Unmasking Discord’s Identity: The Names That Almost Were
Discord, the ubiquitous communication platform for gamers and communities alike, wasn’t always destined to be called Discord. It was almost named Bonfire and Wyvern, but the platform’s creators ultimately landed on the name we know and love. Let’s delve deeper into the history of Discord’s naming process and uncover the reasons behind the final choice.
The Naming Game: A Look at Discord’s Identity Crisis
The story of Discord’s naming is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind successful tech startups. Before solidifying its identity, the platform underwent several iterations, each name reflecting a different aspect of the creators’ vision.
Bonfire: A Cozy Beginning
One of the early contenders for the name was Bonfire. The intention behind this name was to evoke a sense of warmth, community, and shared experiences, much like gathering around a bonfire. The creators wanted to create a space that felt nice and cozy, where people could connect and build relationships. However, while the sentiment was appealing, the name lacked the edgy, modern feel they ultimately desired.
Wyvern: A Mythical Misstep
Another name considered was Wyvern, a mythical creature often depicted as a dragon-like beast with two legs and a barbed tail. While the name Wyvern had a certain appeal, it ultimately didn’t resonate with the team. The creators confessed that they were not too proud of that one. It perhaps felt too niche, too specific to fantasy gaming, and not reflective of the broader community they hoped to build.
The Birth of Discord: A Name That Resonates
Ultimately, the team landed on Discord, a name that perfectly captured the essence of the platform. The name resonated with the team’s vision for the platform. The founders wanted a name that sounded cool, related to conversation and communication, and was easy to remember.
Why Discord? The Perfect Blend
The choice of Discord was driven by several factors. First, the creators felt it “sounds cool and has to do with talking.” In addition to the name sounding cool and having to do with talking, the name also had to be easy to say, spell, and remember. In the competitive digital landscape, a name that rolls off the tongue is crucial for brand recognition and word-of-mouth marketing. Another essential element was that the name and a corresponding domain were available for trademarking and website use. Finally, they aimed to address the “Discord in the gaming community,” hoping to foster better communication and cooperation.
Discord’s Evolution: From Gaming to Beyond
While initially focused on gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile platform used by a diverse range of communities, from study groups to professional organizations. The name, while initially edgy, has become synonymous with online communication and community building. Discord has become a powerful tool for collaboration and learning, echoing the principles explored by the Games Learning Society and the GamesLearningSociety.org which studies the impact of games on education and society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Discord
Here are some frequently asked questions about Discord to provide additional valuable information:
1. Why was Discord almost called Bonfire?
Discord was almost called Bonfire because the creators wanted a name that evoked a sense of warmth, community, and shared experiences. They envisioned a platform that felt nice and cozy, where people could connect and build relationships.
2. Was Discord seriously considering Wyvern as a name?
Yes, Wyvern was seriously considered, but the team ultimately decided against it. They admitted they were not too proud of that one and felt it didn’t quite capture the essence of the platform.
3. How did Discord get its current name?
The name Discord was chosen because it “sounds cool and has to do with talking.” It also satisfied practical requirements like being easy to spell, remember, and trademark.
4. Why is Discord so popular among gamers?
Discord is popular among gamers because it provides a convenient and reliable platform for voice, video, and text communication. It allows gamers to easily coordinate, strategize, and socialize while playing their favorite games.
5. Is Discord safe for children?
Discord’s Terms of Service states that users must be 13 years or older to use the service in the U.S. While there are measures to prevent younger users from accessing the platform, parents should be aware of the potential for exposure to inappropriate content. Common Sense Media also recommends that Discord users be at least 13 due to its open chat.
6. What is NSFW content on Discord?
NSFW stands for “Not Safe For Work” and refers to content that is sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate for viewing in a professional setting. Discord allows NSFW content on designated channels and servers, but it is restricted to users who are 18 years or older.
7. Why did Discord ban NSFW content?
Discord did not ban NSFW content entirely, but it did implement stricter guidelines and restrictions to comply with app store policies and protect minors from inappropriate material. These policies included blocking content to come into compliance with Apple’s App Store guidelines.
8. Is it against Discord’s rules to swear?
Swearing is not inherently banned on Discord, but it may be against the rules of specific servers. Private chats and group chats may have fewer regulations, but server rules vary depending on the community.
9. Why does Discord ask for my age?
Discord asks for your age to ensure that you are old enough to use the platform and access age-restricted content. Users between 13 and 17 are automatically prevented from joining age-restricted channels or servers.
10. Is Discord a dating app?
While Discord is not primarily a dating app, some servers have features that facilitate “blind matching” or speed dating. Some users prefer Discord over traditional dating apps because it offers a more relaxed and less pressured environment for meeting new people.
11. Is Discord safe from hackers?
Discord employs various security measures to protect user accounts and data. However, like any online platform, it is vulnerable to hacking attempts. Users should take precautions to protect their accounts, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
12. What happens if my Discord account gets hacked?
If your Discord account gets hacked, you should immediately change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and contact Discord support for assistance.
13. How does Discord make money?
Discord generates revenue through its Nitro subscription service, which offers users enhanced features such as custom emojis, larger file uploads, and server boosts.
14. Was Discord a game before it became a communication platform?
Yes, Discord’s parent company, Hammer & Chisel Inc., previously developed a mobile MOBA game called Fates Forever. One of the greatest features of Fates Forever was its built-in voice communication, which ultimately inspired the creation of Discord.
15. Is Discord still primarily for gamers?
While Discord originated as a platform for gamers, it has since expanded to serve a wide range of communities and interests. It is now used by students, professionals, hobbyists, and various other groups for communication, collaboration, and community building.