NeoGAF

Mike Works · 11:02 AM

The Official GAF Hub for "Facebook" Friends

Steps:

1. Create a new Facebook account (edit: I'd suggest not using an obviously fake name or avatar; some people have since had their accounts banned)

2. Post your Facebook account in this thread so people can add you.

3. Add anyone or everyone from the list in the post below.

optional: Upload a profile picture that would be stupid awesome to see in a videogame.

Hey GAF.

So I may be known most prominently by the Gaming Forum for giving out tags and editing thread titles into Nintendogs before getting de-adminned, but despite the fact that I don't post heavily on this side of the forum pond anymore, I do still play and enjoy games. I play a lot of games on my iPhone. PS3 too, but this topic is mainly applicable to mobile games. I've noticed over the past 6-12 months that a ton of games have increased their dependency on accessing your Facebook account. Recent examples off the top of my head:

Giant Boulder of Death: Will not let you use the leaderboards unless you log in with your Facebook account.

Marvel Puzzle Quest: Doesn't hinder you for not logging in with your Facebook, but does offer bonuses to those who do.

Simply put: I don't want to give up my Facebook information to these companies, and I don't feel I should have to in order to get the full experience of a videogame. Which I think is fair. So here's what I'm doing:

I've created a gaming Facebook account, that's connected to a throwaway email account. The problem? I don't have any friends! To go back to my two examples, Giant Boulder of Death gives you leaderboard access, but it also puts up banners of your friends' Facebook profile pictures that you can smash. Which is neat. Marvel Puzzle Quest, as mentioned, sometimes allows you to share prizes you earn to friends. Also neat. If you don't think this entire issue affects you, that's cool. I really hope it doesn't become a bigger deal in the future. But for those of us who would like the benefits of linking a FB account to their games without giving up their actual name and account, hopefully this thread works out for you.

Let me know if there's anything I should add to the OP. Thanks!

FAQ:

Can I link my real Facebook account in this thread?
- Yeah, if you want. Just keep in mind that the majority of the accounts in this thread have an increased likelihood of spamming gaming requests and other such nonsense we're trying to avoid. Also keep in mind that GAF is a publicly viewed forum, so you're revealing your account and personal information at your own risk.

Isn't this just perpetuating the issue of games asking for Facebook log ins?
- (Barely) yes and (probably) no. As of this post, there are less than 100 GAF members doing this, so that's less than a drop in the bucket. But say this thread explodes and suddenly we have the entirety of GAF doing this. Yes, there might be an increased chance that developers would increase Facebook implementation, BUT... we would all just log in with these fake accounts.

How do I attach my GAF Facebook account to games like Marvel: Puzzle Quest that don't give me a FB log in screen?
- Here's the method I used on my iPhone: First, I logged out of my normal FB account in both the FB app and the iPhone settings. Next, I logged into my GAF FB account in both. Then I opened Marvel: PQ and logged in through FB. Once that account was connected, I went back to the FB app and iPhone settings and logged back into my normal account. And even though I'm now logged into my normal FB account, Marvel: PQ is still linked to my GAF FB account.

That list is getting big... what's the fastest and easiest way to do this?
- First, open a browser that you rarely use (for me, Internet Explorer) and log in to your GAF Facebook account there. Next, in a new tab, open the post below. Then hold down CTRL (or CMD for you Apple dudes) and click open the first 10 or so people on the list. This will open their page in your GAF Facebook in new IE tabs. Next, click Add As Friend in each tab, and then close each tab. Repeat this process every 10 or so people (or 20+ if you want a billion tabs open) and you'll be done within minutes. If you're SUPER into this, then set either your GAF Facebook or the post below as your IE home page and check it every few days!

Mike Works · 09:53 PM

Sub_Level · (10-29-2013, 06:34 AM)

If I do this I will be able to start using Tinder as well. Girls will be able to see my trophies.

Two birds with one stone.

Tripon · (10-29-2013, 06:35 AM)

Originally Posted by Sub_Level

If I do this I will be able to start using Tinder as well. Girls will be able to see my trophies.

Two birds with one stone.

