Micro transactions. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're a reality on the Xbox Live Marketplace and later this year, come the release of the 360's feature rich Fall update, they may begin to "infect" our Avatars. Ewww!In an interview with VentureBeat, Microsoft's corporate vice president John Schappert talked about the possibility of monetizing Avatar customization options saying that pairing Avatars with micro transactions "may be in the future," but now they're focusing on launching "with great customization and a great library of accessories this fall." Money, money, money ... it's always about Avatars, micro transactions and money.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
8-01-2008 @ 5:11PM
Magic Whiskey said...
I'm fine with avatar microtransactions; you still won't be forced to buy anything, same as with Gamerpics.
BUT..
What I would demand from the avatar side of things without debate would be 'unlocked' bits and things from retail games as well as XBLA titles.
If Microsoft wants to allow disruptivepublishers.com to sell sunflowers for avatar girl's hairstyles or a tie-dyed dress, fine..just as long as when we pop in Silent Hill Homecoming this October we can get the Pyramid Head 'hat' for our avatar, armor or a Lancer for our Gears 2 avatar, or a retroactive Bioshock Big Daddy helmet. Things like that.
I'm sure this story will be filled with avatar-haters, but I emplore you to think outside what Nintendo has done with the Miis: Microsoft can allow a LOT more versatility and dare I say...maturity?..with the same thing.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I want my avatar to look like an emaciated pale-green skinned zombie holding an Xbox 360 controller and a can of Game Fuel. :)
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8-01-2008 @ 5:30PM
Magic Whiskey said...
To edit: when you'd pop in those full retail games into the tray or download a XBLA title, the avatar items that game contains would be downloaded for FREE onto your HD. That's the point I was making.
8-02-2008 @ 4:45AM
SABCA said...
Yeah, I hope avatars are supported with loads of imagination. I hope we not only see ones that look like normal people, but also Zombies, Puyos, Cait Sith, Ironman, Hippos, bunnies, Ghost, Big Daddies, Covenant, Ryu and Ken, The Omega Five characters, etc.
As long as they make sure most games give us something equal in quality to the few things we might have to buy, I don't mind a few micro-transactions every once in a while either.
8-01-2008 @ 5:19PM
Kindergamer said...
I like to waste money. Petition for the subscription of Avatar customization in the event of a Microsoft infection.
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8-01-2008 @ 5:20PM
HazyCloud said...
::Cue broken record::
If you don't like it, don't buy it.
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8-01-2008 @ 5:32PM
Alexander said...
I'm fine with buying clothes for your avatar, seeing as this was obvious. Microsoft already charges a $1 for 5 gif and $2 for 4 jpegs. I just hope it's for buying clothes only, not for facial, hair, or body customization, I shouldn't have to pay for a avatar to look like me.
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8-01-2008 @ 5:36PM
leo2178 said...
Here's an idea for Microsoft.
Keep the blades but charge people 800 points per blade. Then 1200 points to keep your gamer pic and not need a Mii.
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8-01-2008 @ 6:12PM
Alexander said...
You don't have to have a avatar, you have the option of using your gamerpic, plus your gamerpic doesn't completely disappear when you use your avatar. The blades are still there too, there in the guide menu. Everything done from the blades can be done in game.
8-01-2008 @ 5:42PM
monkeywithnoeyes said...
i love paying for things that others get for free.. it makes me feel special when i'm treated like i'm a mug. Luckily its optional so through my own morals i can cheat myself out of something other platforms enjoy. YAY
Same with gamer pics.. i mean why should i get the chance to test and see what i like without the need to be charged for pictures that may be shit. I'm glad microsoft dont even give me the option to see just what they wish to charge me.. it makes good business sense.
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8-01-2008 @ 6:09PM
Microswirl (MKWii:1676- 4270-3674) said...
I dare Microsoft to provide me with a completely naked Avatar. I will leave him that way in protest.
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8-01-2008 @ 6:26PM
Lewis (RROD: July 16) said...
Saw this comin from a mile away.
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8-01-2008 @ 6:46PM
webster1990 said...
kind of saw this coming, i just hope that most of the stuff will be free and activated with achievements or whatever.
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8-01-2008 @ 6:50PM
Aero said...
The fact of the matter is that if they stop selling gamerpics due to avatars, they'll sell clothes. Microsoft isn't just going to turn down money they are getting through no effort at all.
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8-01-2008 @ 7:32PM
Ryan02 said...
Well I since I have a choice to keep my gamerpic, I won't switch to these avatars. Never bought any gamerpics, and won't buy any of these clothes, I expect this to be a failure since no one in their right minds would buy virtual clothing for something as stupid as avatars (actually some idiots will).
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8-02-2008 @ 1:13AM
pkilla said...
You can't be serious. Have you every heard of Second Life? People buy stuff all the time for their "virtual avatar"
8-02-2008 @ 10:32PM
Ryan02 said...
yeah, their called idiots.
8-01-2008 @ 7:53PM
007craft said...
This doesnt bother me. See im an adult, and wont be playing with virtual dolls. I can understand children who plan to use avatars being upset however. How is mommy gonna pay for them to goto a movie with their friends AND that new golf shirt for their virtual doll.
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8-01-2008 @ 7:58PM
MaxShrek said...
Maybe unlocking certain items like the Gamerpics are sometimes stuck into games and sub-achievement type things.
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8-01-2008 @ 8:21PM
Sentox6 said...
Can't charge me for what I don't use.
And if the Wii isn't a "direct competitor", why exactly are Microsoft trying to be like it? :( Bah. So long as loltarded avatars aren't compulsory, I'm happy.
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8-02-2008 @ 4:13AM
Tatsukishi said...
This is the reason I refuse to ever purchase Microsoft points. I mean they already have a big enough head to believe that one of the dumb points is worth more then a dollar. This however is just a new low. I really wish the xbox had been created by another company. I really just plain hate Microsoft and this is a shining example why. Money is god.
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