810°

Sony executive explains why you can't change your PSN name

PlayStation users can't change their PlayStation Network names because PSN wants to curb the behavior of griefers and other online malefactors, or at least not give them a tool to use, the president of Sony Computer Entertainment America tells IGN.

no_more_heroes3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

Not sold on the reason given, but maybe that's part of the reason MS charges $10 to change your Gamertag. Been wanting to change it since coming up with a Gamertag I'm satisfied with, on the 3rd attempt (XalechimThe14th).

thorstein3450d ago

Yes. It is punishing the masses for the actions of the few.

But, a solution could be very simple: only allow users to change their name a total of 1-4 times over the life of the account. I just want to change it once.

This would give players who want to change theirs the ability to do so and prevent the very scenario he is talking about.

oODEADPOOLOo3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

Yea its a cheap excuse that dosent really hold up, theres more legitimate people trying to change a name they dont like, then some troll running around "griefing". Why not tie a reputation system like xbox that stays with the account for all to see regardless of the name? and clears up overtime with good behavior.

I dont get how a name change allows you to annoy different people effectively either. There's so many people online that I would forget that person quickly anyway, whos gonna know that person when they switch to another game anyway, unless they have a youtube channel dedicated to trolling or something.

IVanSpinal3450d ago

What GT you have?
and what GT you want?

ABizzel13450d ago

This is stupid.

Either charge people, or only allow people to change once per year or generation.

XisThatKid3450d ago

* You have to have plus and when you don't have plus it goes back (that last part optional)
* 10-20$
* Only can do it once a year or 6 months timed like all the other services attached to your SEN account or like the deactivation thing
* Have to "resign" all the user agreements. risk banning
THIS'll solve at least 50% of the problems

SolidStoner3450d ago

same goes for country change... PSN dont support my country, but they said they will this year... I would prefer just to change it and not create a new account and loose everything.. it could also be useful for people who moved to live in another country!

Why o why3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

Dumb

They should be able to allow at least 1 change....starting again just doesnt sit well and people are different from when they may of created their user names... c'mon sony....fix up

@tvensky....good point

I understand real names is effectively the same thing but that only registers with people on your f list.

freshslicepizza3450d ago

has anyone heard of anyone being banned on psn for being a griefer? i don't think that's the reason you can't change your name.

PS3Freak3450d ago

Given all the information given in this thread; the solution seems pretty simple and straightforward.

I would love to change my stupid username. Just once, that's all I need.

M1ST4K33450d ago

Or once per year... that would keep them away, too...

k3rn3ll3450d ago

Xbox let's you do it once for free. IIRC

threefootwang3450d ago

BS excuse indeed. I'd be content with first name change is free, any extras after that cost $10.

Come on Sony.

3450d ago
frostypants3450d ago

I believe them. From a pure business/data perspective, allowing the changing of usernames should be almost laughably simple for them to implement (unless they designed their database system wrong). Blocking it to prevent griefers makes perfect sense to me. However, allowing us to pay for the ability to change them should be an option.

kreate3450d ago

I rather delete trophies off my list.

Necr0philiac3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

@k3rn3ll:
@Cobra951:

Mirosoft has let me change my name for free 12 times already. Not by choice, If you have a offensive gamertag or get complaints on your gamer tag they will force you to change it for free. I kept using different variations of Necrophiliac, because I had that name since the og Xbox and don't like being forced to change my stuff. You could have your friends send bad feedback on your name and that might get you a free name change. It seemed like every time I played a family game (Risk ,Uno ,poker, etc ) the next day I would have to change my name.

Exari3450d ago

but then again, "griefers" still can create new accounts in no time, so this isnt a good reason..

Mainman3449d ago

Being able to delete trophies shouldn't be too much of a problem then right?

Personally I'm fine with my name, I just want to be able to delete some trophies.

soniqstylz3449d ago

You can kind of delete trophies. You can hide certain games so your friends and websites like PSNProfiles won't detect them.

You'll still see them, tho.

+ Show (15) more repliesLast reply 3449d ago
JsonHenry3450d ago

This reason is an obvious lie. And told so lazily that its clear they just DGAF about us when it comes to that. They're on top for now and have little reason to worry about pleasing us until the competition gets tougher.

frostypants3450d ago

No, it's not an obvious lie. SIMMAH DOWN NAH.

