You can change your GOG username through your account settings, but the process has a waiting period and some limits
GOG (Good Old Games) lets you change your username, but not when ready. You go to your account settings, find the username field, enter a new name, and submit the change. GOG then puts a 60-day hold on the change before it takes effect. During those 60 days, your old username stays active. After the waiting period ends, your new username becomes your login name and display name across the platform.
The delay exists so you cannot rapidly cycle through usernames or impersonate other accounts. It also gives you time to cancel the request if you change your mind. Once the 60 days pass, the change is permanent — you cannot revert to your old username, and no one else can claim it during the waiting period.
Key Takeaways
- GOG username changes take effect 60 days after you request them, not when ready.
- Your old username remains active and usable during the 60-day waiting period.
- You cannot use the same username twice — once you change away from it, it is gone permanently.
- Usernames must be between 3 and 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
- You can cancel a pending username change at any time before the 60 days expire.
Where to find the username setting in GOG
Log into your GOG account on the website (gog.com). Click your avatar or profile icon in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. On the Settings page, look for the "Account" tab on the left side. Under Account, you will see a section labeled "Username" with your current name displayed.
Click the "Change" button or link next to your username. A text field will appear where you can type your new username. GOG will check in real time whether the name is available — if it is taken or violates the naming rules, you will see an error message when ready. Once you enter a valid, available name, click "Confirm" or "Save" to submit the request.
What happens during the 60-day waiting period
After you submit a username change, GOG sends you a confirmation email. Your old username continues to work for logging in and appears on your profile and in your game library. Other players still see your old name in multiplayer games, forums, and community features. You can use GOG normally during this time — the waiting period does not lock your account or prevent you from playing.
If you decide you do not want the change, you can cancel it by going back to Settings > Account > Username and clicking "Cancel Change" or a similar option. Canceling removes the pending change, and your username stays the same. You can then request a different username change if you want, but the new request will have its own 60-day waiting period.
What username rules GOG enforces
Your new username must be between 3 and 32 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. GOG does not allow usernames that impersonate staff members, contain hate speech, or are otherwise offensive — if your requested name violates these rules, the system will reject it and tell you why.
Usernames are not case-sensitive for login purposes, so "JamesRod" and "jamesrod" are treated as the same account. However, your display name will show the capitalization you chose. Once your 60-day waiting period ends and the change takes effect, your old username becomes permanently unavailable — GOG does not recycle old usernames or let you claim them again later.
What changes and what stays the same after your username updates
When the 60 days expire and your new username takes effect, your login name changes to the new username. Your display name on your profile, in forums, and in multiplayer games also updates. Your game library, achievements, friends list, and purchase history all remain attached to your account — nothing is lost or reset.
However, any direct links to your old profile URL will no longer work. If someone bookmarked your profile page or shared a link to your GOG profile, that link will break after the username change. Your new profile will have a new URL based on your new username. Friends and other players will see your new name going forward, but they will not lose you as a friend — your friend relationships carry over automatically.
If your desired username is already taken
When you type a new username into the change field, GOG tells you when ready whether it is available. If the name you want is taken, you will see a message saying so. You cannot reserve a username or join a waitlist for one — you have to choose a different name.
Try variations: add a number at the end, use an underscore or hyphen in the middle, or shorten the name. Keep in mind that GOG has millions of users, so common words and short names are usually claimed. If you are set on a specific name, you can check whether that account exists by searching for it in GOG's community features, but you cannot contact the owner or request they change it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
No. Once your username change takes effect after 60 days, your old username is permanently gone. GOG does not recycle old usernames or allow you to reclaim them. If you regret the change, you cannot undo it — you can only request a new username and wait another 60 days.
What if I cancel my username change — can I request a new one right away?
Yes. Canceling a pending username change removes it from the queue, and you can when ready request a different username. The new request will have its own 60-day waiting period, but there is no cooldown between canceling one change and starting another.
Does changing my username affect my games or achievements?
No. Your game library, achievements, playtime, and all other account data stay exactly the same. The username change only affects how your name appears to other players and on your profile. You will still own the same games and have the same achievements after the change takes effect.
Can I change my username on mobile, or only on the website?
You can change your username through the GOG website or the GOG Galaxy app on Windows and Mac. The process is the same in both places — go to Settings, find Account, and click Change next to your username. Mobile web browsers also work, though the layout may be different.
What if GOG rejects my username as offensive or against the rules?
GOG will show you an error message explaining why the name was rejected. Common reasons include profanity, impersonation of staff, or hateful language. You will need to choose a different username that does not violate the rules. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can contact GOG support through their help center.