Character Name Change and Appearance

SecretSurprise · October 2014

A similar discussion has been brought up in the past, but I felt it was important to discuss it further.

I feel strongly about adding a feature for allowing characters the ability to change their names and possibly the chance to alter appearance. I've read some previous discussions and feel that adding some sort of an altar similar to that of the Stendarr Altar, which resets points, would be an amazing way to implement a method for character name changes as well as their appearances.

If people feel strongly about this or are dissatisfied with their characters name/appearance, then I feel it would help a lot if people were to help bring this topic to the attention of the gms or whomever is responsible for potentially being able to promote this notion.

Thanks,
and please feel free to add your opinion or very own concepts of how you think this should be executed if it were to be brought to the attention of the Gm's or whomever is responsible for requests and changes.

@‌SecretSurprise
Veteran Lvl 1 Sorcerer

Nestor · October 2014

I have a character that I gave an alt name to, but has become a regular character I use. I would love to be able to change the name. Right now it is Occam Craftalt, because she was just supposed to be a Crafter for my main Occam Razzor. So I named her that way. Now, she is one of my mains.

Ironically, Occam Razzor's appearance is such that he is the only character I put a helmet on so I don't have to look at his face. While I can do the helmet thing, I would like to be able to tweak his face.

Esha76 · October 2014

I would love to have the ability to change minor appearance stuff at the very least. Hair, make-up, tats, etc.... But I would prefer to see full change options. Being able to utilize such variety of options will help prevent visual stagnation and boredom in many players.

Gina or Jessica said in a previous thread on this that the devs would like to implement an appearance changer at some point, but the whole idea was still being thought out as to how they can do that. I have no idea if there is any intention to offer name changing at some point.

Valen_Byte · October 2014

I would love to be able to change some cosmetic stuff but not structural. Like to be able to change tats or face paint, things like that. But not the actual shape of the face. I also agree that name changing should be a thing.

SecretSurprise · October 2014

I really hope they do add a way to change character names.
I would hate to have to reset my character just because I want the name really bad.

Oh and the limited amount of deletions that you're allowed when removing created characters, really sucks.

I don't see why they wouldn't just allow you to delete unlimited amounts?

k9mouse · October 2014

I vote "NO!" -- making a char should mean something and changing it at will not help to build up the player based. I do get to know your char somewhat on their looks and all of sudden he or she does not look the same, does not help people who like to RP, or your char background. IMHO, if you want a new looking char, then re roll the alt. Once the die is cast, one must live how the die has landed.

One aspect of the ESO what should be like RL life -- once someone is born (aka created) one does not get to change their looks or tats can not really be removed easy or horns in case of Argonian or spots on a Khajiit.

This is a BIG may be, hair or other aspects that one can change like in RL life. Also, if ZOS does let player changed their chars, it should be cost A LOT! to discourage over used. I hope ZOS never let this "bad idea" of changing char in ESO at any time.

I rather not see any type of char name, or look changes in ESO. (Unless, it is causing a bug with special chars in the name -- then talk to a GM and should be a case by case bases. Not a player self fix)

Also, if a player is a troll or like to cause trouble -- changing name or looks will cause more problems for guilds and / or groups. It based to live with the char name and people can know who you are and treat you accordingly

Nestor · October 2014

SecretSurprise wrote: »

I don't see why they wouldn't just allow you to delete unlimited amounts?

It was done to combat the gold spammers and bots, and it worked. So, it needs to stay.

JD2013 · October 2014

I am tempted to come down on the side of no. I have nothing inherently against the idea or indeed people using it, but not being able to change things like that forces you to think about your character and how you initially create them. It makes it more meaningful. If you call your character something like "Sir Noobs-a-Lot" or something like that because you think it's funny at the time, that's certainly your choice but should be sticking to it.

Nestor · October 2014

I have been against character face changes for a long time. I thought the plastic surgeon in Skyrim was a dumb thing to add to the game, but since I did not have to use it, I could ignore that it was there.

However, in this game, characters look different in game than they do in the Chargen. Not sure what it it is lighting, perspective, FOV, Foreshortening or what. What looks good in chargen does not look as good in game. However, I have put a helmet on my ugliest character and he can stay under hat until the end.

