PlayStation 4 gamers will be able to use real names in addition to PSN IDs

As part of its keynote at the Tokyo Game Show, Sony has detailed the PSN aspect that will come with the PlayStation 4, saying that in addition to PSN IDs, gamers will also be able to use their real names. Such a change will facilitate the ability to form more traditional friendship-esque bonds over the PS4 gaming experience, rather than the impersonal nature of random IDs.

Sony's reasoning behind this is that it can draw in casual users in a way that PSN IDs may not, with one perhaps being more inclined to accept a friend's request from someone with a real name rather than an unusual ID tag. When requests come from random IDs, one is less inclined overall to accept them, not knowing who is behind the accounts.

With real names, such trepidation is nullified, and beyond that the use of real names reminds one that there is an actual person behind that name, and more of a gaming relationship could potentially form with individuals who otherwise may not be willing to connect. Sony wants to see its user base expand, and it feels this could be one way for that to happen.

Those who are uneasy about using their real names won't have to, however, so gamers need not fear that their online anonymity is in danger. Those who want to continue using their PSN IDs will be able to do so without any issues. What do you think of the change? Do you like the idea of being able to use your real name, or will you stick to more anonymous tags?