PlayStation Network name change features have been a constant request by fans since the service first launched in 2006, and a survey obtained by Push Square suggests Sony is still investigating a potential solution.. The leaked questionnaire describes how the hypothetical PSN name change process would work in a question targeted at gauging user interest in the feature.
Taking the source report at face value, the document says users would be able to change their PlayStation Network name as many times as they would like without any additional charge. The only limitations are that you can only change your name once every six months, and reverting to an older handle requires an additional conversation with customer support. It’s a pretty solid alternative to the Xbox Live system that charges around $10 for repeated changes.
However, despite describing the freedoms and restrictions of PlayStation Network name swaps, the survey also notes “we can’t be sure whether this feature will be added or not, but we can be sure your opinions on the matter will be heard.”
This distant stance on the subject differs from statements made by SIEA President Shawn Layden during 2017’s PlayStation Experience. “The elves at the North Pole have been working on it,” Layden told Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller, adding that “it’s more complex than you think.” The company man finished off the question saying “I hope we’ll see events occur that you won’t have to ask me that question next PSX.” Aside from that tentative assurance, documentation alongside the Unreal Engine 4.14 SDK mentioned changes to Sony’s naming infrastructure back in 2016. In other words, this fix has been a long time coming.
While Sony hasn’t been forthright about why it’s taken so long to implement name changes, common speculation suggests the root of the problem stems from how the network database was organized prior to its initial launch. It’s believed that all account details are stored in an uneditable folder named after the PSN ID associated with the account. As such, a workaround has to be designed that can display another name to players while keeping that existing structure in tact. Competitive networks like Xbox Live and Steam store player data in folders with unique ID numbers that are totally separate from the front-facing gamertag.
While the facts point toward a future where PSN name changes are possible, we reiterate that we have not seen the survey in question. As such, we remain skeptical about the contents until official word comes from Sony.
This positive PlayStation Network news arrives during what’s proven to be a spotty few weeks in terms of player service. Outages have become commonplace in recent days, but maybe this report will lift your spirits. After all, the network may be going down because such an intricate feature is actively being prepared.
What are your thoughts on PSN name changes? Will Sony be able to deliver on this complex promise? Tell us in the comments section!
