Chi
New member
- Aug 7, 2021
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i generally use the default so i'd actually prefer that haha i don't self insert so that saves me the trouble of thinking up a name XD
What would you think of otome games without the option to change the MC's name?
- Thread starter osanajimimi
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- otome otome discussion
- Mar 19, 2017
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When the heroine's name is fully voiced, I always use the default name. I'd much rather hear the characters call her by name than have awkward silent pauses because I changed it. So personally, I wouldn't have any problem with a game that doesn't let me change the heroine's name.
- Aug 7, 2013
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If her name is voiced then i would leave it default anyway, but if it is one one those unvoiced games then it annoys me, and i put that game on the low priority list to play.
- May 6, 2022
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I like that an otome game lets you choose your own name to start with and assume the role of the MC, implying "that it's us." It's a good feature to implement when playing, making you feel like you're part of the world and experiencing the game's story.
—When dealing with MC characters whose design isn't defined or isn't visible from the player's perspective (except for the design seen in a few CGSs), I usually leave it with my own name, playing as the MC to connect with the game.
—But when I see that the MC has a predefined appearance for the entire story, like a default name that you can change at the beginning, I prefer to leave it as is, respecting the character's characteristics and finding them to be a "unique" MC.
—When dealing with MC characters whose design isn't defined or isn't visible from the player's perspective (except for the design seen in a few CGSs), I usually leave it with my own name, playing as the MC to connect with the game.
—But when I see that the MC has a predefined appearance for the entire story, like a default name that you can change at the beginning, I prefer to leave it as is, respecting the character's characteristics and finding them to be a "unique" MC.
- Feb 24, 2026
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It wouldn't change anything for me. I always use the MC's original name, partly because I don't do self-inserts, and also because I really like it when the characters say the protagonist's name
I usually play games for the story, so having a default name for the heroine is actually a big plus for me.
When I really want to immerse myself, I imagine that I am the heroine, so I naturally put myself in her shoes instead of thinking of her as a separate character.
Games without a default name are kind of a headache for me because I'm terrible at coming up with names.
Also, a lot of newer games will actually have the voice actors say the heroine's default name if you keep it, which gives me even more reason to stick with the default.
When I really want to immerse myself, I imagine that I am the heroine, so I naturally put myself in her shoes instead of thinking of her as a separate character.
Games without a default name are kind of a headache for me because I'm terrible at coming up with names.
Also, a lot of newer games will actually have the voice actors say the heroine's default name if you keep it, which gives me even more reason to stick with the default.
- Sep 20, 2022
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i'm an avid self-inserter so i'm less likely to play a game with a unchangeable name. ┐(´ー｀)┌ nicknames are a different story; if the story uses one, i'm completely fine with it as it doesn't change the identity in my perspective.
- Jan 28, 2026
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I usually stick with the default name, so it doesn't affect me much; however, the inability to change the name makes it feel more like a standard visual novel than an otome game—which feels a bit odd.
- Jun 14, 2014
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I don't mind at all, as I like going with default name. I enjoy self-inserting, the heroine's default name just doesn't affect my ability to do that. Like how many roleplaying games have you playing the role of an already named and established character.
Since some players prefer the option to rename the heroine though then I think it's best to keep it included to satisfy both preferences.
What I do have a preference for is that I strongly prefer when the heroine's name is voiced when you keep it default. It throws me off a little to hear the voice actors skip over the name otherwise.
Since some players prefer the option to rename the heroine though then I think it's best to keep it included to satisfy both preferences.
What I do have a preference for is that I strongly prefer when the heroine's name is voiced when you keep it default. It throws me off a little to hear the voice actors skip over the name otherwise.
- Aug 31, 2014
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I use default name due to voiced lines. I also don't self insert so if given the option of an unchangeable name, I'd choose the unchangeable anytime.
- May 26, 2025
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I still prefer having the option, even if I rarely use it. Players who enjoy self-inserting can rename the MC, while those who prefer her default identity can simply leave it unchanged. It feels like the best of both worlds.
- Dec 17, 2024
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Personally for me, my experience doesn't get affected by being able to change MC character name or not. I'll enjoy the work if its really good. Sure, if I get the option to change it, I usually do. But if its a game that has a novel, manga or webtoon that I have read, or an anime I've watched, then I won't change it even if I have the option since the character is supposed to be one that was already in there and not a new insert.
I don't mind because the default name from game developer trends to be meaningful to the game or MC's character more than I can think. I'm kind of person who think too hard for naming character so the default name is fit most in my case.
Somethinger
New member
- Aug 1, 2026
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I used to use the renaming option even though I don't self-insert, so on occasion when that did happen it was a bit surprising but not really a big deal. Generally it means that the MCs are going to have a well-developed backstory and character, which is more enjoyable for me, so I don't have an issue!
Sometimes I wish there was an option to rename the MC but still have the LIs say her original name (since it can be very important during emotional moments) but oh well
Sometimes I wish there was an option to rename the MC but still have the LIs say her original name (since it can be very important during emotional moments) but oh well
- Oct 9, 2013
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I'm not really the type of player who self-inserts, so I don't mind if an otome game's protagonist has a fixed name. I see the protagonist as a character who exists within the world of the story, rather than simply as an avatar for the player. Having a default name often helps give the protagonist more personality and makes it easier for me to become immersed in the story.
so yeah i prefer going with the default, it doesn't really matter to me if that option is there or not
- Jul 12, 2026
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I don't change the name of the MC, so it wouldn't affect me and it doesn't bother me. But I think there should be a reason why this option is missing. When there's no story or development reason, it just feels like you're taking something out of the game that some consider important
- Dec 1, 2025
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It doesn't matter to me.Even though I am self-inserter but I prefer using the default name.Quite a few games only let you change your name, not your last name.Maybe it's a cultural difference, but I think last names are also an important part of a name.So changing just the name and not the last name seems even weirder to me than using the default name.But being able to change your name is really nice too. I hope more games offer both default names and the option to change them.Games without a default name can also give me a headache when it comes to coming up with one, especially when the game is in a language I'm not very familiar with.If I see a really clever default name, I'd be happy too and think the creator put a lot of thought into it.
- Aug 10, 2018
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That's perfectly fine—I've always viewed the game's story from an omniscient perspective anyway.
- Mar 12, 2017
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I haven't come across a game like that yet, but I don't think I'd enjoy it very much.
As long as I have the option to rename the protagonist, I'm fine with leaving the default name. But I can't play games where the protagonist's name is fixed.
As long as I have the option to rename the protagonist, I'm fine with leaving the default name. But I can't play games where the protagonist's name is fixed.
- Jan 3, 2026
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I wouldn't really like that. Whether to change the MC's name or not should be the player's decision. Even if I end up keeping the default name most of the time, not having the option at all just feels a bit strange and restrictive.
- Aug 28, 2024
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Since the enjoyment of otome games relies on projecting oneself onto the protagonist, the inability to change the main character's name significantly raises the barrier to purchase. Unless the story really appeals to me, I likely wouldn't buy it; I would probably prioritize other games that allow for name customization instead.
- Feb 28, 2026
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The only time that I am fine with that is when they do it to voice lines. I would prefer if I was given the option to have the og name voiced or to have a custom name but silent. But I do undertand when they do that.