Gamer19823450d ago

if they charge a fee then there argument is invalid..I mean whos stupid enough to go in troll somebody then pay $10 just to troll them again, then pay another $10 to do it again and again and so on?? Who's the real loser there?? What a BS reason. It's no doubt down to they have no idea how to do it yet.

frostypants3450d ago

Dude...you think they don't know how to update a database value? LOL...no.

rainslacker3450d ago

Not to mention that if someone ignored someone, they should stay ignored after a name change.

Dark_king3450d ago

"It's no doubt down to they have no idea how to do it yet."

Its not this, in fact you could change your Japanese account name.At least you could a long time ago no clue about now.

Sharky2313450d ago

What if they leave a list of former names on your profile for everyone to see. Then you could see a former name under his profile. You get "grief" from someone and they change there name. You can go to players met and find the one you wanna report and it says he changed his name recently. You have a list of names right there. That could be an easy fix.

Seraphim3450d ago

A few friends and myself were talking about this the other night. We'd be more than happy to pay $5-10 to change your name. I mean if it's that important to you then you will pay. Also aren't IP addresses banned nowadays? I'm sure there's still ways around that but still..... Personally I have a tag I'm happy with since I was able to get a PS3 at launch and get on right away but having that option there should be something Sony offers. Hopefully they see the need to offer this and allow us to pay a small fee to change our names

r1sh123450d ago

With MS the first gamertag change is free (ive used it before), but it sort of does make sense to charge people. It might act as a deterrent to those who troll on games, although surely with technology the way it is now, the username is linked to an email address so there should be an audit log of everything a player does..
(Its part of MS/ Sony corporate IT audit policy - Ive worked on security projects for both)

donwel3449d ago

I had 3 different names on the 3 different networks until I changed my xbox live name. Bit brassed that I can't change my PSN name now to match the other two but oh well.

Blaze9293449d ago (Edited 3449d ago )

wow - and you all really believe that? REALLY? I guess because it's Sony huh? And when Sony speaks, it's fact.

I'd rather them come out and say "we didn't plan for that, and it's far too late now."

Because that's pretty much how it is. If they ever bring this feature to us in the future, they'll have to explain this again. So I guess we have it, no PSN name changes - ever.

And what's this about Japan accounts being able to change their names?

And to the people defending this, talking about "should've picked a better name" - YOU, are part of the problem.

user56695103449d ago

That's funny you can change your name on steam as many times as you want

SouthClaw3449d ago

It is a lie. The network isn't set up to handle it. It's infrastructure is weaker than XBL. They cannot do a number of things from name changing to appearing offline.

BTW I have a PS3 and PS4 and PS + before people think I am being a fan boy.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 3449d ago
Rik_Mayall3450d ago

I'm sure all of the now older and more mature COD_QuikSc0pe(Insert 4 numbers) kids would love a chance to change their name, even with a fee.

If I was a griefer, I'd have 6 separate griefing accounts...

Ripsta7th3450d ago

Or they could just make a new account ? For free

JsonHenry3450d ago

For free? And lose ALL of your data, free games through P+, and many other features/stats tied to your account?

No thanks.

theXtReMe13450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

I agree with others here, but will add that each account has got to have an account number… Why not tie the account to the number and allow people to block that number permanently so they couldn't be griefed? So it wouldn't matter if they change their name, the account number would still be the same and you would know who they were no matter how many times they changed it.

You could also put an Asterix by somebody's name for 90 days, giving players the ability to know they changed their name and tell who they were formerly. But again, if they were blocked by account number, none of this would be an issue because the number would never change... just the name.

Why o why3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

Maybe you should be working for psn/sony..... your workarounds seem quite viable +1 intelligent

M1ST4K33450d ago

internally (on the database) every account has an ID... So, yeah, that is feasible...

HatsuneMikuDes3450d ago

Yeah, that's how most services work. The problem they're talking about, however, is the one which occurs when people want to report a certain player, and they change the name upon the report to avoid it. This could be dealth with though, in a number of ways.

Xavior_Reigns3450d ago

That's great Sony... people are willing to pay and you still turn our money down.

oODEADPOOLOo3450d ago (Edited 3450d ago )

It shouldnt even be a paid option, steam lets you do unlimited free name changes.

JsonHenry3450d ago

There is a reason the company is losing billions every year. This is just a part of it.

Spotie3450d ago

It's a dumb reason, but your leap of logic is as stupid, if not more.

thricetold3450d ago

Another bs excuse. It's either too hard for them or they don't see any benefit in it for themselves to go thru the trouble.

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90°

New data suggests PlayStation PC trophies are in the works

A recent trophy list published on the PlayStation Network contains hints that Sony is testing PlayStation PC trophies.

