Launch the game. Your name is permanent. No more "M. Smith." No more frustration.
The F1 2013 name change fix involves a combination of official patches and community solutions. The best approach is to start with official channels for updates and then explore community-created content. Always ensure that any modifications to the game are done with caution and from reputable sources.
If F1 2013 cannot create a profile folder because your Windows username has spaces (e.g., "John Doe") or special characters (e.g., "Jöhn"), the profile will fail to generate correctly.
The Workaround:
Before we fix it, we must understand the enemy. The bug is not random corruption. It stems from three specific issues:
The "best" fix is the one that survives a reboot, a Steam update, and a hard crash.
| Problem | Solution | |--------|----------| | “DRV_17” instead of “Jules Bianchi” | Real name restoration | | “My Driver” in career | Change to “Your Name” | | “VET” → “Vettel” in all menus | Global fix | | Team name stuck as “MERCEDES” | Rename to “Mercedes AMG Petronas” |
Would you like a mockup UI layout or step‑by‑step implementation plan (e.g., which files to patch)?
If you previously signed into GFWL, you have two profiles: One local (broken) and one cloud. You must delete the local profile in C:\Users\[You]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\GFWL\ before applying the registry fix.
If the above fixes do not work for your specific build (e.g., the rare PhysX edition), visit:
Call to Action: Did the "Xliveless" method work for you? Or are you sticking with the Registry hack? Comment below with your Windows version to help fellow racers.
Article last updated: October 2023. Tested on Windows 11 22H2 and SteamOS 3.4.
If you are stuck as "PLAYER ONE" or can't edit your profile in
, here are the most effective fixes based on community solutions. 1. The "Steam API" Fix (Most Popular)
The most common cause for the "PLAYER ONE" bug, especially in certain versions of the game, is a faulty steam_api.dll
file that prevents the game from saving custom user profile data. How to Fix: Download a verified F1 2013 Name Fix or a clean steam_api.dll from community sites like OverTake.gg Navigate to your F1 2013 installation folder (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\F1 2013 your original steam_api.dll Replace it with the downloaded fix file. Launch the game and navigate to MyF1 > Driver Information > Driver Details to type your new name. 2. The Keyboard Input Workaround
Sometimes the "bug" is just a UI navigation issue where the game doesn't highlight the name field correctly when using a racing wheel. How to Fix: Disconnect your racing wheel or controller temporarily. Arrow Keys on your keyboard to navigate to the Name field. once to activate the text field. Type your name and press again to save. 3. Change Name Mid-Career (Menu Navigation)
If you have already started a career and want to change your name without starting over, check this specific menu path. Main Menu > Career Mode Customisation
In this sub-menu, you should be able to edit your driver’s details, including first and last names. 4. Hardware Settings Reset
If the game refuses to save any profile changes, your hardware settings file might be corrupted. How to Fix: Documents\My Games\FormulaOne2013 Delete or move the hardwaresettings Verify the integrity of your game files through Steam. f1 2013 name change fix best
Relaunch the game; it will generate a fresh config file that may resolve the saving lock. 5. Advanced: EGO Database Editor
For changing AI names or forcing a change that the menu won't accept, you can use the EGO Database Editor database.bin file found in the game's data folder. Locate the table to edit names directly.
After making changes in the editor, change your in-game difficulty (e.g., from Hard to Legend) and save. This forces the game to overwrite its cached database settings. Are you experiencing this on the Steam version cracked version of the game? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
For players of F1 2013, one of the most persistent issues is the "Player One" name bug, where the game prevents you from entering a custom driver name or keeps resetting it. Whether you are using a legacy Steam version or a repack, several community-tested fixes can resolve this. Method 1: The In-Game Menu Fix (Recommended First Step)
Before trying file modifications, many players find success by navigating specific menu paths that bypass the initial prompt glitch.
Accept the Default: When first starting the game, accept "Player One" or whatever default name is provided without trying to change it yet.
Navigate to Settings: From the main menu, go to MyF1 > Driver Information > Driver Details.
Input Name: Select the name fields here. If you are on PC using a controller, press 'A' on the controller first, then use your keyboard to type the name, and press 'A' again to confirm.
Verify Autosave: Ensure autosave is on so the change persists after you restart the game. Method 2: Hardware Workaround (For Steering Wheel Users)
A known bug causes steering wheels to interfere with name input fields.
Unplug the Wheel: Disconnect your racing wheel before launching the game.
Enter Name with Keyboard: Launch the game, enter your custom name using the keyboard, and save the profile.
Reconnect Wheel: Once the profile is saved and the name is fixed, you can plug your wheel back in and play normally. Method 3: The "Name Changer" Mod Fix
For those whose games are stuck on "Player One" regardless of menu settings, community-made "Name Changer" fixes are the most reliable long-term solution. These typically involve replacing a specific DLL file.