Are you sure you want girls to see your power level?

tensuke · (10-29-2013, 06:37 AM)

Nice idea! I never really mind using my regular FB account as long as the game doesn't post anything on my behalf. I like seeing games use my friends for stuff, it's actually kind of a neat feature. Debating whether I should make a fake FB account for this or just post my real one up here on the NeoGAFs...

Eric C · (10-29-2013, 06:37 AM)

not a bad idea

Gucci Messiah · (10-29-2013, 06:38 AM)

Originally Posted by Sub_Level

If I do this I will be able to start using Tinder as well. Girls will be able to see my trophies.

Two birds with one stone.

I'm very active in the tinder community, PM me for pick up lines 100% guaranteed to get you laid

Sub_Level · (10-29-2013, 06:40 AM)

Originally Posted by Tripon

Are you sure you want girls to see your power level?

My Transcendence platinum brings all the prospects to the yard,
and they're like "hey that must've been pretty hard"
You're damn right that it was pretty hard
I can teach you if you get me hard

Mairu · (10-29-2013, 06:41 AM)

Originally Posted by tensuke

Nice idea! I never really mind using my regular FB account as long as the game doesn't post anything on my behalf. I like seeing games use my friends for stuff, it's actually kind of a neat feature. Debating whether I should make a fake FB account for this or just post my real one up here on the NeoGAFs...

I don't really mind using my own FB account either. Didn't they change it so that you don't get notifications unless you have/play the game?

I'd post my real one for people playing Marvel PQ :p

Dio · (10-29-2013, 06:42 AM)

Originally Posted by Sub_Level

My Transcendence platinum brings all the prospects to the yard,
and they're like "hey that must've been pretty hard"
You're damn right that it was pretty hard
I can teach you if you get me hard

Hey, bro. I have it too. We can hang out together, if you want. Being part of the Transcendence club and all that, I'm pretty sure we have badges and shit we can flash to get into nightclubs.

Mike Works · (10-29-2013, 06:44 AM)

Originally Posted by tensuke

Nice idea! I never really mind using my regular FB account as long as the game doesn't post anything on my behalf.

Originally Posted by Mairu

I don't really mind using my own FB account either.

This brings up a good point:

You can link your real Facebook accounts in this thread too, if you prefer (and feel comfortable with that). I personally wouldn't do that, but if that's a choice you choose to make, I'll include your profile in the list.

Sub_Level · (10-29-2013, 07:03 AM)

https://www.facebook.com/dudeman.mclargenstein

synce · (10-29-2013, 07:08 AM)

If something requires FB I don't even use it, I think that sends a much stronger message to the companies who don't value privacy. Dummy accounts could perpetuate the problem

Jotamide · (10-29-2013, 07:18 AM)

Hahaha this is great. I'm on my phone, but I'll post my profile in a sec.

Jotamide · (10-29-2013, 08:10 AM)

Here's mine: https://www.facebook.com/temp.orary.948011

gabbre · (10-29-2013, 04:57 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/gabriele.granbiele for Marvel Puzzle Quest, I'll put you in a list so you won't receive spam from my account

Paganmoon · (10-29-2013, 05:00 PM)

Not that it really matters, but isn't having more than one FB account against their TOS? As in, they can remove it if they want?

sixteen-bit · (10-29-2013, 05:02 PM)

Originally Posted by Paganmoon

Not that it really matters, but isn't having more than one FB account against their TOS? As in, they can remove it if they want?

Who's to say this isn't your only account?

TheChaos0 · (10-29-2013, 05:07 PM)

I did exactly the same a while ago. I have created another account for my alternative personality. :) Every time somethings asks me for a facebook login, I just use that account.

sofiabudapest · (10-29-2013, 05:30 PM)

I have this gaming account for some time - everyone is welcome ;) although, I'm never logged in

https://www.facebook.com/sofia.boergersatt

Coconut · (10-29-2013, 05:31 PM)

I've never played a game that wanted my Facebook account.

CDX · (10-29-2013, 06:59 PM)

I actually think this is a great idea.

just created this account

https://www.facebook.com/chace.d.xander

ZedIndyLil · (10-29-2013, 08:12 PM)

To get the benefits, though, don't your friends also have to be playing the game? In any case, I'm a strong proponent of goofy Facebook accounts. Check these out!

https://www.facebook.com/doughyd

https://www.facebook.com/geough.dezick

Demigod Mac · (10-29-2013, 08:19 PM)

Isn't there a privacy setting where you can hide such things from others?

