looks like its half way between Miis and Home peoples with the added Microsoft twist of charging for it

schuylerv

Why is no one asking where all these leaks are coming from.

speedycake

@Eric: That was hilarious :) I almost died laughing when he said "Goodnight Michell" :D

okenny :)

They better have mohawks....and I'm not talking about the sissy ones. I mean mohawks that spike in the back as well as the top. And they have to look like they are at least 6 inches tall spiked. And they better give an option of custom color for the hair. Thats what made me mad about the wii, no mohawks and no green hair color.

xinic5

@Xenigma:
Well, if they replace the GamerPic with Avatars, they better give me enough freedom (i.e customization options) to create my own Exploding Petrelli (Heroes fans know what I'm talking about).

SXGlory

If this is true, expect to pay even more for these Granted, the Mii's can't be used in much stuff, but at least they're free unlike these are sure to be.

Yeah, if you have to pay, I'm with VonDante and won't give Microsoft a cent for anything that relates to this.

Ashkihyena

@Grumps: The only reason its fun on th wii is because 1) It's free, no charge at all ever 2) I can make dildo man to entertain me for 30 minutes

D Mitsuki

I only suppport this if there is a free or very cheap super detailed editor to let me create what I want, but instead I'll be paying for some piss poor crap some intern threw together like 99% of the available gamerpics.
Of course I also approve of the ability to report offensive shit.

Grumps

@Eric: "This pleases me."

Dude I cracked up.

"You ever suck dick for weed?"

Eville1

@Gunloc: RARE Kart... sounds like some kind of variety meat plater you would order at a family restaurant :)

okenny :)

@D Mitsuki:

It's pretty cute that you think MS is successful in the industry.

They aren't. They wasted a 1 year head start only to get crushed by Nintendo and lose 2 of 3 major territories to Sony in less then a few months.

They're too shortsighted to have realized they needed to gorw their market. All they have is the young American male demographic, which is nearing saturation.

Their plan of action is unsustainable, and they waited too long to try and reach out to anyone who doesn't think Master Cheif is the bizwiz.

Please go read Malstrom's articles before continuing this discussion. Unlike Kotaku, his predictions on the "console wars" have all been right.

If you want to know the future of the industry, imagine a giant boot with "Nintendo" stamped on it smashing the face of hardcore gamers.

Gitaroo_Dude

I only had fun with the Miis for about a week.
This shall not last anywhere close to that, if I make one at all.

@kagai: Integrity? In business? It's real?

braagh

@s]-[iO_keN: That sounds like a fun time. Also this will help XBLA games be different than PSN games. Oh and you know a rare kart racing
game is comming now...YES!!

Gunloc

@Gitaroo_Dude: Continue? I loled. Remember that whole 40% of market thing Kotaku did? It should be something more like "The reason you will continue to get tons of money is because you charge your gamers to breath"

D Mitsuki

@kagai: If they did in fact attack Sony of doing that, that would be kind of silly as there's nothing wrong with that. Besides, Sony already had it's own virtual world in Everquest so they can easily claim that's what they are modeling.

Also, introducing an avatar isn't necessarily synonymous with making a virtual world so I'm not sure how your relating the two pieces of information.

okenny :)

@chorx: haha i'll have to put my preorder down

uppitycracker

Creativity sure seems to be at an all-time high in the console market right now. I mean so, so many original ideas popping up everywhere........

mva5580

Oh, poor Microsoft.

The reason they fail at the console market, and will continue to lose, is becasue they simply appropriate ideas without actual realizing what made them successful in the first place. Like the Zune.

That entire company is run by Birdmen, and I relish they day they have to leave the video game market.

Gitaroo_Dude

@CHU BOI: They look pretty stupid to me to, but the black boxer looks pretty cool, probably because he looks like a cartoon and not a failure of a midget thing.

Um..no offense to midgets.

D Mitsuki

@Xenigma: That'd be the ideal solution, yeah. Or at the very least, with pre-orders for the games.

Luke Plunkett

The guy in the middle (with the green shirt) looks like Bob Saget. This pleases me.

+ Watch video

Eric

During this whole thing, the first time I saw this, everytime I saw this, I never thought of this as a Mii ripoff, until now, and it makes me laugh my ass off, because hey Microsoft, I thought the Wii was gay and used bullshit and gimmicks and stuff, and that you were going for the REAL gamers, who are just 12 and got rich parents!

Lol I buy these company's consoles, but in all truthfulness I could care less if they came from a donkey farm. The stuff they say and do just makes me laugh and I wonder how anybody these days can be a fanboy, seriously defending company's like this?

No, the Xbox 360 doesn't by any means suck, now MICROSOFT on the other hand, hohoho, a whole nouther story.

