Though Mark Cerny, lead architect behind the PlayStation 4, announced the feature back in February, Sony reiterated to Kotaku yesterday that gamers will be able to use their real names as an online ID when the console launches next month. The personal touch, which will allow players to be identified by their full name as opposed to a seven-year old pseudonym, is a key element in Sony’s plan to create a user-friendly online experience.
It’s worth keeping in mind that this feature is entirely optional, with players having the choice between anonymity and real name identification from the get-go. Although many gamers would have preferred the option to change their PSN usernames, the real-name option seems to be a way for Sony to circumvent the long-gestating demand.
In tandem with the confirmation, the company also addressed the cross-party chat feature on PlayStation 4, stating that the connection will support up to eight players; much like the PlayStation Vita. In fact, we understand that the system will be compatible across both the PS4 and its handheld companion, with players being able to communicate seamlessly across the two platforms.
In contrast, however, Microsoft revealed last week that the Xbox One will not accommodate real names in its online ecosystem until the months following launch, instead opting under the familiar Gamertag system for the foreseeable future. In a statement, a representative for Microsoft had this to say about the delayed update:
“While real identities continue to be part of our plans for the experience on Xbox One, at launch, customers will continue to search for friends using their Gamertags. Our teams are working hard to deliver a quality experience for Xbox One. This means prioritising some features and sometimes postponing others for a later update.”
What do you make of the new identification system with PlayStation 4? Indeed do you think attaching real names to players will encourage a friendlier online experience a la YouTube? Let us know below.