Evergnar · October 2014

I think a one time change would be ok. It's a lot to level a character and sometimes simple mistakes are made. It would be nice not to have to live with it for the entirety of a character.

I'm perfectly happy with all my characters looks but I could see why players would want it. I just don't want to see characters in game changing every day. So a 1 time change (per character) would be my vote. I'm not in favor of name changes but if they were implemented I prefer a 1 time change as well.

Esha76 · October 2014

Nestor wrote: »

...I thought the plastic surgeon in Skyrim was a dumb thing to add to the game, but since I did not have to use it, I could ignore that it was there....

Case closed.

Not liking it for your personal experience, and not wanting to use such an addition, is perfectly fine. Telling me I shouldn't have the option because it will somehow ruin your RP experience, or that you can no longer stalk me due to my appearance changing every day? Wrong.

You mean you can see players hairstyles, facial details, and tats under their helms and armor? Damn, need to change your name to Eagle Eyes.

In the variety of threads on this topic, I have yet to see one valid argument to prevent integrating this option into the game for players who want it. If I must, I'll dismantle the illogical rationalizations and fallacies stated in some posts above. Not one example in those posts is valid.

Aoife32001 · October 2014

As one who loves games like this to be as realistic as possible within the given lore, I would nevertheless love the ability to change not only cosmetic traits but structural ones as well. In TES games, I'm constantly using cheat codes to tweak my character until I get it just as I want it, and don't really have the time nor the desire to have to completely re-start in order to make those minor changes.

That being said, while a cosmetic editor would be ideal in-game, I would think it best if such a full-blown character editor were utilized at the log-in screen rather than in-game. As much as I would like to see such an editor, I would really hate to see ZoS try to come up with some explanation as to how I can go from 6'07" to 5'08".

Just let players make structural changes and move on as if nothing happened. Don't try working an explanation into the game...

Gilvoth · October 2014

i would love to be able to change my characters face and name, if it was possible and allowed i would probably even change his race.

khele23eb17_ESO · October 2014

JD2013 wrote: »

I am tempted to come down on the side of no. I have nothing inherently against the idea or indeed people using it, but not being able to change things like that forces you to think about your character and how you initially create them. It makes it more meaningful. If you call your character something like "Sir Noobs-a-Lot" or something like that because you think it's funny at the time, that's certainly your choice but should be sticking to it.

Now think about this from a player retention side. Sure, you want to make the game challenging and have punishing elements in it, but you really dont want to make the player feel theyve screwed themselves over permanently by a bad decision. They are more likely to quit than to redo the exact same content with a new character. Especially when the leveling process is rather lenghty. This goes mainly for builds/specs but its also pertinent to names and appearance.

Besides, appearance change has been pretty much confirmed. They want to have it in the game and new customization options have already been created for it. Theyre deciding how to best implement it. We'll just have to wait and see if they'll put name changing on their to-do list as well.

Also Im still hoping theyll announce craftable costumes or some other form of vanity system eventually.

xaraan · October 2014

It is waaaaaay past time they should have both of these features in the game.

Cabot · October 2014

One of the things I’ve been thinking about regarding this situation is, a quest that you can obtain at level 25 or maybe level 30. The quest would not provide any exp., skill points or achievements, etc. that would entice (force) min/maxers or completionists to drop everything and go do the quest.

The following is my “lame” attempt at a possible storyline for such a quest. Your character comes across a family, who recently had lost everything in a house fire. The daughter/son was badly burned in the fire and will now be disfigured and scarred for life.

The family has heard stories about a shrine dedicated to <fill in the name of some benevolent Deadric Prince> where, with a big enough offering, might gain repairs for their damaged offspring. They ask you to gather x, y and z items for the offering.

To make a long story, short, (or at least shorter), the Prince is moved by the offering and cures the burn victim and knowing you did the “heavy-lifting” for the offering, the prince also grants you a one-time chance to pass through the character creation system again.

Most people would understand the many reasons the first 2 tabs in the creation screen would be greyed out. Since they control race, gender, faction and class, they would most likely be unavailable. This might be true of the “Name” window also, but simply having a flag on the original name of character which ZOS personnel can see avoiding the usage of a name change by “Troll” activity to dodge being reported.

This leaves body and face adjustments, and probably the “Voice” options as well, to go along with the possible name change. Most of the things being mentioned in this and the numerous other topics covering this subject would be covered by this method.

