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NEWS

Xbox Live Avatars "May" Bring Charges

Kris Graft's picture

By Kris Graft

August 1, 2008

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Microsoft might charge for virtual accessories for the recently-announced Xbox Live Avatars, a new report says.

Asked if Microsoft will utilize microtransactions with Avatars, Live boss John Schappert said in an interview with Venture Beat, "That may be in the future. In the near term, we want to launch these with great customization and a great library of accessories this fall.

"I think there is a lot more we can do with them."

He said Microsoft will continue to expand Avatar offerings as time goes on. "Our goal is not to create a sterile environment where you move furniture around."

Commenting on Avatar's resemblance to Nintendo's Miis, Schappert said, "I have to make a shout out to the Miis and say that Nintendo did a phenomenal job integrating them into the Wii games. There was a lot of inspiration from them."

Xbox Live's Avatar's are expected to arrive this fall with the arrival of Xbox 360 next big dashboard update.

muddville's picture
On August 4th muddville said:

I honestly don't mind this.

They're already gouging everyone for gamerpics and themes, you've at least gotta be consistent. What I would ask is that pieces would be around 15-25MS. I would pay that. But what would be an ever better idea is to get developers on board for this, and while they create achievements for their game, they create several pieces of content for these MS Mii's that would be unlocked during the course of playing through a game. Possibly at the same time as you unlock achievements.

Pug's picture
On August 3rd Pug said:

Miis, avatars, weemee... I know they have blantantly ripped off nintendos use of this idea on consoles... but its hardly a new idea... Sony have just ripped off achievements from MS. This is what happens.

As far as charging for accessories goes, if there is a good amount of basic stuff available (As much or more than there is on the wii) to create your character for free... then i have no issue with them charging for "extras" that aren't on offer else where anyways.

Google will be doing this with Lively, the sims has done it to the extreme (H&M, IKEA and so on).

toadwarrior's picture
On August 2nd toadwarrior said:

So they blatantly steal Nintendo's Mii idea (to the point of making them look quite similar) and now they want to charge users for using the avatars despite the fact Nintendo's basically done all the work for them.

I think this generation is all about finding how much you can screw customers out of. There's little to no innovation and we're being charged a premium for it.

Adhesiveginger's picture
On August 2nd Adhesiveginger said:

lets remember they 'may' charge and if they do you pay to look unique look at 'imvu' they have been charging for Acesories/Clothes for ages and no one has ever moaned

Peace Out
Adhesiveginger

Mkwatson's picture
On August 2nd Mkwatson said:

MS is just pissed because they can't drain our money with PC's. Can you imagine if windows had released and you got it home and wanted to change your wallpaper but you had to purchase it for 300 "points"!? Its disrespectful in my opinion and It will only get worse:(

Jack_McSlay's picture
On August 1st Jack_McSlay said:

And MS looks for yet another excuse to drain money out of the players, as if charging almost the cost of one game per year to play online without even offering dedicated server wasn't enough

rydamgw's picture
On August 1st rydamgw said:

there it goes again microsoft asking for money xbox is a simple moneypit and thats about all.

Kenology's picture
On August 1st Kenology said:

Didn't someone else from Microsoft just deny that the Avatars were inspired by Miis?