PlayStation users will finally have the ability to change their PSN IDs — though they warn it might cause users some unexpected problems.<\/b>
\nSony officially announced that, after twelve years and countless user requests, it\u2019s finally allowing users to change their PlayStation Network names. It\u2019s opening the feature to the PlayStation Preview program so certain users can test it.
The rumor that PlayStation was making this long-awaited change surfaced earlier this month, when developers hinted they\u2019d been told to prepare for the change. It was a pleasant surprise, as it\u2019s something users have wanted for as long as the PlayStation Network has existed.
Sid Shuman, PlayStation\u2018s director of social media, said in the announcement users in the test could change their names as many times as they wished, though with one important caveat:
This is very similar to Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Live name change policy: The first time is free, but after that you\u2019ll have to pony up some cash. You also have the option of displaying your earlier name alongside it, so your friends will know who you are.
It\u2019s essentially the exact feature everyone\u2019s been requesting from Sony for years. That said, it\u2019s not a wholly rosy picture. According to Shuman, the change might cause a few problems with certain games:
Other remarks made by PS execs over the years have led us to believe the change might be difficult because certain PSN assets are tied to user names. So I\u2019m worried that, in a few months, we\u2019ll start seeing a flood of posts on the PlayStation forums or subreddit in which users are upset about losing game progress, saves, or trophies because they changed their names.
You\u2019ll have the option to revert to your old name if you do have issues, but Shuman\u2019s exact words are that this will solve most issues. Still, a list of compatible games will be available on the PlayStation site, so hopefully users will soon know which games to avoid.
The full rollout of PSN ID changes is due to take place early next year, and the preview test will last until the end of November.
PSN Online ID Change Feature Entering PlayStation Preview Program Soon on PlayStation Blog
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