to reiterate, some for of anonymous play is on our post-launch todo list.

+1 for the option to use an alternate screen name on a per-game basis.

Here's my scenario: I'm playing private games with close friends, family and co-workers. It's really hard to keep the "meta" out of the game when you know who everyone is right off the bat, and might have frequent "real life" meetings or interactions with some of the participants. Having the option to at least keep things partially anonymous makes it a lot easier to limit real-world discussions, and to keep real life and what's happening at that moment in the game separate. Of course it would still be a good laugh at the end of the game when everyone reveals who they were.

I'm really glad someone resurrected this thread so that I could be made aware of it.

I've been struggling with some of these issues as well as I play more games. On the one hand it is definitely comforting to build a reputation on someone, take notes on whether they're trustworthy, their behaviors, their time zone, etc. On the other hand, I can see how this "metagame" can warp the game itself. I didn't think I would be pro-anonymity before, but after reading through this thread I think it is an important idea.

Also was anit-anonymity until reading through this post. Now I understand that it is a critical factor to keep this game exciting.

I like the listing of who everyone was at the end of the game, but don't want a list beforehand, as if you see some names you recognize, you may be able to deduce who is who (especially in the smaller player number games).

I feel if you call players by their color, not only does it allow for anonymity, but it also addresses the color-blind issue on the forums (which I struggle with in the game).

I have to agree to the benefits of anonymity, but I would miss being able to attach a play style to a name. Perhaps you could choose a different name to go by for every game? That way you can be anonymous or always use the same name.

Something anonymity allows that I haven't seen mentioned yet is identity theft. Anyone who has been on this forum will likely recognize certain player's names. Being anonymous could allow you to pretend to be a well known player and give people a different impression of you. I'm not sure if this would be a bad thing or not, but it could be interesting.

v3xt wrote:I have to agree to the benefits of anonymity, but I would miss being able to attach a play style to a name. Perhaps you could choose a different name to go by for every game? That way you can be anonymous or always use the same name.

Something anonymity allows that I haven't seen mentioned yet is identity theft. Anyone who has been on this forum will likely recognize certain player's names. Being anonymous could allow you to pretend to be a well known player and give people a different impression of you. I'm not sure if this would be a bad thing or not, but it could be interesting.

I believe the idea is that there would be no name, not that you would be able to pick a new name for yourself.

Even if there were no names, someone could just say, "Oh I'm so and so, check me out on the forum."

Guys - simple solution, just like in the online Diplomacy games. Players are simply identified by their colors during the game and afterwards there is an opportunity for post-game discussion and the revealing of true identities.
RKDuke (OP)

Initially I thought anonymity would be a good idea. But now I’m against it.

When I first starting playing, I thought that being anonymous would be a great way to protect players from being ganged up on by other players. AND that due to the anonymity, more complex tactical and strategic/democratic maneuvers that could be accomplished. However, I no longer believe that’s the case. I believe that if anonymity was added to the game, less democracy would take place as everyone would be too paranoid.

Also, the most tactical maneuvers I’ve accomplished so far are 100% from having a reputation.

I wouldnt mind if anonymous play were a feature/option, but I wouldnt play in that mode very often. The problem is that anonymity makes it so you can just lie your butt off every round with no fear of consequence outside of that round. One of the hugest things that secures a diplomat's word is that if he/she goes back on it, the entire world knows forever.

Knowing who you are playing with gets the tactical gears moving. The playerbase is large enough. You would have to purposely play with the same 10-20 people over and over to make the game boring. Just my 2cents