Why does riot give such shitty names to agents?

I wish Riot would name the agents according to their cultural backgrounds. I'm sure every language/culture out there has vivid words. Like I watched this interview by Rodrigo Amarante (who sang the famous Narcos theme) where he mentions a Portuguese word Saudade, which translates to longing, a relish-able longing that's more an object, than feeling.

And it was sooooo cool to learn that.

Take Harbour for instance, it's a dogshit name. I'd prefer something from Hindustani like Panaah, which can literally mean a harbour, or takin' rest, or giving respite depending on the context.

What do you guys think?

mentions a Portuguese word Saudade, which translates to longing, a relish-able longing that's more an object, than feeling.

I'm Brazilian and I would never associate that phrase with Saudade ever

i think they were trying to associate him with water and couldnt think

That’s cool and all but not everyone speaks Hindustani

The english-speaking agents names are mostly relatable to their characters:
Brimstone
Viper
Sage

Other languages:
Sova - Owl in Russian
Reyna - Queen or Empress in Spanish
Yoru - Evening/Night in Japanese (according to Google)

its just a name for their abilities/speciality, like phoenix=fire, astra(l)=space, harbor=water seems fine to me

burritx [#2]

mentions a Portuguese word Saudade, which translates to longing, a relish-able longing that's more an object, than feeling.

I'm Brazilian and I would never associate that phrase with Saudade ever

So...he's bullshitting the interviewer here: https://youtu.be/w60DutwCF_4?t=261 ?????

Anyways, my point still stands in general.

Brandon_Munson [#4]

That’s cool and all but not everyone speaks Hindustani

What's your point? Not everyone speaks English too?

Plus, how does the name of an agent relate to people not knowing the native language of agent's culture? Like, the other commentator pointed out Sova means Owl in Russian. How does me not knowing Russian relevant there?

Mbappe [#6]

its just a name for their abilities/speciality, like phoenix=fire, astra(l)=space, harbor=water seems fine to me

I know some are named in accordance to their abilities, but they too are shallow af, no? Especially when you have underexplored languages/culture like Astra's.

muharrik [#8]

What's your point? Not everyone speaks English too?

Plus, how does the name of an agent relate to people not knowing the native language of agent's culture? Like, the other commentator pointed out Sova means Owl in Russian. How does me not knowing Russian relevant there?

More Valorant players speak English than hindustani. Also Sova sounds badass, Panaah does not

muharrik [#9]

I know some are named in accordance to their abilities, but they too are shallow af, no? Especially when you have underexplored languages/culture like Astra's.

Not really. Not every Agent needs a name that's too deep. Sometimes, it gives a background to their character, or an ability. Sometimes it could be a quixk passover.

I read a Twitter post the other day about their interpretation of Harbor: the first sight you see after travelling on sea. Welcoming, like how Harbor is character-wise. He's described as a 'big brother' type; confident in his actions and character.

In the end, it's up on our own interpretation. Because as much as Riot OOC gives their name, in character? There's always a reason behind it.

burritx [#2]

mentions a Portuguese word Saudade, which translates to longing, a relish-able longing that's more an object, than feeling.

I'm Brazilian and I would never associate that phrase with Saudade ever

I think Rodrigo Amarante's description is pretty accurate
and muharrik's summary is fine, I'd still say that Saudade is more a feeling than an object though, the thing is that it's a noun, in constrast to "missing" which is a verb

Brandon_Munson [#10]

More Valorant players speak English than hindustani. Also Sova sounds badass, Panaah does not

Bruh...you dumb? I think you need to revisit your English comprehension skills lol. I asked a question based on your intiatial statement, and in response you just reiterate your aforementioned statement???

Also Sova sounds badass

Then "lingual badass-ness" should be the metric, not the number of speakers, no?

Panaah does not

Man out here spittin' subjective shit as unadulterated, objective truth lol.

I think you should stop commenting my friend and do some reading comprehension essays first.

TMosura [#11]

Not really. Not every Agent needs a name that's too deep. Sometimes, it gives a background to their character, or an ability. Sometimes it could be a quixk passover.

I read a Twitter post the other day about their interpretation of Harbor: the first sight you see after travelling on sea. Welcoming, like how Harbor is character-wise. He's described as a 'big brother' type; confident in his actions and character.

In the end, it's up on our own interpretation. Because as much as Riot OOC gives their name, in character? There's always a reason behind it.

Not really. Not every Agent needs a name that's too deep.

Why not? After all, people spend a lot of time with these agents. Marinate themselves in them, "main" them, adore them. Plus, Isn't your framing uses the very existence of inherent subjectiveness in "naming" something as a shield from possible criticisms of shallowness?

I read a Twitter post the other day about their interpretation of Harbor: the first sight you see after travelling on sea. Welcoming, like how Harbor is character-wise. He's described as a 'big brother' type; confident in his actions and character.

Mind sharing the twitter post? I'd appreciate it. :)

At the end, I know all this is secondary to the core gameplay. Just wanted to have a discussion the topic.