D Mitsuki

@CHU BOI: *a ninja

CHU BOI

A majority of these look dorky, I'll save judgment. They might have an ninja avatar that flips out and kills other avatars if it has an inferior gamerscore. That would be fuckin sweet.

CHU BOI

I don't have a problem with MS doing this, but I just find it a little disingenuous for them to blast Sony for copying Second Life, when they are jumping on the bandwagon. A little integrity!

kagai

That Wii thing sure is a fad.

CHU BOI

@uppitycracker: It's Beta RC2 talk. Later this month you can buy microsoft based threads in two simple packages. Home basic, and Ultimate.

chorx

I would hope that outfits come with games. For example, have an N7 suit come along with Mass Effect 2, or Spartan armor for a future Halo title. Less microtransactions, more rewarding players for buying more games.

Hope that gamerpics are still supported. I'm pretty happy with my current avatar, and would rather use that until this system proves itself as a viable alternative. Looks far too close to Miis for my taste, but it seems unfair to completely write this off just yet.

Xenigma

@Wolfers: Heh.

Green-clad Gamer Dude

@Manator (Follow me and die!): its microsoft. i'm surprised they arent charging you for talking about them right now

uppitycracker

Can we just start over?

Wolfers

@LittleBigPlaneteer: I agree. I do see it as probably a bigger push. My guess is since they held back this spring, they're going to blow a huge load come fall or next spring if the leaks are to be believed.

okenny :)

@chorx: no someone gain a job at Sony today

pwn-master3001

Taking the idea of in-game avatars from Miis and the customizations capabilities of PSHome avatar's clothing demos and combining it with unlockable items via achievements or something like that could be an awesome idea. Again this is all conjecture but proper execution could make it all an awesome feature. My only fear is that MS may take a killer idea and bog it down with micro-transactions. But since it's there idea and not mine, I'll await this positively.

I wonder what MS will say about all of this. Though we are still not sure this is absolutely real, it seems rather plausible.

okenny :)

They kind of look like characters you'd find in a Hot Shots golf game. I don't see this as a major thing, just a fun little addition.

LittleBigPlaneteer

@chorx: ONLY ON XBOX 360!

chorx

I can see it now.

GUITAR HERO 4! shred your friends online, and show them whos doing it with our new, origional, avatar system!

chorx

Something about this just screams microtransactions and I don't like that concept at all. However, I would love to be proven wrong.

Nirolak

It just keeps getting worse and worse.

KingBroly

microsoft is so innovative

MistaJeff

Seriously, charging people for this shit? No thank you.

Manator (Follow me and die!)

omg Microsoft si a genuines! they ripped off their competition to create something that has never been done b4!!!!!!!!!

I <3 Microsoft and their asshole, copying, evil, had sex with the devil himself ways!!!!

Really i hope they fall on a knife...

pwn-master3001

as long as i can sit in the bushes with my R700, sniping marines with some goofy overdone avatar that looks as retarded as the creation will allow, i'll be happy. otherwise, meh.

uppitycracker

@VonDante: GAR! well said laddie.

aspasticninja

hmm, i wanna make solid snake!! just to show that yes, even if i have an xbox 360, i still prefer my ps3 better!! bwahahahahaha

kingme

They sure have an original name for this original concept.

Aethyr

I have no issue with MS adopting this idea. I just will never pay a cent for these things. I never have and never will pay for the Gamerpics, and these will fall in the same boat.

I'll snag stuff if its free, but you can forget about me giving them a single cent to buy this crap.

VonDante

LOL cool. It will be cool if they made a Super Smash Bro's like game to fight with your Avatars, and up the copy other systems count.

s]-[iO_keN

Someone lost their job today.

chorx

@slomo788: Eh, I still don't think I would. Besides, I don't have/want a PS3 anyways, so I'm short the proper console for that game. Even if I wanted to play it, I couldn't

Ashkihyena

@Gunloc: Hells yeah to that candy coated furry sex action! Count me in and sign me up for two (that's right TWO) avatars!

okenny :)

@okenny :): Wait wait wait... Ok XBLA champion eating game where you get fat and then to slim your avatar back down you have too get beaten with a stick till candy comes out. Then your pinatas eat that candy while you mount them.

Gunloc

@Grumps: I expect there would be dancing, flowers, and a magical worm hole from another dimension that would deposit a tiny hyper-cute baby into wherever they are.(Perhaps a dimension of endless nothing?)

