Communication app Discord is making a major change to its username format, opting to drop its original four-digit discriminator format for a more standardized approach similar to that of Twitter handles. The change will also be accompanied by a Display Name feature that will let players change their names on the fly.
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Currently, Discord uses a unique format for differentiating users via what’s known as a four-digit discriminator. This is the four-digit number that follows your username, with a hash sign (#) preceding said numbers. This allowed users with the same name of choice to effectively have different usernames via the discriminators (John#0001 would be different from John#0002, for example). While this system does work as intended, Discord co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy pointed out a few flaws in a recent blog post, including a 9,999 user limitation for extremely common names such as Mike or Jane, or case sensitivity which causes confusion when sharing usernames. Vishnevskiy even claims that more than 40% of users don’t even remember their four-digit discriminator.
The new changes to the username system will be more in line with Twitter’s, providing users with two ways to identify themselves. The username will function as the user’s unique ID and will be written with alphanumeric characters. A non-unique Display Name will also be available to display any name of choice, regardless of how common it is. Overall, the new system aims to make it easier for users to remember and share their unique IDs with others while still retaining the ability to set names freely.
The username format change has been met with quite a bit of pushback from the community, with some raising concerns over the “first come, first served” system that comes with unique handles as well as potential username “theft” from malicious actors who aim to claim usernames of popular influencers or personalities. The update is set to roll out in “the coming weeks,” with users being notified of their ability to switch over to the new system via an in-app prompt.
Hey Discord, and @discord_support we don't really want your new username changes, thanks! First-come first-serve on usernames we're forced to change to isn't anything anyone wants!
— Lily ⛧ Goat Demon Vtuber ⛧ (@LilyGoatDemon) May 4, 2023
What are your thoughts on the upcoming username change? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Discord