[Updated] Discord staff reportedly reserving usernames causing controversy; some new accounts getting to choose username first

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on June 6, 2023) follows:

Discord, the popular communication platform known for its vibrant communities, announced an update to its username system back in May.

The old username with discriminators (#0000) will be moved to a new username system (@username) without discriminators.

In the update announcement, Discord stated its intention to be considerate of longtime users who have held their usernames for an extended period.

According to the company, priority in selecting new usernames would be assigned based on registration dates, with older accounts getting the first opportunity to choose.

Additionally, Discord mentioned that owners of partner and verified servers as well as Nitro subscribers who registered before March 1, 2023 would receive early access to the new username system.

This privilege was extended to all users gradually based on the age of their accounts, starting from 2015.

However, reports have emerged indicating that newer users are getting first dibs on coveted usernames.

Several users expressed their frustration and disappointment, claiming that the priority system was not functioning as intended.

In particular, some users with accounts dating back to the early years of Discord claimed they were unable to secure their desired usernames while witnessing newer users obtaining them.

Some say that accounts with Nitro subscription, mere days old are getting names ahead of the legacy users who put trust in Discord all those years back.

Exactly. I’m finding tons of people in the 2016-2018+ range with custom names when I (Nov 3rd 2015) haven’t even been notified to set mine yet. What a joke of a platform.
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My account creation date was Sept 22, 2015 yet somehow someone who made their account on Nov 01, 2015 got to choose their username before me. Someone in my own Discord Server (who has Discord classic) with a join date of Nov 24, 2015 was able to claim their username before me.Did they really just roll out this option to people who are currently paying (even when I have paid for Discord on/off before)?
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Furthermore, a controversy emerged regarding usernames appearing as ‘reserved’ even though no one had taken them.

Discord staff faced accusations of reserving desirable Discord usernames for themselves or friends, fueling speculation and mistrust within the community (1,2).

These allegations added to the growing unrest and called into question the transparency and fairness of the username update.

You likely won’t, I’m sorry. 🙂 Discord allowed their staff to double dip in addition to them reserving a bunch of names, so unless you were in one of the first roll outs, you have to get creative.
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As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for Discord to acknowledge and address the concerns raised by its user base.

Clear and timely communication from Discord’s team is essential to regain trust and reassure users that their concerns are being heard.

05:34 pm (IST): Some users alleged that the accounts with OG usernames are already up for sale for as high as $1000+.

Moreover, users demand Discord to rollback the username change back as they believe that it only made the system complex.

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