MS not ruling out Avatar based micro transactions

by Dustin Burg { Aug 1st 2008 at 5:00PM }

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.

Tags: avatars, micro-transactions, microsoft, xblm

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Magic Whiskey @ Aug 1st 2008 5:11PM

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. :)

Magic Whiskey @ Aug 1st 2008 5:30PM

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.

SABCA @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:45AM

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.

Kindergamer @ Aug 1st 2008 5:19PM

I like to waste money. Petition for the subscription of Avatar customization in the event of a Microsoft infection.

HazyCloud @ Aug 1st 2008 5:20PM

::Cue broken record::

If you don't like it, don't buy it.

Alexander @ Aug 1st 2008 5:32PM

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.

leo2178 @ Aug 1st 2008 5:36PM

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.

Alexander @ Aug 1st 2008 6:12PM

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.

monkeywithnoeyes @ Aug 1st 2008 5:42PM

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.

Microswirl (MKWii:1676- 4270-3674) @ Aug 1st 2008 6:09PM

I dare Microsoft to provide me with a completely naked Avatar. I will leave him that way in protest.

Lewis (RROD: July 16) @ Aug 1st 2008 6:26PM

Saw this comin from a mile away.

webster1990 @ Aug 1st 2008 6:46PM

kind of saw this coming, i just hope that most of the stuff will be free and activated with achievements or whatever.

Aero @ Aug 1st 2008 6:50PM

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.

Ryan02 @ Aug 1st 2008 7:32PM

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).

pkilla @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:13AM

You can't be serious. Have you every heard of Second Life? People buy stuff all the time for their "virtual avatar"

Ryan02 @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:32PM

yeah, their called idiots.

007craft @ Aug 1st 2008 7:53PM

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.

MaxShrek @ Aug 1st 2008 7:58PM

Maybe unlocking certain items like the Gamerpics are sometimes stuck into games and sub-achievement type things.

Sentox6 @ Aug 1st 2008 8:21PM

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.

Tatsukishi @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:13AM

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.

Loopy @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:02PM

I would like to laugh at those xbox fanboys that were heckling at the thought of playstation home. Now you guys get something similar minus the housing of course, but instead you get a virtual human that doesn't look too human. Looks like Microsoft has fallen into the idea of copying off the Mii. All is needed now or at least later on in the xbox 360's future is having a home to place the Mii rip offs to live in and have friend gatherings. LOL

Helicito @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:49PM

looks sombody ripped off the wii hahahaha.
but they better come up with something if they even try on beating the HOME network on the ps3

Brucie B @ Aug 3rd 2008 7:52AM

Yea, OK CORNY!
Keep telling yourself that.

Helicito @ Aug 3rd 2008 5:25PM

keep telling me what? pls be especific
??????

Seanross @ Aug 3rd 2008 2:47AM

I still think charging for gamerpics and themes is friggin retarded... if if people never bought them in the first place, they'd probably all be free by now. Only thing they should be charging for on the Live Marketplace are games and game add-ons, and even some of those are over priced and kinda iffy.