However, something more awkward would be hilarious in a childish Team America sort of way.

braagh

@Ashkihyena: If you so much as lay your eyes on MGS4 you'll become a fan. Let alone play it. I can't help but smiling and feeling orgasms everytime I play it. Even when I replay the same part for many times because I refuse to think and use stealth properly, I'm blown away by the graphics like it's the first time.

slomo788

Man. Microsoft is just raping the Wii left and right for all its selling points.

sir_carrot

I'd laugh my ass off if a Microsoft rep said they weren't trying to copy the Wii, or it's hype this generation. They have these Mii=too's, a Wii-mote copycat supposedly on the way, and their trying to nail down a 249.99 pricing for the Arcade SKU.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing mind you, I just hope they admit who they're being influenced by.

LittleBigPlaneteer

@slomo788: *Shrugs* What can I say, I'm not a Metal Gear fan, you want to know what I'm looking forward to, just have a look at my avatar.

Ashkihyena

I do think they´re trying to copy Miis.

But hey, if they make a cool copy for free I´m all for it. If they charge for it I say fuck it. But anyway, Miis are fun but way too limited. I would love if Nintendo updated their Mii system via firmware or something...

lucasreis

@Teh Emo Penguin: Luke is coming for you!

@Ashkihyena: Well then you'd be missing out on the best game ever for no good reason. Too bad for you!

slomo788

@StagnatedLives: Of course, not everyone plays MGS4 though, even if I had a PS3, I wouldn't want it.

Personally, I do think MS is trying to copy the Mii, but thats just me.

Ashkihyena

@Teh Emo Penguin: How "has," sorry. :(

Teh Emo Penguin

@genbeef: oh no. windows all teh way. and me saying that just ensured i have to pay no royalties to the microsoft corporation for discussing their products.

uppitycracker

Ah, Microsoft. The company I want to love more than all others, and the company that misses the point worse, and far more often, than either of its contemporaries.

More marketing? Yay! Because I wasn't hoping you'd do something that had to do with me playing games or anything. The possibility of more microtransaction-enabled customisable experiences? Yay, because I don't like using my money to actually buy and rent games or anything. Cloning an idea that's done well for your competitor, but appeals more to their more casual audience than your own, more traditional audience? Hooray! Because what I MEANT to do when I bought a 360 was BUY A WII. Oh wait, it wasn't.

Oh Microsoft,
What would it take for me to get you to redesign the broken marketplace, add more partnerships on the video marketplace, fix the broke-ass XBLA layout so you don't have to delist content, and provide me a fucking spring update that could, just possibly, include 16:10 support? I'll keep waiting for the day you value your fans as much as you value Nintendo's.
Love,
wild homes.

wild homes 5: no disassemble!

It's not like the whole cutesy avatar system is something Nintendo invented.

Samurai outfits, animal costumes and eye patches? Seems there's a lot more variety here than Miis ever had.

Sabre_Justice: Okay, no more long name.

@Grumps: and a deeper question.

Can you impregnate an avatar?

Grumps

Another tough question...

Can you have a pregnant avatar?

Grumps

How was no one noticed the Incredibles emblem on the kid with all the red on?
[movies.ee]

Teh Emo Penguin

@uppitycracker: are you typing on a mac by chance?

genbeef

So, basically what you are saying is... this effects the majority of us in no imaginable way?

Games need to loose the kiddy image, and these cartoony avatars are exactly what we need to move forward! I fear my hopes of video games reaching maturity was raised to an unbelievable high tonight (Just finished MGS4) and than came crashing down with the sight of this article.

StagnatedLives

WAIT! If they implement this avatar system, can they drop the banhammer on you for your avatar LOOKING too gay? Just saying.

TinyLightning

@pwn-master3001: Sony would be pretty stupid to hire someone known for leaking information.

chronubis

seriously, these damn things had better be optional. i think a lot of serious gamer would find them almost offensive. i don't fucking want them. if others do, that's great, but i don't. it had better be optional.

ReconToaster

I apologize, I realize this is not THAT big of a deal. Its just that it feels like, as a far as being seen as a form of art, video games take one step forward, and two steps back. I have no problems with avatars, its just the manner in which these are presented is... less than desirable. But, at the end of the day, video games are there to entertain, and I see from some comments that a few of you will enjoy this new feature. I try hard not to loose sight of the fact that all forms of entertainment are there to be enjoyed, and if this new feature will make some people happy, than Im all for it...

StagnatedLives

Hey Microsoft... remember how last generation you lost because you kept playing Sony's card AFTER Sony played it? Yeah, um... how about instead of doing that with BOTH Ninty and Sony you just... I don't know... do your own thing?

Indy_aka_Rex

Now create a little world for them to live in and call it "House".

Muisee

I like these guys, they are cute like Mii's but not over the top deformed. I don't like the realistic Home dudes.

