Why is it Called Discord? Unraveling the Story Behind the Name
Discord, the ubiquitous communication platform, owes its name to a confluence of factors that reflect its initial target audience and core functionality. The name “Discord” was chosen because it “sounds cool and has to do with talking,” was easy to say, spell, remember, and was available for trademark and website registration. Furthermore, the founders, Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevsky, aimed to address the “discord in the gaming community” – the fragmented and often cumbersome communication methods used by gamers across different platforms. The name encapsulates both a sense of edgy coolness appealing to gamers and the problem the platform intended to solve.
The Genesis of Discord: A Problem of Communication
Before Discord, online gaming communication was a chaotic landscape. Gamers relied on a hodgepodge of tools like Skype, TeamSpeak, and in-game chat systems, none of which offered a seamless, unified experience. This led to communication breakdowns and a fragmented community experience. Jason Citron, having previously founded OpenFeint (a mobile social gaming platform), and Stanislav Vishnevsky, the founder of Guildwork (another social gaming platform), understood these pain points intimately. Their combined experience highlighted the need for a platform that was both user-friendly and performance-optimized.
The initial concept revolved around creating a chat service with minimal impact on game performance, a crucial factor for competitive gamers. The “Discord” name, therefore, subtly acknowledged the problem – the inherent disorganization and “discord” in the existing communication methods – while promising a solution: a platform to bring harmony to online interactions.
Wyvern’s Near Miss
Interestingly, the article reveals an almost-name: Wyvern. Fortunately for the platform’s branding, the founders opted against this name. “Discord” certainly has a better ring to it!
More Than Just a Name: The Platform’s Evolution
While the name originated with gaming in mind, Discord’s versatility has allowed it to transcend its initial target audience. Today, it is used by various communities, from study groups and online clubs to businesses and large organizations. The platform’s robust feature set, including text, voice, and video chat, server organization, and bot integration, makes it adaptable to a wide range of use cases. The platform is a vital place to meet others who share a love of gaming. Consider visiting Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org, to meet and chat with others interested in the intersection of gaming and education.
The name “Discord,” while initially tied to the idea of resolving communication challenges in gaming, has inadvertently become ironic. In its current context, the name acts as a label for a platform designed to create harmony, where people join to share their interests and create communities.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Discord
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Discord, offering further insights into the platform and its usage:
1. What was Discord originally made for?
Discord was initially created to solve the problem of fragmented and inefficient communication among gamers. The founders aimed to create a platform that was both user-friendly and had a minimal impact on game performance, allowing friends to easily connect and coordinate while playing games online.
2. What is Discord in Discord?
Discord is a platform for hosting real-time text, video, and voice chat. It allows users to create and join servers (communities) based on shared interests, enabling them to communicate, share content, and build relationships.
3. Is Discord safe for my child?
Discord’s safety for children is a complex issue. While the platform requires users to be at least 13 years old (unless local legislation mandates an older age), user-generated content can expose children to inappropriate material. Parental supervision and guidance are essential to ensure a safe online experience. Predators are also known to target children on Discord.
4. Why did Discord choose the name Discord?
The name “Discord” was chosen because it “sounds cool and has to do with talking,” was easy to say, spell, and remember, and was available for trademark and website registration. It also subtly alluded to the communication challenges the platform aimed to solve within the gaming community.
5. Why did Discord ban NSFW content?
Discord banned NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content to comply with App Store guidelines, particularly those related to protecting minors from inappropriate material. Apple has strict restrictions on nudity, and Discord risked being banned from the App Store if it did not comply.
6. What is the Discord logo supposed to be?
The Discord logo, often referred to as “Clyde,” is a stylized gaming controller with the grips curled down, forming a smile, which can also be seen as a face. It represents the platform’s initial focus on gaming and its aim to bring joy and connection to users.
7. Why do people quit Discord?
People quit Discord for various reasons, including its potentially toxic environment, its addictive nature, and the feeling that it can take over their lives. Some users find the constant stream of notifications and interactions overwhelming.
8. What monster is Discord?
Discord is a draconequus, an abstract, reality-warping creature with the head structure of a pony and the parts of other animals. The term “draconequus” comes from the show “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,” where it denotes a chimera-like being of chaos and disharmony.
9. What race is Discord?
Discord is of the draconequus species, as explained in the “Return of Harmony” episode of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.”
10. Why is Discord so popular?
Discord’s popularity stems from its unique features, its focus on community building, and its ability to cater to the evolving needs of its users. It offers a more organized and customizable experience than many other social connection apps.
11. Do adults use Discord?
Yes, Discord is used by adults of all ages. While it initially gained popularity among teens and young adults, its versatility has made it a valuable communication tool for various communities and organizations.
12. What is the age limit for Discord?
Discord’s Terms of Service require users to be at least 13 years old (unless local legislation mandates an older age). This age restriction is in place to comply with legal requirements and protect minors.
13. Who is the CEO of Discord?
The CEO of Discord is Jason Citron, one of the platform’s co-founders.
14. Why are some names red on Discord?
Usernames appear in red on Discord if the user has a role that is assigned the color red. Roles can be customized with different colors, which then change the appearance of the associated usernames.
15. Does Discord report you to the police?
Discord provides user information to law enforcement when it receives a valid legal request. It also works with law enforcement in cases of immediate danger and self-harm.
The name “Discord,” initially intended to capture the idea of resolving communication issues, has become synonymous with a powerful, versatile platform. Its story highlights the evolution of online communication and the ongoing quest for connection in a digital world.