Bro trying to make an ability fps game into a cultural history deep game

Domination [#15]

Bro trying to make an ability fps game into a cultural history deep game

Soupbrain questioning the integrality of culture, politics, and representation in todays world. Especially from a game that's made by a global giant in gaming like Riot. I think you should sit this one out "bro".

Brandon_Munson [#10]

More Valorant players speak English than hindustani. Also Sova sounds badass, Panaah does not

Ngl Panaah sounds way better than Harbor

And then listen to soft mfs like you cry when someone pronounces it wrong?

its a game bruh who cars about name

muharrik [#14]

Not really. Not every Agent needs a name that's too deep.

Why not? After all, people spend a lot of time with these agents. Marinate themselves in them, "main" them, adore them. Plus, Isn't your framing uses the very existence of inherent subjectiveness in "naming" something as a shield from possible criticisms of shallowness?

I read a Twitter post the other day about their interpretation of Harbor: the first sight you see after travelling on sea. Welcoming, like how Harbor is character-wise. He's described as a 'big brother' type; confident in his actions and character.

Mind sharing the twitter post? I'd appreciate it. :)

At the end, I know all this is secondary to the core gameplay. Just wanted to have a discussion the topic.

Why not? After all, people spend a lot of time with these agents. Marinate themselves in them, "main" them, adore them. Plus, Isn't your framing uses the very existence of inherent subjectiveness in "naming" something as a shield from possible criticisms of shallowness?

In a game where lore takes a backseat to core gameplay but makes such an impactful progrese to the overall development, it does seem that from time-to-time, we do get attached. But do trust me and others that sometimes, a name isn't the end of the world. I mean, people where furious when "Deadeye" turned out to be "Chamber" but were fine or accept it like, months after.

Mind sharing the twitter post? I'd appreciate it. :)

I forgot what post it is so you need to find it. But the characterization of Harbor? It's from the devs themselves.

acels1 [#19]

its a game bruh who cars about name

Lore and character is an understated thing, especially in a competitive shooter. Riot cares about both. While most of us probably don't give two shits about them, there are other who does, and there are a group of people that overlap each sides.

a lot of cope in this thread but yeah harbor is just a bland name. Also neon and fade, like wtf

Behen ka lode aur kya chahiye tujhe. India got a franchise spot, a new agent, language still complaining lodu

Valgod [#18]

And then listen to soft mfs like you cry when someone pronounces it wrong?

Assumptive drivel. Come back with a real retort. Im sure you can do much better my "unironically-calling-people-soft-in-2022" "valgod". XD

muharrik [#8]

What's your point? Not everyone speaks English too?

Plus, how does the name of an agent relate to people not knowing the native language of agent's culture? Like, the other commentator pointed out Sova means Owl in Russian. How does me not knowing Russian relevant there?

They already have their own names. The Indian Army themselves use English code names which is closer to the valorant organisation we have in-game. What's wrong with having an English code name?

Varun Batra is Harbor's real name.

Jett also has a real name in Korean.

Viper has one too.

These English names are just coded names. I don't know what to say if you cannot tell the difference. Also, Valorant is based on a futuristic world. Imagine someone having the name Panaah in modern India let alone in the future.

Varun Batra is a generic Indian name and they want to go with the theme - Valorant agents are just normal people maybe 50-100 years from now.

Not everything needs to be associated with historical names or names from mythology. That is such a one-dimensional approach. Like how about we start naming stuff from Greek or Norse mythology? That is the most generic idea I have ever seen.

Since riot gives a lot of attention to lore, it would be interesting.
Idk if this applies for agent names, i know it's a principle for map parts (for quick calling) but they should be two syllables maximum too?

muharrik [#16]

Soupbrain questioning the integrality of culture, politics, and representation in todays world. Especially from a game that's made by a global giant in gaming like Riot. I think you should sit this one out "bro".

it's not that deep bruv

SnooTangerines [#25]

They already have their own names. The Indian Army themselves use English code names which is closer to the valorant organisation we have in-game. What's wrong with having an English code name?

Varun Batra is Harbor's real name.

Jett also has a real name in Korean.

Viper has one too.

These English names are just coded names. I don't know what to say if you cannot tell the difference. Also, Valorant is based on a futuristic world. Imagine someone having the name Panaah in modern India let alone in the future.

Varun Batra is a generic Indian name and they want to go with the theme - Valorant agents are just normal people maybe 50-100 years from now.

Not everything needs to be associated with historical names or names from mythology. That is such a one-dimensional approach. Like how about we start naming stuff from Greek or Norse mythology? That is the most generic idea I have ever seen.

They already have their own names. The Indian Army themselves use English code names which is closer to the valorant organisation we have in-game. What's wrong with having an English code name?
Varun Batra is Harbor's real name.
Jett also has a real name in Korean.
Viper has one too.
These English names are just coded names. I don't know what to say if you cannot tell the difference. Also, Valorant is based on a futuristic world. Imagine someone having the name Panaah in modern India let alone in the future.
Varun Batra is a generic Indian name and they want to go with the theme - Valorant agents are just normal people maybe 50-100 years from now.