Superstar90

@Byakko:

I agree with you that a form of entertainment appealing to all ages is a great thing. My problem arrises when that form of entertainment is labeled and seen by the majority of society as something that is childish. Using icons such as these in a way that labels the users is not all ages. Do you have to have an avatar like that when you watch a movie or TV? It's video games branding themselves as "kiddie". Have your pokemon and plethora of wii games for kids, like pixar movies, I enjoy some of the children friendly products. But its when a company brands the users as kiddy that I see a problem. We are having enough problems as it is being respected by the majority of society, I know this because I am studying illustration and design in hopes to pursue a career as a concept artist for a company one day. Do you have any idea how many family members look down at me, stating I should "Get a real job" or how many professors scoff at the idea of working on something so "childish"?

StagnatedLives

@magilacudy: Doesn't look that way, does it? And Slomo, heh, I think I can look at it without wanting it. Heh, as I said, this year, for me at least, its not about Metal Gear, its about Ghostbusters.

Ashkihyena

@magilacudy: What goes around comes around, right? Microsoft has alot of comin around left to do.

chorx

All the bitching is funny... because you know darn well that every one of you will have one. I'll have one. You'll have one. We'll all have one, and you know it, because deep down inside there's a part of you going, "HELL YA!" and already dreaming up the kind of outfit and hair you want.

Reactionary commenting is all any negative response to this is.

Go forth and Avatar.

MrBionic

@Ashkihyena: Well if you don't want to shell out for it, stay clear of anyone playing it on a HDTV. ;)

slomo788

So in other words Nintendo has the baby Mii's, MS has the tweenies and Sony is full on grown up.

I'm seriously waiting for the next time some douche from MS either accuses Sony/Nintendo of stealing ideas or claims they don't because between this and the Newton MS is about as copycatish as a company can get.

Sparx

I am appalled by this blatant ripoff of original ideas. Does Microsoft have no shame?

-Jo Garcia

magilacudy

@StagnatedLives:

You see, that's a problem too. Games, like movies, like TV shows, like books, like any other freaking form of media, is meant for all ages, for all types, for all choices, for all preferences. Or at least, as much variety as possible.

Is it that hard to comprehend a market for all ages? What's wrong if I want to let my little cousin play my Pokemon games while I sink some time into GTA? He's 9, and I'm 20. Why can't he have some good games for him to enjoy outside of edutainment shill?

Gaming has enough discrimination and obstacles to overcome without acting like some pre-teen trying be a 'grown-up' instead of getting respect for itself as a form of media and acting like it.

And on these Miitoos. It's not needed, it's not particularly interesting, and I don't see its purpose. If MS wanted to copy the Wii (which granted, Sony did first and already looked stupid for the first time round), the slated Wiimote copy was enough, and actually had some practical uses.

These things could be just a Gold Membership thing. Hopefully, just introducing them would decrease the price of gamerpics (to nothing), but that's prolly wishful thinking.

But goddamit we didn't need Gaia Online in Live!

Byakko

If it's a replacement to the gamerpic, i can't see this going over well. People will be mad they're losing their purchased content in an update, and i'm sure some sponsors will be mad that their content isn't available any more, and they'll have to pay to create new content or simply not have any on XBL whatsoever.

i'd love to make an avatar though :)

Nessman

The bigger issue that needs to be pointed out:

Notice the ONE black guy...

..the jedis are gonna feel this one. :-)

JerrD74: hates the media

*cough*
XBox Mii60s

fuchikoma

Microsoft: "Wii is not a competitor."

Nintendo: ...

Microsoft: ...We have Scene it and Viva Pinata! Oh and Wii60!

Nintendo: "There is no doubt that the blue ocean will soon turn red."

Microsoft ...

Nintendo: The Wii is leading in console sales world wide and will soon surpass the 360's install base in North America. We're also still having trouble meeting demand.

Microsoft: Okay that didn't work. Let's go to plan B.

Microsoft @ E3: We would like to announce our version of the Wii remote, Miis and Wii Sports. Oh and if you didn't know by know, Viva Pinata is heading for the DS.

Nintendo: ...

Microsoft: This plan better ****** work!

Killer7

Pretty cool, I mean sure it's a take off of the Mii's, but it will still be a cool thing to have on 360. I mean I am happy PS3 is getting trophies, so what the hell I am happy 360 is getting 'Avatars' or whatever they end up calling them.

-WPack911

WPack911

@okenny :): Oh great, now I'm remembering that Chase commerical with the TV. At least I know where they got the song from now though.

Ashkihyena

@MrBionic: Says you, I can do just fine without these, especally if you have to fork over even more money for them.

