Initials Instead of Names?

[soniCron]

While we've obviously overcome the memory limitations that were so common in the early days of game programming, is it unrealistic to expect the user to enter their initials for a global high score list? A few advantages of initial-based scoring are as follows:

Word censoring is virtually eliminated.
Display of too-long names is greatly simplified.
Unified interface for entering initials.

There are, of course, other reasons, but these are enough for me to consider initials instead of a full name input system. That said, can anyone tell me strong reasons not to use initials? The highscore boards will be small (10-50) and will be populated by a web game, while the offline counterpart will feature the standard full name and player selection bit.

[simonbowerbank]

Well the obvious reason not to limit users to initials is they wont feel like people know who they are. If you only have initials people arent going to notice someone they know by chance and arent going to feel great when their name is on top of the scoreboard.

I know i would much rather have Simon Bowerbank than SB

Also, you have the added complication of people having the same initials which could lead to a bit of confusion.

[luggage]

And we are actually out of the 80's now too.

Seriously though, none of the reasons are particulary good except from a lazy programming point of view.

The whole point of online hiscores is for bragging rights. Just not the same when you can say to someone, "see that S.N there? that's me that is."

[Nexic]

I'm afraid I agree with the other two, I would want to put my full name. Or else, no one would know who I am. It also increases the chances of two people having the same name, which will be very frustrating for players.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't think so. The game already knows the player in my case. I have the classic "click here if this isn't you" vibe going. Game always knows who's playing.

[PoV]

On a related note. Is anyone aware of an online collection/reference of profanity or generally inappropriate words is multiple languages?

[soniCron]

I don't think so. The game already knows the player in my case. I have the classic "click here if this isn't you" vibe going. Game always knows who's playing. That's absolutely fantastic for you, and is also featured in my offline version. ("the offline counterpart will feature the standard full name and player selection bit.") However, there is no consistent way to have the web version remember players.

@PoV: I think your question is better suited for this thread (http://forums.indiegamer.com/showthread.php?t=3795).

@Everyone: Seems the ego is big enough to warrant a full name system. ;) Thanks all!