Posted Oct 28th 2008 12:00PM by Dustin Burg
Filed under: News
According to the peeps over at VideoGamer.com, Microsoft will be launching an Avatar store next Spring where gamers can purchase and download additional customization options for their 360 Avatars.
"The plan of record will be to launch a more extensive Avatar Store from spring time onwards next year," said Live EMEA product manager Robin Burrowes. "That store in theory would have branded content in there, game publisher IP stuff in there as well." No surprise there.
To be honest, we're still torn about Avatars, the role they'll be playing in our New Xbox Experience, how Microsoft is approaching the monetizing of them and whether or not we'll be willing to pay for a Gears of War 2 t-shirt for our Avatar next Spring. Because ... you know ... an Avatar rockin' a Gears 2 tee would be rather badass.
I agree, I don't go crazy with this shit (and I've never bought a theme on Xbox yet) but something others see (like a gamerpic) is something I'm willing to spend money on.
I bought both the Capcom Streetfighter and Transformers gamerpics simply because it's a way of expressing myself to other gamers.
If I can buy an Optimus Prime or Megatron costume for my avatar, I'll prepay the damn thing now.
Equally, I do expect to see a lot of Halo characters running around in the new Xbox 360 experience.
cant believe ppl slate MS for giving us an option of purchasing gamerpics, themes & avatar accessories.
making your own themes would be great but oh well.
& it would be great if we could at least preview the themes before we buy.
Back at the start of the whole microtransaction story when content would cost 'a few pennies' I would have been all for this. New shirts from 10 - 25 cents...sure.
But you know it will all be $1 or more (just like gamerpics and themes). And just like most gamerpics and themes, I'll pass.
Fee based virtual clothing FTL! Avatars are one thing, but paying to customize is a whole new low. Well, unless they actually do have free stuff. Imagine this: weekly (or monthly) clothing updates in the store, with say 10 new styles or whatever, but also 1 freebie. That way we do not get stuck with the same xbox t shirt but don't have to pay for everything. They do give away free themes and gamer pics. Even though they are usually from either movie, the army, or the airforce, free is still cool. The airforce actually has had some cool content. Here's to hoping for some more free stuff from the armed forces! Avatar with an assault rifle FTW!
I remember seeing a video about avatars when they were first announced. They said that they were planning on updating often to follow "trends" in the clothing industry, or even to follow along with seasons. Like shorts in summer and sweatshirts in fall. That would be cool as long as they are free
I was under the impression that we did NOT have to get an avatar. I was planing on not even getting one. I hope their not forced. If I see anyone with a custom avatar (meaning wearing anything besides the default clothes, even free cloths) Im just gonna regard them as a child or complete tool.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-28-2008 @ 12:07PM
joeybeast said...
Can't wait to buy my Master Chief Armor, Gears Lancer, and Condoms for my avatar. Or maybe just a zoot suit
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 1:21PM
D dogg said...
I agree, I don't go crazy with this shit (and I've never bought a theme on Xbox yet) but something others see (like a gamerpic) is something I'm willing to spend money on.
I bought both the Capcom Streetfighter and Transformers gamerpics simply because it's a way of expressing myself to other gamers.
If I can buy an Optimus Prime or Megatron costume for my avatar, I'll prepay the damn thing now.
Equally, I do expect to see a lot of Halo characters running around in the new Xbox 360 experience.
10-28-2008 @ 12:11PM
Zac LaCombe said...
I'm still torn on paying for clothes for the little guys.
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 12:13PM
Cal said...
"To be honest, we're still torn about Avatars, the roll they'll be playing in our New Xbox Experience"
*role
Just as I refused to pay for a theme or gamerpic, I also refuse to pay for virtual clothing.
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 12:18PM
Dustin Burg said...
Spelling FTW!
10-28-2008 @ 6:39PM
JerkfacedFed said...
me too, but you can also unlock them via achievements
10-28-2008 @ 12:14PM
todd said...
f off MS, I'm not buying shit for my stupid avatar.
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 1:38PM
Gamertag: GOPAL892005 said...
then DONT!
you dont have to, its an option.
cant believe ppl slate MS for giving us an option of purchasing gamerpics, themes & avatar accessories.
making your own themes would be great but oh well.
& it would be great if we could at least preview the themes before we buy.
..... hold on, what was my point again :?
10-28-2008 @ 1:47PM
EMOruffino said...
DAMNZ YOUZ MIC$OFTZ!!!!!!!
10-28-2008 @ 12:15PM
Neon Jebus said...
Back at the start of the whole microtransaction story when content would cost 'a few pennies' I would have been all for this. New shirts from 10 - 25 cents...sure.
But you know it will all be $1 or more (just like gamerpics and themes). And just like most gamerpics and themes, I'll pass.
I'm sure it will do well enough...
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 12:21PM
Trogdor said...
Mark, that's not a bad idea. I wouldn't be surprised if they did something like that.
I also will not be paying for virtual clothing.
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 12:35PM
joeybeast said...
Unlock some goodies with achievement would be cool
10-28-2008 @ 12:27PM
DBoyFlex said...
Fee based virtual clothing FTL! Avatars are one thing, but paying to customize is a whole new low. Well, unless they actually do have free stuff. Imagine this: weekly (or monthly) clothing updates in the store, with say 10 new styles or whatever, but also 1 freebie. That way we do not get stuck with the same xbox t shirt but don't have to pay for everything. They do give away free themes and gamer pics. Even though they are usually from either movie, the army, or the airforce, free is still cool. The airforce actually has had some cool content. Here's to hoping for some more free stuff from the armed forces! Avatar with an assault rifle FTW!
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 12:51PM
Cole said...
I remember seeing a video about avatars when they were first announced. They said that they were planning on updating often to follow "trends" in the clothing industry, or even to follow along with seasons. Like shorts in summer and sweatshirts in fall. That would be cool as long as they are free
10-28-2008 @ 12:35PM
KC said...
No plan on ever buying anything for my avatar. The only reason I will even have an avatar is because I will have to have one.
Reply
10-28-2008 @ 1:01PM
psychohog said...
No diggity, I'm still torn that they're actually putting kiddy avatars in this new experience.
10-28-2008 @ 1:08PM
007craft said...
I was under the impression that we did NOT have to get an avatar. I was planing on not even getting one. I hope their not forced. If I see anyone with a custom avatar (meaning wearing anything besides the default clothes, even free cloths) Im just gonna regard them as a child or complete tool.
10-28-2008 @ 1:17PM
Andrew said...
Get off your high horse 007.
10-28-2008 @ 2:32PM
PollockRoc said...
@007craft: Customizing your avatar with a photoshopped Mario pic for this site is different, how? Child. Tool.
10-28-2008 @ 3:05PM
Phocas said...
@007 Says the childish tool with the Joystiq Mario icon.. You Fail..