Oh wait, it's Facebook we're talking about...

Mairu · (10-29-2013, 09:25 PM)

Originally Posted by gabbre

https://www.facebook.com/gabriele.granbiele for Marvel Puzzle Quest, I'll put you in a list so you won't receive spam from my account

sent! yay marvel pq

Mike Works · (10-29-2013, 10:23 PM)

Originally Posted by ZedIndyLil

To get the benefits, though, don't your friends also have to be playing the game?

I think it depends on the game. To use the two games in my OP as an example...

Giant Boulder: No one has to be playing this game for you to get the benefits of leaderboards and profile pictures showing up in-game.

Marvel: Yes, people on your friends list need to be playing the game, otherwise you'd be sending bonuses to no one, and you'd be receiving bonuses from no one.

So it really depends on how the developers implement it.

LingeringRegime · (10-30-2013, 01:29 AM)

https://www.facebook.com/stan.hull.50

Stan Hull reporting for duty. Add me.

Bookman · (10-30-2013, 08:39 AM)

https://www.facebook.com/spelarpappa.bildstrom.1

Great idea

sofiabudapest · (10-30-2013, 01:53 PM)

Thanks for all the invites and I added just everyone from OP's 'Official GAF "Facebook" Account List'

Now, we can play FarmVille all together, yay!

biggyfries · (10-30-2013, 02:36 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/justa.lender

lame name, but its only a temp, anyway. :)

DRock · (10-30-2013, 03:05 PM)

Anyone know how to unlink your facebook account in Marvel? I thought it would prompt for my credentials, but it linked directly to my primary account.

Feel free to friend my gaming account: https://www.facebook.com/drocks.feed

AVclub · (10-30-2013, 04:45 PM)

My Android phone already has my FB account on it. Is there a way of adding a second fake one without erasing everything from the real one? Marvel Puzzle Quest doesn't seem to give you a choice of which account to link up with.

Thanks. This is a great idea!

Zing · (10-30-2013, 04:53 PM)

Originally Posted by synce

If something requires FB I don't even use it, I think that sends a much stronger message to the companies who don't value privacy. Dummy accounts could perpetuate the problem

I came into the thread expecting the OP to be something like this. I didn't expect it to be "…so I made a Facebook account!"

I deleted my Facebook account. Any games that overly harass me or hinder me for Facebook just don't get played/purchased.

Lord Griegous · (10-30-2013, 05:21 PM)

I just hope that the accounts you have posted are fake and just for gaming. Because I am not going to be controlling any spam coming your way. (Not a fb user)

https://www.facebook.com/happy.sherpa.144

Rekwest · (10-30-2013, 05:59 PM)

Add me:
https://www.facebook.com/paul.petrelli.7

AVclub · (10-30-2013, 06:09 PM)

Originally Posted by Lord Griegous

I just hope that the accounts you have posted are fake and just for gaming. Because I am not going to be controlling any spam coming your way. (Not a fb user)

https://www.facebook.com/happy.sherpa.144

There's no "add friend" button on the above profile. Did you set it up super restricted or something?

Mike Works · (10-30-2013, 09:50 PM)

Originally Posted by DRock

Anyone know how to unlink your facebook account in Marvel? I thought it would prompt for my credentials, but it linked directly to my primary account.

I can't find any way to un-link a FB account in Marvel: PQ. Might want to email the developers asking how.

Originally Posted by AVclub

My Android phone already has my FB account on it. Is there a way of adding a second fake one without erasing everything from the real one? Marvel Puzzle Quest doesn't seem to give you a choice of which account to link up with.

Thanks. This is a great idea!

I have an iPhone, so I can't speak in specifics to the Android app, but here's what I had to do. On the iPhone, your FB account is logged in not only to the app, but to the iPhone itself (if you choose). So I logged out of both the app and the iPhone settings (I "deleted" it from the iPhone settings actually, but that was just basically logging out). Then I logged into both with my GAF FB account. Then I logged into Marvel:PQ and accepted the FB link.