Ashkihyena

@Indy_aka_Rex: MS is probably screaming this back at you:

+ Watch video

At least the gist of it ;)

okenny :)

@Nessman: It's MS here do you think they want to loose money on
gamerpics? My bet is that gamerpics will either get pasted to the front of your t shirt or become a picture you can hang up in your house. There not going to just drop the idea.
@MrBionic: I agree with you. These avatars will be a hit. Nintendo proved that even ugly ass cousin Buddy looks good as a Mii.

Gunloc

All three companies take ideas from each other and improve upon them. Competition is good for the consumer. Hell, if and when Nintendo gets off its ass and provides a real network infrastructure, will you be complaining that they're "copying Xbox Live" or that they're "innovating?" Gimme a break.

billnabors65

Gee, way to copy The Wii and PS3, MS! The only advantage is Next gen quality that will probably come out before PS3's home. :D

fraggenstein

i like the way they look. mii's always looked pretty crappy to me.

i just hope theres a liscenced venom t-shirt and my signature haircut!

zakky venom

@Byakko:
I'm sorry and I know that it's off-topic but haven't you claimed to have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Economics? [kotaku.com]
How is this possible at the age of 20?

Garo

Kind of like a deformed cross between Mii's and PS3 Home characters? Eh... If im going to appear in avatar home it'll be a reconstructed home character. Free of charge, of course ;)

ryivanV2

@Killer7: You know, if they were to mix Viva Pinata with these avatars, they may be on to something.

Manator (Follow me and die!)

@Killer7: Good point. I think that if these rumored leaks are real, then MS is having a shit-fest in the office now. Unless it's a marketing ploy and that these leaks are purposely "leaked" to garner consumer interest (Nah I think it's a leak of what they're planning on E3).

This does sound like a nice addition though. I do get the sentiment of others who are wary that this might be a micro-transaction heavy prospect. Want a hat? Well you need to buy it for 400 MS points! Want to use you avatar in a game? It's 800 MS points. I do hope they're beyond that but still who knows?

I think this is still a great idea. It means MS is not resting on their laurels and no more friendly friend friends with Nintendo I guess. I think the smell of all that casual money must've gone into the MS' division's sandwiches...

excaliburps

@suya123: Or else, amirite?

Captain Impulse

@belo: Thank you, Voice of Reason.

Captain Impulse

"Oh noes they're cashing in on Miis popularity!"

....Who the hell cares? Really?

Are you upset about it? Do you have trouble sleeping about it at night? Can you not properly function during the day because deep down you know that those darn 360 avatars are just imitations of Miis?? (which were a completely original concept of course, amiright!?)

belo

@MrBionic: Except that when it was on the Wii it was a stupid idea.
But now that your shirt can come in a different color it's much better!

Captain_Canada

To Microsoft:

Next time you rip off something, be sure to be less obvious about it.

suya123

@Manator (Follow me and die!):

I'll say this much, Microsoft is full of surprises.

The way I see it, I would praise Microsoft if they manage to make an even better motion controller than Nintendo's and if they made compelling software for it. However, it still doesn't change the fact that they made a desperate move to rip off Nintendo's original creations in attempt to attract more casual and non-gamers to the 360 when the 360's original strategy to cater more to the non-gaming audience has failed.

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery and that's basically what many software and hardware companies have been doing when they realized how successful the Wii and DS have been and Nintendo naturally expected this to happen.

Killer7

Kinda knew this would happen with how crazy the wii is selling, not that it's bad or anything. Imagining halo with a wiimote would be cool, yet tiring. :P

BrotherNick

I think people screaming they copied Nintendo are being a bit Naive. Nintendo didn't create the idea of having a personalised little avatar. There have been chatting programs etc on the internet doing it forever.

Tbh I hope the way this is done is that they are free to make and normal clothing is too. But maybe you can buy a Ninja gaiden outfit for them, or any other licensed outfit for a very small price. To me that would be acceptable.

I think lookwise MS have found the perfect point though. The mii's are great and nice and simple but it would be nice to have a few more options, the home characters look creepy and Sony should scrap it and go back to the drawing board but these look like a nice combination between cartoony and simple but with a bit more depth.

The home characters just look freakish and akward, I seriously wonder how Sony have been developing it for this long and no one has decided to do something. I mean part of the reason Mii's became so popular is that they are simple and cute. The home characters look too realistic and thus not cute in anyway.

Zim

@Garo:
He could have been a running start student.

Under that program you can take community college classes during your junior/senior year of high school.

Or he could have graduated early.

Radau

@MrBionic: I won't have one, and if they come at a cost, I'm pretty sure a LOT of people won't have one.

phinehas

@magilacudy: There's nothing wrong with reusing a good idea. This isn't 'limbo of the lost' we're talking about.

