Shared Pseudonyms Across Gamers: A Look into Online Gaming Names and Stories
Has a pseudonym ever been a topic of conversation with your friends or family? If you've played online games, then there's a good chance you have a game name or gamertag that you use to represent yourself to others. These pseudonyms hold a special place in many gamers' lives and can be a blend of identity, creativity, and personality.
Personal Experiences with Gamertags
My own journey with gamertags has been quite interesting. Initially, I chose an uncommon gamertag on Xbox 360 called Eyefire979, which I felt granted me a sense of being a badass. Over the years, this name has evolved to Yuki-Onna979. While the new name keeps a similar theme, it also embodies a different persona, reflecting my aesthetic and feelings of being 'cute cool'. Unfortunately, over time, Yuki-Onna979 has become more common, leading me to switch to a new pseudonym.
Welcome to Artemis
For a while, I used the pseudonym 'Glowkitt3ns', but that name had a downside. When I googled it, I found my old blogs and writing from when I was younger, which seemed quite embarrassing. To overcome this, I now use Artemis. The name is a direct reflection of my real name, Jade, as I maintain a certain level of anonymity. Additionally, the name 'Artemis' has a mythological connection, being the Greek goddess of archery, which has obvious coordination with using a bow in video games, although it's not my primary choice of weapon.
Understanding Pen Names and Gamertags
Not all gamers share the same attachment to their pseudonyms. USAsniper2 believes that it is important to protect one's privacy, suggesting that a pen name leaking could be a significant breach of confidentiality. On the other hand, Artemis is deeply fond of her online name, even if it is a fictional character from a show. Another example is Kunoovega, whose profound association with his game name traces back through decades.
A Decades-Long Evolution of a Pseudonym
Kunoovega's story is particularly interesting. Starting with the name 'Ninja' in the 1980s and 1990s, he soon felt that it was too generic and switched to 'Vega', inspired by a character from Street Fighter 2. Combining the two, he became 'Ninjavega', a name that became synonymous with his gaming identity. During his time working at Sony, he adapted to the professional environment, maintaining 'Ninjavega' but later scaling down to 'Kuno' for comfort and simplicity.
An Unusual Encounter and a Name Change
The ultimate nail in the coffin for 'Ninjavega' came in 2008 when Age of Conan's customer support demanded a change. The ban on 'Ninja' in the game's storyline led to an unexpected twist. Kunoovega, feeling creative, chose to adapt the name in a linguistically sound way, translating 'Kunoichi' to 'Kunovega'. This new name formed a perfect blend of his then-current identity and a deeper sense of self. The name continues to evolve and is now deeply rooted in everyday interactions with friends and family.
The Importance of Pseudonyms in Virtual Worlds
These stories highlight the significance of pseudonyms in the virtual world. They may serve as a form of identity, a sense of belonging, a creative expression, or a means of maintaining privacy. Whether you prefer something catchy, a mythological connection, or a blend of personal traits, your gamertag or username is often a key part of your online persona. It's not just a name but a story of self-reckoning and evolution.
Conclusion
Ultimately, every gamer has their own unique journey, and their gamertag or pseudonym is a testament to their identity and story within the virtual realm. Whether you prefer something obscure or well-known, there's a gamertag or username for everyone, crafted to reflect your online persona.