Anyway, this is my nickel’s worth.

Shader_Shibes · October 2014

I would love to be able to change the name of my main to something more suitable.
I just gave him a name that i use on most forums etc, as i really didnt think i would get that sucked into the game.

Appearance wise i'm not fussed. I'm pretty happy with toons appearances.

Mercutio · October 2014

Any options that do not impact other players should at least be strongly considered, and not implemented only because of a lack of available resources.

A name change is such a service. As our actual game handles are easily learned (just place someone on ignore for example), I don't see how this could lessen the play experience of anyone else.

Very much for character remodeling/plastic surgeon, whatever you want to call it. Again:

1) Does this affect anyone outside the customer?

2) Would this enhance player satisfaction which is the prime consideration for player retention? The healthier the population, the better for us all.

3) Could this be a paid service that would add money to the Zeni coffers, which in turn would allow for more, faster improvements down the road?

I realize everyone wants everything free. Especially in a sub based game. Those feelings have validity even though I do not share them. I would gladly pay five bucks for a "Magic Mirror" that gave me 8 character recreations.

MornaBaine · October 2014

Barber shop is way overdue and it DESPERATELY needs to have a LOT of new hairstyles as well! Every time I go to make a new character I darn near weep with frustration when I get to the hair. More makeup styles for women, perhaps by an artist with at least the vaguest clue as to what looks good, would be helpful as well. Also, HUGE yes to name changes! You should also be able to change scars, tattoos and "adornments" as well. And NONE of it should cost a ridiculous amount of in game gold.

Aoife32001 · October 2014

I realize everyone wants everything free. Especially in a sub based game. Those feelings have validity even though I do not share them. I would gladly pay five bucks for a "Magic Mirror" that gave me 8 character recreations.

I think it is more accurate to say I am already paying for this game, so I already paid for services and content they release in future updates. I don't expect everything for free, or I wouldn't have started playing ESO to begin with.

I play a subscription game because I don't have to be nickel and dimed for every successive content feature. If I want to pay to edit my character's appearance and name, I'll go to a game that doesn't have a monthly subscription model. Releasing such editing features in a cash shop is the same, for me and many others, as not releasing it at all.

Wicked_Wolf · October 2014

I don't see how anyone could be against this option. The reasons listed above by those who vote no, are personal. So basically, you can just elect not to use the option and it wouldn't affect you at all.

JamilaRaj · October 2014

khele23eb17_ESO wrote: »

JD2013 wrote: »

I am tempted to come down on the side of no. I have nothing inherently against the idea or indeed people using it, but not being able to change things like that forces you to think about your character and how you initially create them. It makes it more meaningful. If you call your character something like "Sir Noobs-a-Lot" or something like that because you think it's funny at the time, that's certainly your choice but should be sticking to it.

Now think about this from a player retention side. Sure, you want to make the game challenging and have punishing elements in it, but you really dont want to make the player feel theyve screwed themselves over permanently by a bad decision. They are more likely to quit than to redo the exact same content with a new character. Especially when the leveling process is rather lenghty. This goes mainly for builds/specs but its also pertinent to names and appearance.

Besides, appearance change has been pretty much confirmed. They want to have it in the game and new customization options have already been created for it. Theyre deciding how to best implement it. We'll just have to wait and see if they'll put name changing on their to-do list as well.

Also Im still hoping theyll announce craftable costumes or some other form of vanity system eventually.

From player retention side, trying to appease this kind of players is waste of time. They could as well demand change of gender, class (after all, they did not know beforehand what class is like, unlike name or looks, and it takes so much time to level new character), mount, whatever, and then they will quit anyway. You can take a look at any free to pay game, there is literally everything in cash shops, games are successful in milking such players, but they still hop from game to game.
Ironically, also players who were initially appeased would quit, because they eventually realize they log into everchanging psychedelic circus and not even leveling a new char is going to help it.

Not to say name change option alone will break game, just watch out for that principle behind.