Download a Fix: Look for reputable community fixes like SKIDROW's F1 '13 Name Changer Fix on sites like OverTake.gg (formerly RaceDepartment).
Backup Files: Always backup your original steam_api.dll in your game folder (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\F1 2013).
Install: Extract the downloaded .zip file and drop its contents into the main F1 2013 directory, replacing the existing file when prompted.
Apply Name: Restart the game; you should now be able to edit your name freely under Driver Details. Method 4: Advanced Manual Edit (.lng Files)
If you want to change the names of AI drivers or force your name into the game's text database, you can use a language editor. Launch the game
Locate Language Files: The game stores driver names in .lng files within the game directory.
Use a Language Editor: Open these files with a compatible editor and search for lng_[driver_name].
Swap Names: Replace the value with your desired name. Note that this often only changes the name as it appears during a race session, not necessarily in the main career menus. Troubleshooting Save Issues
If your name changes but doesn't stay saved, try these steps:
F1 2013 Name Change Fix: A Solution to the Ultimate Frustration
The F1 2013 game, developed by Codemasters, was an exciting addition to the Formula 1 franchise. However, a peculiar issue plagued many players - the inability to change their player name. This frustrating bug left gamers with a seemingly permanent moniker that they might not have wanted. Fortunately, a fix has been discovered, and we're here to guide you through it.
The Problem
Players who purchased F1 2013, especially those who bought the game second-hand or through certain retailers, found themselves stuck with a pre-set player name. This name often belonged to the previous owner, making it a frustrating experience for new players.
The Solution
A dedicated community of gamers and forum-goers discovered a workaround to change your player name in F1 2013. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Alternative Solutions
Some players have reported success with other methods:
Conclusion
The F1 2013 name change fix is a welcome relief for frustrated players. By deleting or renaming the player.plr file and creating a new profile, gamers can finally enjoy the game with their preferred player name. If you're still experiencing issues, consider trying alternative solutions or reaching out to the game's community for further assistance.
Finding the "best" fix for the F1 2013 name change issue depends on whether you are using a legitimate Steam version or a repack/pirated version. Most players encounter this because the game defaults to a generic name like "Player" or "CODEX" and lacks an in-game menu to change it. 🛠️ The Definitive Fixes for F1 2013 1. The Steam Version (The "Official" Way)
If you own the game on Steam, the game should pull your profile name from your Steam account. If it isn't:
Verify Files: Right-click F1 2013 in Steam > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Cloud Sync: Ensure Steam Cloud is enabled so your profile data (and name) syncs correctly. 2. The .ini File Edit (The Most Reliable Fix)
Most F1 2013 installs use an emulator for save data. You can change your name by editing the configuration file. The F1 2013 name change fix involves a
Locate the Folder: Go to your F1 2013 installation directory.
Find the Config: Look for a file named steam_api.ini, steam_emu.ini, or extra_options.ini.
Changing your driver name in F1 2013 can be tricky due to a known bug that often locks the name to "Player One". The best fix depends on whether you are facing a simple menu navigation issue or a persistent game bug. Option 1: The Standard In-Game Method
Before trying external fixes, ensure you are navigating the menus correctly. Many players find that standard keyboard inputs don’t register unless specific steps are followed.
Launch the game and accept the default profile ("Player One") to get to the main menu. Navigate to MyF1 > Driver Information > Driver Details.
PC Input Tip: If you use a controller, you may need to press A to select the field, but then use your keyboard to actually type the name, followed by A (or Enter) to confirm.
Ensure Autosave is on so the changes stick for your next session. Option 2: The "Name Changer Fix" Mod
If the in-game fields remain uneditable, a popular community fix involves replacing a specific game file. This is often necessary for certain versions of the game where the name entry is permanently bugged.
The File: Many users utilize a modified steam_api.dll file (often referred to as the SKIDROW Name Changer Fix). Installation: Back up your original game files.
Place the new steam_api.dll into your main F1 2013 directory (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\F1 2013).
Restart the game; you should now be able to edit your name in the Driver Details menu. Option 3: Manual File Editing (Advanced)
For players comfortable with modding tools, you can manually change names by editing the game's database or language files.
Language Files: Using a language editor, you can open the .lng files in the game folder and search for lng_[driver_name] to replace it with your own.
Database: You can use the EGO Database Editor to modify the f1drivers table, allowing you to swap names of existing drivers with your own. Community Perspectives
“My keyboard also stopped working just after loading the game - unable to move through the menus. I verified integrity of steam files and deleted the hardware settings files in my documents folder, and that fixed it.” Steam Community · 12 years ago
“Navigate with the arrow keys and hit enter to be able to type in that field. Even with my wheel connected, the keyboard registers inputs fine that way.” Steam Community · 12 years ago
Are you also having trouble with your save files not loading or force feedback settings after applying these changes? F1 2013 - Can't change my player name - OverTake.gg
For the best and safest approach to fixing the naming issues in F1 2013: