Xbox Live users who have been wanting to change their Gamertag to something more creative or suitable are in luck because today is the day when Microsoft is releasing over one million Xbox Live Gamertags from redundant accounts.
Announced a few days ago, this recycling of Gamertags is possible due to the termination of Xbox Live accounts that were created during the time of the original Xbox video game console yet were never upgraded or transitioned to its successor, the Xbox 360.
What does this mean? Well, mostly that those users who signed up for an Xbox Live account but found that their desired name had already been taken may have a chance to get it after all. That is if their choice of name is one of the one million or so being released back into the wild.
A full list of names hasn’t been revealed by Microsoft (just think how long it would be if it was) but the company has announced that these Gamertags consist of proper names, pop culture references (entertainment, sports, gaming), types of food, geography and travel, science and technology, math and numbers, animals, and “some of the greatest inventions of all time”.
It’s important to note that access to these new Gamertags will only be available to users who have been paid members of Xbox Live Gold for at least one year and that the names will be released in waves over a 24 hour period to allow gamers in other countries a chance to get the Gamertags they want.
Xbox Live users who had their Gamertag automatically assigned to them when they joined are entitled to one free change while those that have previously selected their names will need to pay a small fee to choose something different.
The easiest way to change an Xbox Live Gamertag, and see which options are available, is on this page here, however Xbox Live members can also use the Xbox app on Windows 10 and the Xbox One console itself. Xbox 360 users will need to use the website, the Xbox app, or an Xbox One console to access these newly released options.
Those who have been using an Xbox Live account to play games on Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 PCs and tablets or on Windows phones can change their name on the website or through the Xbox app. Remember, these new Gamertags are only available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers at the moment.
A Gamertag is basically a username or alias that’s used to identify users playing games on Xbox Live supported video games such as on the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and select titles on Windows PC and Windows phones. Gamers can still display their real name on their profile page but a Gamertag is what is used most often when playing with other players and searching for friends to connect with.
Are you going to change your Gamertag or are you happy with the one you have? Let us know in the comments below.
Further reading: Microsoft, Video Games, Windows 10 Games, Windows Phone Games, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One
