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Canon MC name vs Self-Insert?

ashiee

ashiee

New member
Dec 2, 2025
27
10
Honestly, I always go with the canon name.

I can't stand self-inserting lol. It feels so awkward when the LIs skip over your name or use some weird generic title because the game can't pronounce whatever you typed in.

Plus, if the MC already has a default name, I'd rather just see their actual personality and story unfold as intended instead of pretending it's me huhu
 
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I'm not a self inserter so I use canon name. Canon name has a better voice line over being called "omae" / you. In my language, being called "you" is an insult. And most JP otome heroines doesn't match my personality so in my opinion, it's better to play in their lenses.
Unvoiced otome VNS however, like most OELVNS, I sometimes use my name because I don't need to hear "omae" on audio and they have a lot of self insert options and dialogue compare to JP otome games.
 
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tonaka said:
I'm firmly on the self-insert / own name side!
Using the canon name makes me feel distant from the character and harder to immerse. I always change it to my own name whenever possible.
Click to expand...
Same here.

I can't stand voiced default names lmao who are you talking to my dude? That's not my name.

There's nothing awkward in not having a .03 seconds voice line of some random lady's name in my own playthrough. I can self-insert no problem in any given setting for my avatar, it's a frankly a skill issue if you can't. I find it easy personally.

I feel a lot more awkward if I leave the default name on. It takes away all the immersion and point of playing at all.
 
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I'm gonna change the name because that's me in the game, hello, i am the main character, thank you.
♡( ⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎ ）

I agree with changing the name as a self-inserter, but I totally get the merit as getting to enjoy the voiced main character name and the nuances that cater to it, nicknames, emotion etc.

I really enjoyed the aspect of TMGS having custom spoken names, it's a cute feature that I'm sure many players enjoyed, plus the use of a nickname helps bridge the gap of any awkwardness or voice discrepencies that comes with the phonetic creating names.

If the MC's name directly correlates to storyline, I can understand why non-self-inserters find the canon name a more enjoyable experience, but for my immersion, I will still be sticking my name everywhere i can. ᵉʰᵉʰᵉ(*/∇＼⭒)
 
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I also prefer using the canon name because it sounds awkward when characters skip the heroine's name. It feels more natural when everyone addresses her the way they do in the original. But if a canon name isn't available, I just choose whichever name I like, since I'm more comfortable seeing it while reading.

Sometimes, I take a little time to think about which name fits the heroine best. I like picking something that matches her personality, appearance, or the overall vibe of the story.
 
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I always use OC/self-insert name, so I tend to never play/read the stories that don't offer a re-nameable protagonist. It just feels a li'l awkward to me. In the case of voiced lines, I just imagine the characters saying the name I put in, or turning off voice lines altogether.

Though this brings me to a question I'm curious of, and whether to start a topic or not; hmm...
 
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A little bit of both. I usually like putting in an OC/self-insert name as well, but when talking with other people, especially in person I'll use the canon name.

For RPGs though, definitely prefer canon name.
 
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I also use the canon name.
That way, it sounds natural when the characters call the heroine, and since there are games where the voice actors actually say the name if you use the official one, I use the canon name!
 
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In the past I like using canon MC name, I don't know why? But as I am grown to adulthood, I am more like self-insert player now. This transition was quite significant, as now I couldn't stand using canon names at all. I became a completely self-insert player... 😅
 
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I hate when they don't let me name the MC. When there's a game with choices, but they don't let me make the most important choice - the name.
Choosing a name gives me a sense of connection with the character, and their fate is closer to my heart.
And of course, I'm not talking about giving the MC my real name, that would be weird. I give the MC my in-game nickname, which is what I have. It works for both male and female MCs. I only change the last name based on the gender.
I always found it strange and unfair that you can change your name in Japanese Otome games, but you can't do that in Japanese BL games.
 
I'm kind of the opposite. I have a gaming nickname that I always use because I love self-inserting, haha.
That said, if the LI actually says the MC's canon name, or if using a custom name makes the voice acting sound awkward, I'll sometimes stick with the canon name instead.
Otherwise, I really enjoy playing with my own nickname and immersing myself in the story.
 
I use the canon name. I like hearing it when it's voiced, and I never self-insert. I feel awkward using my name in games.
 
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