Gilvoth · October 2014

Wicked_Wolf wrote: »

I don't see how anyone could be against this option. The reasons listed above by those who vote no, are personal. So basically, you can just elect not to use the option and it wouldn't affect you at all.

exactly, i would also like to add that if they put the "barber" or character appearance change person in a hidden and isolated area thats not easy to find or see then im sure no one will even care that it is there, if thier apposed to this sort of thing. which would be kind of rediculas to be aposed to the ability to "fix" things you may have come to regret that you did in character creation.

pppontus · October 2014

Send an email to support and ask for a name change. That's that problem solved for you ^^

Forestd16b14_ESO · October 2014

I hosntly would like to see something like the face sculpter from skyrims dawnguard DLC added you know about to change your hair and what not. Like take example the RP players there all high level by now and maybe want to add some scars or longer hair even a beard to show that they age and fought in many battles and all that stuff.

purple-magicb16_ESO · October 2014

Lol! You mean make another character?

AlnilamE · October 2014

Forestd16b14_ESO wrote: »

I hosntly would like to see something like the face sculpter from skyrims dawnguard DLC added you know about to change your hair and what not. Like take example the RP players there all high level by now and maybe want to add some scars or longer hair even a beard to show that they age and fought in many battles and all that stuff.

This. I would like to be able to change the hairstyle of my character occasionally. And adding a scar or two after defeating Molag Bal would also be neat.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm indifferent, though. I'll use it if it's there, but if it's not, that's fine too.

DenverRalphy · October 2014

I'm against name changes. If I run in a group and one person is completely useless, I take note of their name to make sure I never group with that character again. Don't get me wrong... I can recognize the difference between a bad spec that can be changed versus a bad player. And when I mention bad player, I'm not referring to talent, but more so a lack of group contribution and self greed.

I really don't want to see a mechanism incorporated that allows *** to change their names, and reintroduce themselves again.

Nestor · October 2014

DenverRalphy wrote: »

If I run in a group and one person is completely useless, I take note of their name to make sure I never group with that character again.

What if they have an Alt? With a different name? Then how are you going to tell?

Just asking.

Wicked_Wolf · October 2014

I agree with the name change concerns but I think they really need to add the appearance changer as that doesn't affect anyone else in a negative way.

khele23eb17_ESO · October 2014

JamilaRaj wrote: »

khele23eb17_ESO wrote: »

JD2013 wrote: »

I am tempted to come down on the side of no. I have nothing inherently against the idea or indeed people using it, but not being able to change things like that forces you to think about your character and how you initially create them. It makes it more meaningful. If you call your character something like "Sir Noobs-a-Lot" or something like that because you think it's funny at the time, that's certainly your choice but should be sticking to it.

Now think about this from a player retention side. Sure, you want to make the game challenging and have punishing elements in it, but you really dont want to make the player feel theyve screwed themselves over permanently by a bad decision. They are more likely to quit than to redo the exact same content with a new character. Especially when the leveling process is rather lenghty. This goes mainly for builds/specs but its also pertinent to names and appearance.

Besides, appearance change has been pretty much confirmed. They want to have it in the game and new customization options have already been created for it. Theyre deciding how to best implement it. We'll just have to wait and see if they'll put name changing on their to-do list as well.

Also Im still hoping theyll announce craftable costumes or some other form of vanity system eventually.

From player retention side, trying to appease this kind of players is waste of time. They could as well demand change of gender, class (after all, they do did not know beforehand what class is like, unlike name or looks, and it takes so much time to level new character), mount, whatever, and then they will quit anyway. You can take a look at any free to pay game, there is literally everything in cash shops, games are successful in milking such players, but they still hop from game to game.
Ironically, also players who were initially appeased would quit, because they eventually realize they log into everchanging psychedelic circus and not even leveling a new char is going to help it.

Not to say name change option alone will break game, just watch out for that principle behind.

Whats there to watch out for? Sure there are people who will quit regardless of this but you can say that about any single aspect of a game. Some people will quit regardless of how good the story is. Some will quit despite brilliant graphics. Does it mean devs shouldnt bother with these things?

QoL changes might not be a priority but they are never a waste of time.

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I'm against name changes. If I run in a group and one person is completely useless, I take note of their name to make sure I never group with that character again. Don't get me wrong... I can recognize the difference between a bad spec that can be changed versus a bad player. And when I mention bad player, I'm not referring to talent, but more so a lack of group contribution and self greed.

I really don't want to see a mechanism incorporated that allows *** to change their names, and reintroduce themselves again.

The ignore command is account based not character based... dont really see a problem here.