Read Full Story >>
truetrophies.com
195d ago
XxSPIDEYxX195d ago

How sweet of Sony to slowly migrate their audience to PC.

300°

Sony Quietly Removed the Ability to Transfer Games from PS3 to Vita - PlayStation LifeStyle

Sony removed the ability to transfer games from PS3 to Vita, which unfortunately locks Vita players out of a lot of PS1 classics.

Read Full Story >>
playstationlifestyle.net
ZeekQuattro703d ago

Sony really hates the Vita. Years later and they're still finding ways to snub owners of the device.

703d ago
Tacoboto703d ago (Edited 703d ago )

Sony really hates the players, demonstrated by an onslaught of anti-consumer moves - from PS+ Cloud Save restrictions, enforced DualSense on-console (despite input flexibility on Remote Play), no DLC Support for PS3 PS+ titles, upgrade fees on not just cross-gen titles but also now on their new PS+ service, to things like this.

Only Nintendo out-snubs Sony on treatment of their players.

King_Noctis703d ago

This I have to agree. Nintendo is the worst when it comes to consumer-friendly moves, and now Sony is coming so close.

Auron703d ago (Edited 703d ago )

Well atleast nintendo dont dictate/cherry pick what deserves censorship on 3rd party titles.

702d ago
Goozex702d ago

Ya ms has anti consumer moves like drm

persona4chie702d ago

I fully agree that Nintendo cares less about its fans and stuff, but can we look at each company for what they’re doing not others? Yeah I’m irritated at Nintendo for more or less ignoring drift, limited releases like Mario 3D all stars etc, but guess what when I’m mad at Sony for something I’m not going to keep bringing it up, it’s not going to change the fact that I still can’t transfer my ps1 games.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 702d ago
Wrex369703d ago

Yeah unfortunately they gave it a decent start then just kind of relegated it to the bin. Really great handheld though and in its day was my favorite. Gravity Rush, Persona 4 golden, uncharted, tearaway, freedom unite monster hunter(psn downloaded psp version), and DRAGONS CROWN.. just to name a few.. such a good handheld I'd wish they'd try again man.

shinoff2183702d ago

Only indie devs helped keep it alive sony got some games made for it. Just most aaa devs didnt bother. That was the vitas downfall

darthv72703d ago

It seems like this was included in the most recent PS3 and Vita fw updates. So as long as i dont upgrade my systems... it should still work.

porkChop703d ago

What, why? I don't understand the point of this.

Inverno703d ago

People, jailbreak you Vita.

IanTH702d ago

Yeah, I'm not sure why Sony did this. It's one more thing to push people towards CFW, and then that's basically priming people to pirate. Why would they take away a feature? Why do companies continue to punish the loyal, paying customers? It boggles the mind.

flyinb11702d ago

This definitely pushed me to do it.

GoodGuy09703d ago

Just mod your vita and ps3 lol.

one2thr702d ago

This, Pokémon Inclement Emerald on PSVita🤯

Show all comments (36)
270°

PlayStation Network Currently Generates Over $14 Billion In Sales

PlayStation Network currently generates over a staggering $14 billion in digital sales.

MastaMold707d ago (Edited 707d ago )

Yea with this type of revenue could people start to realize and drop the topic of "Sony needs a Game pass. "

TheGreatGazoo30707d ago

That is what all the smart business people are saying "subscription models are a fad."

Silly gameAr707d ago

@TheGreatGazoo

They also said PS Now was a failure. You think all that money is coming from sub models alone?

Bathyj706d ago

The only industry where people on the losing side think the leaders should follow the losers. Sony's clearly fine doing what they've been doing for 25 years. Selling games like the industry has always done.

Orchard706d ago (Edited 706d ago )

@Bathyj "Sony's clearly fine doing what they've been doing for 25 years. Selling games like the industry has always done."

Gotta future proof. I'm sure Blockbuster folk said the same thing about Netflix when it first came on the scene. Business models and consumer expectations change over time.

SullysCigar706d ago

^ sure Orchard, Blockbuster is one example. Another might be Netflix losing subscribers to the point they're changing their policy and threatening their customers.

Netflix started off as good value, then was amazing as the content was great as well as the price, but now it's expensive compared to it's peers and has lost a load of content to them. Original content is mostly crap now and I'm betting a significant crash in users is coming for them late this year.