KafkaTamura

And each avatar will only cost you 12.99

KafkaTamura

I can this being a nice little way to give yourself an appearance in a chat room on LIVE.
My guess: You'll buy an Avatar Pack with a couple hundred clothing options and individual games will give you free hats, t-shirts, shoes etc when you play them. Sort've like Ace Combat logos...or those occasional free themes that you run across.

Mattz

I bought my 360 to get a different experience than my Wii.

Damn.

idkmybffgreg

Where were all you furious Nintendo clowns when Nintendo ripped off XBLA for the Virtual Console?

KaneRobot

It would be nice if you got outfits with the games you buy, for instance, if you buy bioshock you get a little sister outfit, or a splicer ofcourse ;)

Jippon

This always happens with nintendo. They make something outrageously popular and someone else takes the idea and runs with it. It's not a huge deal and I don't think it'll hurt nintendo and (as they're probably wearing samurai armor made of solid money to the office these days). They'll continue to innovate and try new ideas and everyone else will pick up the good ones for themselves. If it's actually a copyright violation, then the courts will take care of it. Sheesh!

JokesJokes

I kinda had to laugh when I saw these earlier today. Seems like the conversation went like this:

MS Employee 00: Hmm, we need something like the Mii's that Nintendo has, those are awesome.
MS Employee 01: I know, seriously, even Sony is coming out with Home. What can we do though? We can't copy the Mii's and we can't copy Home without looking bad...
MS Employee 00: I've got it! Let's combine them both together!
MS Employee 01: Perfect! They'll be somewhat cute, but also somewhat realistic and no one will ever suspect us!

rasutoibuki

@KafkaTamura: LOL. My original comment was dripping with sarcasm (or so I thought). I didn't think anyone would take it seriously. :)

magilacudy

Looks kinda cool. But microsoft are kinda stealing ideas.
If they bring out a motion sensing controller I think they'll be my most hated company of all time.

Microsoft business plan:

"it worked well for them, lets copy it"

or

"lets throw money at people to get exclusives"

fadecy

Sounds like a bag of crap to me, but I expect the kids will love this!

IronsUK

As many said already..if its free cool..if not I aint paying for it...would it not be a hoot if this was implemented before home was released?

Snukadaman_

It was also microsoft's stolen idea to make another Playstation.

Mavwick

It better be fuckin free. I mean EVERYTHING better be fuckin FREE !

Nexus6

I like all the comments about how Microsoft ripped off Nintendo because NOBODY has done avatars before!

FACT: Nintendo invented everything.

Manny

Mii Schmiis. I want my bunny suit!

Cameroo

For all you Nintendo whiners in the comments;

[en.wikipedia.org]

"A WeeMee is an animated avatar for Skype (since December 2005), Windows Live Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger. WeeMees can be customized on the WeeWorld site or on AIM.com."

"In November 2006, WeeWorld, the company behind WeeMee, sued Nintendo of America alleging copyright infringement of the WeeMee name by Nintendo's Mii avatars on their Wii video game system. However, in March 2007, WeeWorld moved to have the case dismissed without prejudice in order to focus on litigation in the UK, where WeeWorld has most of its business. However, Nintendo moved to have the case dismissed with prejudice in order to prevent further legal action. The result of the decision is still pending."

Nintendo didn't invent fuck all. This idea was around LONG before the Wii so just quiet down.

Manny

LITTLE BIG PLANET will allow loads of customisation of characters. Cute, ugly, licensed etc. The PS3 will also have the detailed characters from HOME (if it ever launches). NINTENDO already has Miis.

So it is natural that Microsoft want to compete for CASUAL gamers. But they have built the Xbox brand with USA cool teens-20 something males.
I'm not sure if it will cause conflict with the Xbox fanbase.

Andronix

I'm not trying to defend them or aything but surely this whole "M$ is teh 3vil moies grabbor" thing is a bit old?

Yeah they're like every other company in that they charge for their products (that's how you make money) but at least they haven't 'pulled an Apple'™ and started charging for small updates to a product you own (iPod Touch/Wireless N).

You also have to remember that in the video game industry everybody copies everybody else, that's how it's always been and that's what makes it good. Do you really think Sony/MS/Nintendo look at each others products and go "oh that's a nice feature that really adds to the experience but fuck we can't do it because it's already been done"? No they learn from each other and (hopefully) innovate to make a better version that makes the experience even better.

Another example would be that Valve didn't invent the FPS genre but by building on what FPS's had gone before and innovating a little pretty much made the FPS at that point (HL2).

You don't even need to make a good copy to keep the industry from going forward as do you think that GTA IV would be half as good as it was if it wasn't for all the half arsed free world shite that came out on the current generation before it that made the dev's think "lets not make the same mistakes as those guys" and release a better product for it.

