Minecraft name-changing feature to launch next month

Last week, developer Mojang said name changes for Minecraft would be coming very soon. Today, we've got more official details — the featured service will be available starting Wednesday, February 4th, and it will be free to use.

"The only thing you need is a Mojang account," said Mojang's Kristoffer Jelbring. "There are no other requirements, and it doesn't cost any money."

The only snag is that you need an actual Mojang account. If you sign in to Minecraft with an email address, you're all good. If not, you need to migrate your old Minecraft account. Once you do that, you will be free to change your Minecraft name once the feature is made available next month. Simply head over to your account page and you should see a "change" link next to your name.

Kristoffer took to the Mojang website to share a few more details about name changing. Here's the rundown of the FAQs:

• No duplicate names. If you want the same name as another player, they will have to change their name for you to be able to take it. The name will become available 37 days after they change it.
• All unpaid usernames will be freed up and made available when the new name changing feature is released.
• You can change the capitalization of your name.
• You will be able to change back to your old name, but you still have to wait the 30 days.
• Banned players will remain banned even if they change their name.
• Mods "should" be able to support the name change system "and most already do." However, Mojang is not responsible for mods or servers.