My point being? Gamepass and anything Sony may do along those lines may well face the same fate. There's nothing wrong with diversification, but you have to focus on your main money maker and people are lapping up PlayStation traditional model - for good reason.

ABizzel1706d ago

They don't "need GamePass" for financials. They needed the revamp to ensure consumer engagement, loyalty, and market share didn't shift in favor of Xbox due to the potential short-term / long-term success of GamePass.

This is why we have the new PS+. They don't need a direct GamePass competitor, they simply needed an easy to get into and well-marketed subscription service that offers a library of games for the more casual consumer since the core fanbase actually buys games on PS.

Godmars290706d ago

Though, aren't they getting a Game Pass. Just that theirs wont include day one major releases.

MrNinosan706d ago

@Godmars290
They had it for years, way before Gamepass was a thing.

Obscure_Observer706d ago

"Yea with this type of revenue could people start to realize and drop the topic of "Sony needs a Game pass"

Well, whether Sony needs a "Game Pass" I can´t tell but, I´m certain they can´t allow themselves to stay idle and not react to Xbox´s recent advances either. According to Newzoo´s latest report, Microsoft´s year-on-year growth is +9,6% vs Sony -2,3% vs Nintendo +1,9%.

https://venturebeat.com/wp-...

Also once the Activision/Blizzard acquisition is completed, Xbox is expected to become the second biggest company in gaming, right behind Tecent.

https://venturebeat.com/wp-...

https://www.gamesindustry.b...

That´s why Sony´s future investments will be more focused on subscription services, GaaS, Multiplatform, PC and Mobile. There are also rumors of a PS Plus launcher for PC coming soon.

Die hard PS fans might hate the direction that Sony is apparently following under Yoshida (CEO) and Ryan by making PS games and services "less exclusive". But inteligent and reasonable PS fans knows that Sony must do what they have to do if they intent to survive trillion dollar companies like Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft while continue and deliver high quality game and services.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 706d ago
RickRoland706d ago (Edited 706d ago )

“Gotta future proof. I'm sure Blockbuster folk said the same thing about Netflix when it first came on the scene. Business models and consumer expectations change over time.”

The difference here is overall convenience. You had to drive to the store and browse then purchase get a game/movie from them and drive home. You have free access from your house to browse and purchase on PS Network. If someone really wants a game and it is of quality and has great reviews they will buy it. Blockbuster lost to internet convenience, not pricing.

Over time subscription services get so large that the fees have to increase, making the value decrease…and as we have seen with sub services quality decreases also. Not everyone wants another monthly bill in their budget for 2-3 games a year they really want to play. A reliance on a sub service weens once you sift through the initial 3-6 months of library access. I know for myself that my gamepass subscription was much more amazing when I first got my series x than it is now 1 year later. At this point I’m just waiting for exclusives…which I wouldn’t mind purchasing without a monthly script because it’s a few games a year.

BehindTheRows706d ago

He knows that, he’s just on the “opposing view” because it’s PlayStation. If Xbox generated this much, and more than PlayStation, it’d be a whole different tune.

Truth is Sony has the winning model and should keep doing exactly what has won them generation(s).

1Victor706d ago

But but but I was told that PS3 was Sony last console and Microsoft was going to buy them.
I want my money back from those damn cheap pact of Gypsies predictions 🤷🏿

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 706d ago
neutralgamer1992706d ago

In fluffy's voice "DAMN"

PlayStation is universal brand. It sells in every country and the brand recognition is just on another level. I think it was like 2018 or 2019 when PlayStation generated more money than Xbox and Nintendo combined

MastaMold

Sony doesn't need GP because they have a huge library of games from their past generations that people can't wait to play again with trophy support. And they have been the best ever since launch of PS5. Game after game while as a Xbox series X owner I am playing the wait game. HFW, GT7, GOW, TOKYO Ghostwire and rumor has it TLOU remake will release this year too. While Ms have all the resources and not much AAA content

Hopefully 2023 is when Xbox can get on a steady schedule for releasing awesome games. Honestly this is the last straw if anything like this happens again than Phil has to and I do mean has to go. He can't be failing this badly with the amount of resources at his disposal

Aloymetal706d ago

''PlayStation is universal brand. It sells in every country and the brand recognition is just on another level. I think it was like 2018 or 2019 when PlayStation generated more money than Xbox and Nintendo combined''

You're absolutely right with both statements.!
https://www.pushsquare.com/...

Eonjay706d ago

I would like to point out that even though is evident that Sony doesn't 'need' GP, they are going to profit very handsomely from their own subscription and they are going to do it without compromising the revenue they get from their first party releases.

