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| According to Discord, all users will be required to change their username "over the coming weeks." |
There are 150 million monthly active users worldwide of the online chat service, which enables people to establish and join groups depending on their interests.
Users were formerly identifiable by a name followed by a hash and four numbers.
The new approach will be consistent with Twitter, Instagram, and other sites by requiring users to establish an original username that is followed by a "@" sign.
A Discord official told "We've changed our username system to make Discord more accessible and user-friendly for both new and current users after hearing from numerous users about the difficulties connected with interacting with friends on our platform.
We are dedicated to enhancing the overall Discord experience and value customer input.
'Step backward'
However, the change has drawn criticism online, with people questioning its justifications.
It was compared by one individual to a "huge step backward" and by another to a phone company changing the phone number of a customer to that person's complete name. Popular artist Aura said that if people don't protect their login, they "run the risk" of being impersonated.
