Setting Your Username

Customize Your 8-Bit Arcade Identity

By default, leaderboards show your wallet address (e.g., 0x1234...5678). Set a custom username to make your identity memorable and easier to recognize!

Why Set a Username?

Benefits

✅ Better Leaderboard Display - "PixelKing" instead of "0x7f4a...3e2d" ✅ Build Your Reputation - Be recognized across games ✅ Easier for Friends - People can find and compete with you ✅ Professional Look - Stand out as a serious player ✅ Streaming-Friendly - Better for content creators

Optional Feature

• Username is completely optional

• You can play without setting one

• Wallet address will display by default

• Can change username later (small fee)

How to Set Your Username

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

1. Visit play.8bitarcade.games

2. Click "Connect Wallet"

3. Approve connection in MetaMask

4. Ensure you're on Arbitrum One network

Step 2: Access Profile Settings

1. Click your wallet address (top right corner)

2. Select "Profile Settings" from dropdown

3. Username section will appear

Step 3: Choose Your Username

Username Requirements:

• 3-20 characters long

• Letters, numbers, underscores only

• No spaces or special characters

• Case-insensitive (PixelKing = pixelking)

• Must be unique (first come, first served)

Good Examples:

• ✅ PixelMaster

• ✅ ArcadeKing_420

• ✅ CryptoGamer2024

• ✅ 8BitChamp

Bad Examples:

• ❌ PK (too short)

• ❌ ThisUsernameIsTooLongForTheSystem (too long)

• ❌ Pixel King (space not allowed)

• ❌ Pixel@King (special character not allowed)

Step 4: Check Availability

1. Enter desired username

2. Click "Check Availability"

3. System checks if username is taken

4. Green checkmark = available ✅

5. Red X = already taken ❌

Step 5: Confirm Transaction

1. Click "Set Username"

2. MetaMask popup appears

3. Review transaction details:

   • Cost: Small gas fee (~$0.20)

   • Action: Register username on-chain

4. Click "Confirm"

5. Wait for transaction to confirm (~5 seconds)

6. Success! Username is now set

Username Costs

First-Time Setup

• Gas fee only: ~$0.20 (Arbitrum gas)

• No registration fee

• Free username claim

Changing Username

If you want to change your username later:

• Small fee: 1,000 8BIT (~$0.30 at $0.0003)

• Plus gas: ~$0.20

• Prevents spam and username squatting

• Old username becomes available for others

Username Rules & Policies

Prohibited Usernames

Usernames that are offensive, racist, sexual, or violate terms will be:

• Flagged for review

• Reset to wallet address

• Subject to account restrictions

Examples of prohibited usernames:

• Racial slurs or hate speech

• Sexual/NSFW content

• Impersonation of team/staff

• Scam-related terms (e.g., "Support", "Admin")

Squatting Prevention

• No registration fees for first username

• Change fees prevent rapid cycling

• Inactive accounts (6+ months) may have usernames freed

• Can't reserve multiple usernames with one wallet

Verification Badges (Future)

Planned features for verified accounts:

• ✅ Blue Checkmark - Verified content creators

• ✅ Gold Checkmark - Top 10 all-time players

• ✅ Team Badge - Official 8-Bit Arcade team

Where Your Username Appears

Leaderboards

Before:

Rank  Player          Score
1     0x7f4a...3e2d   10,500
2     0x9b2c...1a4f   9,800
3     0x3e8d...7c2b   9,200

After:

Rank  Player          Score
1     PixelKing       10,500
2     ArcadeMaster    9,800
3     CryptoGamer     9,200

Tournament Brackets

• Shows username instead of address

• Easier to follow competition

• Better for streaming/spectating

Reward Notifications

🏆 PixelKing earned 12,500 8BIT for #1 in Space Rocks!

Profile Page

• Your stats and achievements

• Tournament history

• Total earnings

• All under your username

Managing Your Username

View Current Username

1. Click wallet address (top right)

2. See current username displayed

3. Click to copy for sharing

Change Username

1. Go to Profile Settings

2. Click "Change Username"

3. Enter new username

4. Pay change fee (1,000 8BIT + gas)

5. Confirm transaction

6. New username active immediately

Revert to Wallet Address

If you want to stop using a username:

1. Go to Profile Settings

2. Click "Remove Username"

3. Confirm (free, gas only)

4. Leaderboards will show wallet address again

5. Username becomes available for others

Technical Details

On-Chain Registry

Usernames are stored on the Arbitrum blockchain:

• Smart contract: UsernameRegistry.sol

• Storage: Mapping of address → username

• Immutable history: All changes recorded

• Decentralized: No central database

Privacy Considerations

Usernames are public:

• Anyone can see your username

• Linked to your wallet address

• Visible on blockchain explorer

• Cannot be made private

If you value privacy:

• Use a pseudonym, not real name

• Don't link to other identities

• Consider separate wallet for gaming

Username Ideas & Tips

Strategy 1: Brand Yourself

Build recognition across games:

• PixelMaster - Master of pixels

• RetroKing - Retro game champion

• CryptoGamer - Crypto + gaming identity

Strategy 2: Reference Your Favorite Game

• SnakeChampion

• SpaceRocksPro

• BlockDropKing

• ChomperGod

Strategy 3: Include Your Goal

• Daily8BIT - Focus on daily rewards

• TournamentKing - Tournament specialist

• 8BitWhale - Aiming for big wins

Strategy 4: Use Numbers

• ArcadePlayer2024

• Gamer420

• Pixel88

Tips for Memorable Usernames

✅ Keep it short and simple ✅ Easy to spell and pronounce ✅ Reflects your gaming style ✅ Unique but not too obscure ✅ Avoid numbers if possible (harder to remember)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is username required to play? A: No, it's completely optional. Wallet address will show if no username is set.

Q: Can two people have the same username? A: No, usernames are unique. First person to claim it owns it.

Q: Can I change my username later? A: Yes, for a small fee (1,000 8BIT + gas).

Q: What if someone takes my desired username? A: Try variations: add numbers, underscores, or slight changes.

Q: Are usernames case-sensitive? A: No. "PixelKing" and "pixelking" are treated the same.

Q: Can I sell my username? A: Usernames are non-transferable and tied to your wallet address.

Q: What happens if I lose access to my wallet? A: You lose access to your username. It remains tied to that wallet forever.

Q: Can I have multiple usernames? A: No, one username per wallet address.

Q: Will there be a username marketplace? A: Not currently planned, but may be considered for future updates.

Streaming & Content Creation

For Streamers

Setting a username helps build your brand:

• Viewers can recognize you easily

• Consistent identity across platforms

• Easier for followers to find you on leaderboards

• Professional appearance

Pro Tip: Use the same username as your Twitch/YouTube handle.

For Tournaments

• Easier for commentators to announce

• Better for tournament brackets

• Cleaner overlay graphics

• Professional esports feel

Ready to Claim Your Username?

1. Connect Your Wallet

2. Visit 8-Bit Arcade

3. Set Your Username

4. Start Climbing Leaderboards

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Usernames are stored permanently on the Arbitrum blockchain. Choose wisely!