To coin a phrase (and make it British) just my two pence.

FredThePanda

I dont like the idea personally, but I find it funny that people are making a fuss out of it.

okrangerbob

ok, so i've been working and haven't been online. i just saw this. and the first thing i thought was "how is this different from home?" avatars have to exist somewhere, so is MS going to have their own "home?" and if so, doesn't this go against what MS and alot of 360 owner have been saying that concepts like home are "pointless and stupid?" (i'm paraphrasing thousands of posts i've read over the years) that "real" gamers don't want to walk around a virtual world. they just want to play games and not deal with any on the "second life bullshit?" (paraphrasing again)

MS is really worried about somethin. scoff if you want, but for the company that's "winning" the console war and prided themselves on having the hardest of the hardcore gamer market , they sure are breaking their necks to try to get some of that Wii fit, soccer mom money. i mean, i'm all about money. my motto has been "stop hatin' and get money" for a while. but i don't know MS pimping the 360 as a "kid tested, mother approved" type of game system. what, they are going to roll out barbie horse adventure 2 with the new MS waggle stick and customizable....avatars, (they really didn't put to much into that name) with ads on american idol and oprah. all the while, pimping gears of war 2 as "bigger, better, more badass" for 'core gamers grabbing their junk while screaming "FUCKIN FAGGOOTTS!!" in the their headsets while slamming gamer fuel isn't going to work. both groups spend boatloads of money, but are very turned off by the other group. mothers get freaked out about anything violent and/or anything that might turn little chris or johnny into one of those kids that play grand theft auto and kill people. 'core gamers hate anything that's seen as 'soft' or 'fag' games like alot of the wii games. which can be seen on most message boards and blog sites.

can the casual gamer live along side the 'core gamer, only interested in fragging and 'pwning nOObs?' i think so, i just don't think MS is the one that's going to do it with this. or anything else they try in this vein.

thoughts?

jfx316

so the Wii gets copied by both MS and PSN...and once again it looks like PSN may be the latest to the party if they don't release Home soon.

I like the idea of customizable avatars, but really is it needed to have one on EVERY console. it seems like the scenario is:

1) Nintendo innovates

2) Sony PLANS to copy them (but keeps pushing the product back)

3) MS buys similar tech and implements it before Sony can

sure sometimes there are exceptions to the order and details...see Wii remote/SIXAXIS/Newton thingy and swap Sony with MS

Seiven

"Maybe, and this is total conjecture, even a little Master Chief costume?"

Just what I was hoping for. Build a digital representation of myself for all the world to see...then stuff it into a generic Spartan uniform so I'll look like the other millions of Halo fans in their Spartan uniforms.

I like the concept...mostly because Miis are so fun. But I'm also guessing any sort of licensed items (aside from that which would be from a first party title) wouldn't be free.

That's where Miis so far have the advantage. Now, if MS ties this to Achivements in some fashion, like you can start unlocking new items by gaining certain achivements...then that would make it REALLY interesting.

TRT-X

Keep the Wii trash out of my 360! KTHXBYE.

gencid

Microtransactions wazoo.

paying for lame dlc is the true 'nex-gen' 'feature'.

Rajio

@LegendK1ll3r: My thoughts exactly. I also bought a camera just for custom gamerpics. I don't want this shit.

Nex Antonius

After all the money I spent on Gamer Pictures, and all the money I just spent this week getting a camera just for custom gamer pictures, Microsoft better not be getting rid of them, and if they do, then I want a damn refund for all the stuff I bought.

It's not my fault if they decide to try and ruin their system.

LegendK1ll3r

Here's an analogy and the last thing I'll say on the subject:

Picture a day at poolside. Not a great day, partly sunny, not overly warm. People are sitting around the pool, when one suddenly says, "Let's go swimming!"

"Are you nuts? It's freezing!" Everyone echoes.

Finally, one person jumps in. Starts enjoying themself. Then another. And another.

"Look at those people, they're fucking idiots." A small group to the side opines.

More people start jumping in as the people in the pool are beginning to have a grand ol' time. Splashing and playing and carrying on. "Come on in!" they call.

"No way I'm going in there." As they sit and pout for awhile.

20 minutes pass. People are having great fun.

"Well shoot, that kind of looks like fun." Sour look.

40 minutes pass. People start getting out, laughing and toweling off, the stories of the good time bandied about.

"Ok.. fine.. I'll go in the pool!" *SPLASH*. Oops, you're the only one in there.... and it's FREEZING. See? You knew it was a bad idea.

