Users will always appear as their Gamertag when interacting with random strangers in match-making or other experiences furthermore there is no option to appear as your real name to strangers. Real names are never shown to everyone on Xbox Live, they are only shown to people the user knows which are expressed either through connections manually indicated by the user or through a social network the user has associated with the account. Showing real names is optional and must be opted into by the user. Which is why we give you the option to reveal your real name to gamers you know personally so they can recognize you more easily. Gamertags and real namesĬreating and maintaining a mental map of which real-world user is which Gamertag can become a herculean task when you have the potential for unlimited friends and following relationships. One-way relationships cut down on the wait time to interaction, with the added bonus of allowing you to keep up with noted gamers who stream to viewers or have gained a following for their competitive prowess. The person you have followed will receive still receive a notification and will have the opportunity to follow you back, an action that will make you friends in a two-way relationship. With the addition of one-way relationships, you can follow a user and see their online activity immediately instead of waiting for them to respond. This process could take days, depending on how frequently gamers checked their friend requests. The People System allows you to have both one-way and two-way relationships through the concept of following.īefore, you could only friend other gamers by sending an invitation and then waiting for them to accept that friend request, resulting in a two-way relationship where you each follow each other. The Xbox Live People System allows you to add your good friends, and those who gave you good games, all in one safe, easy-to-organize package. You can play favorites with your friends so you'll always know what they're up to first while you're online. You can show your real name to people you trust, and hide your real name from non-trusted people. The People System allows for gamers to easily recognize and organize their contacts on Xbox Live, whether they be close friends or online acquaintances. The People System tracks and maintains relationships between gamers in the Xbox Live ecosystem. The People System is part of Xbox Live Social services. The People System includes the Friends List, and manages relationships between gamers, such as only showing a user's real name to close friends.