That name is already taken

Somnambulated, I trek through Hathor Zhi killing feeble dark elves and collecting their rusted trinkets proving my Dark Elven blood worthy. If my melodic combat doesn’t stimulate my senses a butchered name that doesn’t register will cause my brain to wince. It got me thinking about names: locations, non player characters, items and languages.

Are today’s game developers running out of options?

I’m not an expert in etymology, but I’m sure it is a difficult endeavor for any developer who considering naming a serious matter. Every region, town, outlet and main non player character should be unique. Do developers have to go research every nook and cranny in numerous fantasy genres and keep track of all the more prominent names? Unlikely, but it is a good idea to have a that name is already taken list.

I enjoy Tolkienesque guttural names and every now and then I will catch one being recycled: EverQuest’s, Kaladim and World of Warcraft’s, Kalimdor is a great juxtapose in parallel thinking by developers. It’d be nice to hear the thoughts from any content developers who are responsible for naming foozles and such.

When it comes to naming conventions at least we can avoid players with dumb names, like mine! Any older EverQuest players remember the alien race in Shadows of Luclin? While original, this is a perfect example where it isn’t always the right or best idea. Scarred memories from Vex Thal. (my guild is not pictured)