Irrelevant nonsense. Reread my OP then the subsequent discussion in the comments before spouting shit.

How are the names agents have before joining Valorant relevant to the discussion, majority of people don't know them, don't use them for callouts. I was talkin' about code names. Or call signs which, for instance, pilots use, and which forsho is influenced a lot by their backgrounds, their personal lives.

And for the love of fuckin' god substantiate your prescriptive arguments.

Not everything needs to be associated with historical names or names from mythology.

Is this what I prescribed, and even if I did substantiate why is it bad. Learn how human interactions work, given your parents have failed to teach you.

Like how about we start naming stuff from Greek or Norse mythology? That is the most generic idea I have ever seen.

Don't strawman. Stuff inspired from Greek/Norse mythology is "generic" cuz it's overdone, hypercommercialised now. Would you say the same for stuff that's inspired by African mythos, or that Indian game Raji?

Again, think before you write stuff.

Derpp [#27]

it's not that deep bruv

good reply "bruv". well done. mummy would be proud. XD

Saudade means that your feeling the miss of someone.

Calling an agent Saudade would mean that he was something before the he isn't anymore, It's like calling someone baloon, you know this guy uses weed just by the name, or that he's really fat.

muharrik [#13]

Bruh...you dumb? I think you need to revisit your English comprehension skills lol. I asked a question based on your intiatial statement, and in response you just reiterate your aforementioned statement???

Also Sova sounds badass

Then "lingual badass-ness" should be the metric, not the number of speakers, no?

Panaah does not

Man out here spittin' subjective shit as unadulterated, objective truth lol.

I think you should stop commenting my friend and do some reading comprehension essays first.

It’s not that deep lil bro
Go to sleep

Brandon_Munson [#31]

It’s not that deep lil bro
Go to sleep

you got nothing? XD

wish your dad went to sleep that ill-fated day... :( I'd not be havin' this braincell-genociding back-n-forth.

muharrik [#28]

They already have their own names. The Indian Army themselves use English code names which is closer to the valorant organisation we have in-game. What's wrong with having an English code name?
Varun Batra is Harbor's real name.
Jett also has a real name in Korean.
Viper has one too.
These English names are just coded names. I don't know what to say if you cannot tell the difference. Also, Valorant is based on a futuristic world. Imagine someone having the name Panaah in modern India let alone in the future.
Varun Batra is a generic Indian name and they want to go with the theme - Valorant agents are just normal people maybe 50-100 years from now.

Irrelevant nonsense. Reread my OP then the subsequent discussion in the comments before spouting shit.

How are the names agents have before joining Valorant relevant to the discussion, majority of people don't know them, don't use them for callouts. I was talkin' about code names. Or call signs which, for instance, pilots use, and which forsho is influenced a lot by their backgrounds, their personal lives.

And for the love of fuckin' god substantiate your prescriptive arguments.

Not everything needs to be associated with historical names or names from mythology.

Is this what I prescribed, and even if I did substantiate why is it bad. Learn how human interactions work, given your parents have failed to teach you.

Like how about we start naming stuff from Greek or Norse mythology? That is the most generic idea I have ever seen.

Don't strawman. Stuff inspired from Greek/Norse mythology is "generic" cuz it's overdone, hypercommercialised now. Would you say the same for stuff that's inspired by African mythos, or that Indian game Raji?

Again, think before you write stuff.

inspired by African mythos, or that Indian game Raji?

Yes, just because you haven't consumed the medium does not mean it's not overdone. Indian Mythology is overused as well as African. There are so many references in pop culture to chakra, Indian gods and their powers, to Hindu beliefs like the cycle of life and death. Shit has gone so far that movies and novels will use exact names and relationships from Ramayan and Mahabharat and create entirely new stories.

There is also so much content available which is inspired by the Axum and how they lived. It is so ingrained in some places that it's hard to tell the difference between pop culture and reality. Just proves you live in a bubble.

Indian game Raji

Are you dumb? If you actually think that Raji is the only game or piece of pop culture that references hindu mythology you need a reality check.

names agents have before joining Valorant relevant to the discussion

It is still their name though? Do you seriously not know what codenames are or you are just a clown? Codenames are used to refer to people when their actual names cannot be used cause it will compromise with security. Imagine if someone intercepts brim giving instructions over the radio about some hindu codename guy being deployed to a location. Who is the only Indian in valorant? Harbor. Voila!

Maybe wearing clown makeup will be more respectful than posting such opinions in public.

Again, think before you write stuff.

My bad, IG there is no use arguing with a clown. Keep barking in your echo chamber.

burritx [#2]

mentions a Portuguese word Saudade, which translates to longing, a relish-able longing that's more an object, than feeling.

I'm Brazilian and I would never associate that phrase with Saudade ever

sounds like when ur horny lmfao