lame, but acceptable. There will be no combat reports of "MyDick has defeated YourVirginity". No celebrity name variations. Our game will have no "Azyn Pryde" in it. If it helps, you may regard us as vengeful, spiteful, humorless, misanthropic megalomaniacs. All you need to do is ask yourself "What will They think of this name ?" and you will be able to make a proper selection. You may think, They will find this funny. You might even be correct. However, even if we are laughing at your cleverness, we will still ban you for a stupid name, and will laugh while we do so. Note: clever misspellings of the name Tsagoth will not be deemed funny.
Many objects in the game may be named by players. The name policy extends to these objects as well, although there will be somewhat more latitude. Naming your planet "Tsagoth is a tyrant" is fine. "Zark is a prick" will find you banned and your planets merged into the Tsagothian Empire.
The above will no doubt seem harsh and arbitrary. It is. Playing in a game should be an enjoyable experience, and ever since we encountered YerMum in Trinsic we vowed that in our game there would not be such nonsense. Years playing Everquest and the cesspool of WoW have only hardened our conviction. It would be a mistake to think that you will skate by because we couldn't possibly review thousands of names. We can, and we will vigorously enforce this, because we have seen what happens otherwise.
Choose wisely.