It worked fine, so I then logged out of my GAF FB on my phone, logged back into my normal FB account, yet Marvel: PQ is still eternally linked to my GAF FB. Hopefully you and other Android users should be able to do the same.

Originally Posted by Zing

I came into the thread expecting the OP to be something like this. I didn't expect it to be "…so I made a Facebook account!"

I deleted my Facebook account. Any games that overly harass me or hinder me for Facebook just don't get played/purchased.

Fair enough, but I honestly can't see any immediate downside to this method either. There are some games that I really enjoy playing that just happen to have this annoying FB tie-in. And while in the past I've chosen to just ignore the aspects of those games, I figured that this method allows me to enjoy the full game without compromising any of my personal information.

AVclub · (10-30-2013, 11:25 PM)

Is it working for anyone? So far, I've received one item from the people I've friended in this thread. However, when I've had items to share, only two names pop up, and they are the two people I previously had. I don't know how to make it see the new people on my list.

Anyone have a solution?

Edit: I'm talking about the Marvel Puzzle Quest game, btw.

Dash Kappei · 03:02 AM

Add me guys:

https://www.facebook.com/dash.kappei.9?ref=tn_tnmn

playing Marvel Puzzle Quest atm

DRock · (10-31-2013, 02:11 AM)

Originally Posted by Mike Works

I can't find any way to un-link a FB account in Marvel: PQ. Might want to email the developers asking how.

I wasn't very far in the game so I just cleared my app data and logged out of facebook. The next time I started Marvel and tried to link facebook it prompted me to sign in. I guess you can't really unlink the account since it uses it to backup your save.

Lord Griegous · (10-31-2013, 02:15 AM)

Originally Posted by AVclub

There's no "add friend" button on the above profile. Did you set it up super restricted or something?

Possibly. I don't know my way around facebook. I will look into it.

biggyfries · (10-31-2013, 02:35 AM)

Originally Posted by Dash Kappei

Add me guys:

https://www.facebook.com/dash.kappei.9?ref=tn_tnmn

Request sent!

Yaari · (10-31-2013, 02:41 AM)

Great idea. Never again to feel guilty about spamming the shit everyone hates. :D

https://www.facebook.com/jim.jamminsum.7

Flunkie · 06:36 AM

facebook.com/flunkie44

add me

any Game of War players?

PalaceBrother · (10-31-2013, 08:51 PM)

Signing up for this for the Marvel PUzzle quest.

https://www.facebook.com/palace.johnson.9

Randolph Freelander · (10-31-2013, 08:57 PM)

Thread: I'm tired of games asking me for my Facebook account, so I'm doing something about it

Post: I'm completely giving in. Join me!

?

Mike Works · (10-31-2013, 09:51 PM)

Originally Posted by AVclub

Is it working for anyone? So far, I've received one item from the people I've friended in this thread. However, when I've had items to share, only two names pop up, and they are the two people I previously had. I don't know how to make it see the new people on my list.

Anyone have a solution?

Edit: I'm talking about the Marvel Puzzle Quest game, btw.

This may be anecdotal, but ever since I started this thread I've only been able to send out prizes to 3 people. For whatever reason this morning, I'm now able to send out gifts to 25 people. Some I'm completely guessing that the software only checks to see if you have new M:PQ friends every few days/week. Keep playing and let us know if that number changes.

Originally Posted by Randolph Freelander

Thread: I'm tired of games asking me for my Facebook account, so I'm doing something about it

Post: I'm completely giving in. Join me!

?

Completely giving in? I don't want these companies getting my personal information, such as my real name, my likeness, my email address, etc. Through this method, they get none of that.

Please try and take a moment to actually think before making a reply next time. It'll be more constructive.

platypotamus · (10-31-2013, 11:02 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/platy.potamus

Santiako · (11-01-2013, 03:57 PM)

Made a profile for this as well, I'll send you all friend requests.

https://www.facebook.com/santiako.forgames

yamo · (11-03-2013, 11:42 AM)

Hey guys add me, i'm currently playing Marvel Puzzle quest and need frineds!!!

https://www.facebook.com/snosto.bajmas