Sony Nintendo and Microsoft have worked together to enrich each other. Sony took PSNow, rebranded it to be like GamePass with it's catalog of newer games and then added in Nintendo's retro service. They deserve credit for taking some great aspects of their competitor's programs and making it work for their business.

706d ago Replies(1)
Flawlessmic706d ago

Love to hear it, now keep giving us the usual AAA single player bangers, keep the gaas rubbish to a minimum.

thesoftware730706d ago (Edited 706d ago )

That's good money!

Playstation Network includes all digital purchases, DLC, MT, the monthly/ yearly fee, PSnow and any other paid service on the network.

120mill PS4 and 20 mill PS5, I'm not surprised.

Lol, why mention they don't need a GP service when they are actually doing a similar service come June. I would take that to mean they see more $$ coming from it.

I would surmises the other 2 systems generate in the billions for their digital services as well.

SullysCigar706d ago

"why mention they don't need a GP service"

Because they don't. It's called diversification. They're aiming to offer choices and the best of all worlds. To suggest they 'need' it, though, when they're taking profits like that would be plain wrong.

thesoftware730706d ago

Uh-huh, but who claimed they "needed" it?

Subscriptions services are what all gaming associated brands are doing, Amazon, Google, Nvidia, Ubisoft, EA, MS, Nintendo, Apple, and even Netflix.

Please stop with the "they are diversifying", spin nonsense. They all are, if you can purchase games in a multiple way on

thesoftware730706d ago

Uh-huh, but who claimed they "needed" it?

Subscription services are what all gaming associated brands are doing, Amazon, Google, Nvidia, Ubisoft, EA, MS, Nintendo, Apple, and even Netflix.

Please stop with the "they are diversifying", spin to make them sound different nonsense. They all are diversifying by definition, if you can purchase games and services in multiple ways on a platform then they are all giving diversifying options lol. Sony just like the rest of them sees money to be made.

You can buy, MS games on PC, Xbox, in a store, digitally or sub to GP...see diversifying. You can buy Nintendo games on Mobile, in a store, digitally or you can sub NSO..see diversifying. You can buy games, and 1000 different apps on IOS and android or you can sub and get them...diversifying. Sny is no different, their games selling well means nothing, Subs are industry standard and they are just now bolstering that specific dept. because GP and others popularity can't and shouldn't be ignored.

No need to make them sound like they are doing something special, they are simply moving in a well laid out direction as well.

****Sorry for the double post, had to tend to something***

SullysCigar706d ago

^ "Uh-huh, but who claimed they "needed" it?"

Well, you, when you said, "Lol, why mention they don't need a GP service", but it's no big deal.

By the same token, nowhere did I claim Sony is doing something different, nor did i employ spin. I'm sorry, I might not be the fight you're looking for. I'm just pointing out the situation, not comparing them to any other company.

GamingSinceForever706d ago

What Game Pass does is offer all 1st party and some 3rd party games day one. So no Sony doesn’t need to copy that. That is what was meant when people said that.

thesoftware730706d ago

The 14 billion is not from games alone, it is generated through ALL service sales and usage on the network, even movie streaming, HBO Max, Netflix, Spotify, 3rd party services in general, and yes the gaming division.

I get that it's making money, but the whole "no need for GP-like service", when they are indeed doing a GP-like service is pure worship and a pointless thing to say. Offering the 1st party games on day one has nothing to do with this, technically none of them have to do that, they just chose different directions with that one specific thing.

706d ago Replies(1)
GamingSinceForever706d ago

Sony doesn’t need a GP like service, but that isn’t to say one wouldn’t be nice to have.

Anyone with common sense would love to have the option of playing Playstation games on day one at a monthly cost, however Sony in their current position doesn’t need to go there because they are still making a nice profit selling games at full price.

So no it isn’t worship, it is just stating the facts. They feel that giving away their games would dilute the quality.

MrNinosan706d ago (Edited 706d ago )

They had PSNow for years, they're just rebranding and cleaning it a bit.

John_McClane706d ago

I wonder how much of the money generated comes from their movie company?

Deeeeznuuuts706d ago

Separate division of Sony, so none.

John_McClane705d ago

@DeeeezNuuuts They sell their movies on psn don't they?

P_Bomb705d ago

They stopped selling movies/tv on PSN a while back.

jBlakeeper706d ago (Edited 706d ago )

Because the service they are releasing isn’t meant to compete with GamePass.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 705d ago
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