# 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**](https://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**](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/getting-started/connect-wallet)
2. [**Visit 8-Bit Arcade**](https://play.8bitarcade.games)
3. **Set Your Username**
4. [**Start Climbing Leaderboards**](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/getting-started/leaderboards)

***

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