Avatars Seen as "Logical Extension" of Xbox Experience

[Logan Frederick]

Avatars Seen as "Logical Extension" of Xbox Experience

Microsoft executives John Schappert and Don Mattrick have decided that Avatars represent the next step in Xbox LIVE's evolution.

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto found Microsoft's Avatar creations for Xbox LIVE to be strikingly similar to his company's Miis yet flattering [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/85064] all the same.

Jon Schappert, Microsoft's corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE, enjoys Nintendo's products but didn't aim to copy them.

"It'd be remiss to say that we don't enjoy playing on the other systems and we have a lot of respect for the work that Miyamoto-san and Nintendo do, but I think it's a logical extension of our Gamercard, Gamertag and Achievements," said Schappert.

He continued, "People want to personalize their Gamertag and so when we look to the future and think about building a brand new Xbox experience, Avatars is a logical extension of that innovation. I think it's another avenue of self-expression and there are a lot of opportunities here for consumers."

In combination with the movie distribution deal with Netflix, Schappert says his company's online efforts are meant to attract consumers to the 360 platform.

"Maybe they're still sitting on the sidelines because of content choices," wondered Schappert. "They want different games that are not being offered yet, or maybe they haven't upgraded yet because of price. Hopefully they'll say it's now time to get an Xbox 360 because it's a great, approachable machine."

Source: MCV [http://www.mcvuk.com/interviews/307/The-X-Men]

Permalink

 

[dthree]

If they didn't "aim to copy" Nintendo Miis, then why do the look almost the same?

 

[CatmanStu]

Advertising and PR reps really do live in a different dimension to the rest of us. They know when a product is being directly influenced by a competitor; they probably know the customer is aware as well; but in their world if they deny something then the rest of the world will accept their denial as fact.

My thoughts on the actual avatars themselves is, as long as their system resource usage doesn't effect the running of the dashboard or games, who cares if they are ripped off; I personally can't wait to create mine.

 

[shatnershaman]

Unless there is a Master Chief costume I'm choosing to stick with pre avatar look (apparently that is an option)

 

[Hamster at Dawn]

If they have unlockable outfits then that would be cool. Perhaps if you beat the halo 3 campaign then you'd unlock a master chief helmet. If all the options are available to everyone then you're not going to have as much originality and all the things that look cool will be used by absolutely everyone else.

 

[stompy]

PR reps have this awesome ability to twist the truth to suit themselves, don't they? As for shatnershaman's idea, I reckon that would be pretty cool.

Quick question: when is this update supposed to occur?

 

[AboveUp]

He continued, "People want to personalize their Gamertag and so when we look to the future and think about building a brand new Xbox experience, Avatars is a logical extension of that innovation. I think it's another avenue of self-expression and there are a lot of opportunities here for consumers.

Like how people like to personalize Master Chief in Halo 3's online multiplayer, yet everyone still ends up with a grey one? Personalization is generally just a way to look more alike by choice.

 

[Conqueror Kenny]

Unless there is a Master Chief costume I'm choosing to stick with pre avatar look (apparently that is an option)

Please, why would you want Master chief if you could get Dante. Or Ryu Hyubusa, that's not a bad idea actually.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

I wish these PR guys didn't sound like cult leaders.

"Avatars are the logical extension to the XBOX EXPERIENCE"

Nope, not a logical extension to the "gamer pic" or to the "LIVE ID" or "gamertag" - nope, the Xbox experience.

"OMG This avatar of a guy in a bunny suit is so adding to my Xbox experience"

I hear these things are not going to be in violent games either....sorry no chainsawing Avi's or Mii's in Gears.

hmm...

I wonder when Sony will start letting us create our Home Avatar, in response to this.

Well a Beta is on the way - gotta download the Home Theme.