Blizzard wants gamers to want to use Real ID

Enabling Real ID in game and posting on the Blizzard forums is optional.

Blizzard has come under considerable fire following the announcement that its official forums would phase in mandatory use of its new Real ID system, marking posts with the author's real-life name.

However, Blizzard has stressed to Gamasutra that said Real ID functionality, both in-game and on the publisher's forums, is optional, but hopes gamers will want to use it.

"[We] will be carefully monitoring how people are using the service," a Blizzard representative told Gamasutra. "Real ID is a new and different concept for Blizzard gamers - and for us as well - and our goal is to create a social gaming service that players want to use."

The rep added: ""It's important to note that both enabling Real ID in game and posting on the official Blizzard forums are completely optional. Players can continue to read the forums anonymously regardless of whether they choose to post in them, and their gameplay experiences will not change if they choose not to use the Real ID communication features in game."

Essentially, if you wish to be a vocal participant on the forums you'll need to make your identity known.