Peace out brothahs

MrBionic

@Payne_IV: I don't think anyone's saying that. And we're not talking about other consoles here. We're talking about the 360 and how Microsoft is copying not only the Mii idea but the motion sensor remote from Nintendo.

And I'm not even saying that copying from the competition is a bad idea... most of the time.

Foxdie

Seriously, Avatars? Why don't you just call them "Characters" while you're on a spree of originality.

So they're Mii's but you'll get nickel and dimed to put an Incredibles t-shirt on it. Great.

TONX

It's fucking ignorant of you guys to act like Microsoft is the only company that "rips off" other company's ideas. I am not going to sit here and give you guys examples, but I can guarantee that no company has clean hands, so calling MS out for "copying" the Mii system is just fucking stupid.

And about the Avatars, I agree that they should be free. Maybe when you buy games it will have something included that lets you unlock some options for your Avatar. Say you buy Gears of War 2, you will then be able to use a COG Suit on your avatar.

And also, let's up that Avatars come in more races than just Caucasian.

Payne_IV

@gencid:
shouldn't that have been "NAO! You got some Wii in my 360 T_T"

fadecy

"its just the manner in which these are presented is... less than desirable."

@StagnatedLives: What? You don't like that it is a rumor derived from an unconfirmed internet leak. What's not to like?

Necroscope

@MrBionic: And I'll say it again, at least the pool is free. If Microsoft starts charging for these things, especally if they replace Gamerpics, its going to piss off alot of people.

Personally, I could still do without, I get along well enough with my Miis.

Ashkihyena

Mii 2.0.

Plus, notice how the kid in red has a incredible shirt :o

Solid_hedgehog

Omgomgomg this is the first time a company has evar copied another's ideas so let's wish death upon them!!11!!!1!

Etc. etc.

What's the big deal?

TehAdz

Home360 FTL

Talleh

first ive heard of this.

cool idea, would NOT pay for it though.

underground_slacker

oooh, i want a macmillan avatar. he would be able to snipe your avatars from over 859 yards away. "oi, suzy!"

xoforoct

fail

Fermbiz

Bill Gates: So your working on the Mii ripoffs, what name shall we call them?

MS worker: Well I was thinking we'd call them...wait for it! Im's! like I'm, like I'm using my Im!

Bill Gates: Get his man a fucking raise!

excel_excel

Does any of this crap actually make the dwindeling number of xbox exclusives play any better this christmas? Probably not. Will it make me pick up my 360 pad again? Probably not. Do the nintendo Miis make me play my Wii anymore? nope. I wish all the games companies would stop going on about the "casual market" It's a load of bollocks. A casual gamer might purchase one or two games a year. A hardcore gamer might purchase over 10 games a year. Therefore 10 casual gamers = 1 hardcore gamer. Do some shit for us microsoft we spend money on your products. Let the kids and middle aged mum's play Wii spports and Wii fit for a week then get bored. Don't feed us that shit. We will just laught it off. Look how crap scene it did. It was a joke.

Microsoft! It's not over yet! you have not won this race yet! Don't forget your core gamers by trying to cater for the "casual market". One in the hand is worth two in the bush.

GOD

@FredThePanda: Zactly

JokesJokes

@TRT-X: That, sir, is a brilliant idea. Having achievements unlock new things is a good idea. Imagine; instead of BUYING new items for the character, you EARN them through normal gameplay. That would be an interesting twist of events. Personally, I don't really buy anything on XBOX Live except Rock Band songs and Halo 3 maps on occasion. I can't imagine someone being dumb enough to pay for a stupid theme or picture pack. That's just ridiculous.

Shadowguitar

@Ashkihyena: *IF* being the key word here, but it's amazing what people will pay for after saying they'll never pay for something... I've seen it happen all too often. Anyway, my entire original post was based on the avatars being free. (Which I believe they will be, what I think you'll pay for is extras like clothing, accessories, etc.) THAT would be Microsoft's way.

MrBionic

@MrBionic: Yeah, that pretty much sounds like Microsoft. The avatars will probably be free, but all the clothing will be what you have to pay for.

Ashkihyena

Damn... Sony fanboys ripping on MS for copying the Wii... any of you acolytes value the motion control of the Six-axis as anything more than a Sony "Wii-Too" attempt... anyone?

MoTommo

Sounds like a great idea to me.

Gavbot

Though I will agree that competition is good for the consumer, blatant rip-offs are not. As far as I can see, these are just a hybrid of the mii and the PS3's Home avatars, and the only "innovation" they offer is licensing. Even if these somehow improve on the whole avatar concept, it won't really benefit gamers, it's not a key part of gaming. Something like the Newton, which was seemingly "inspired" by the wiimote, can improve on the whole motion sensing concept, which could benefit gamers in the future. So yes, competition can be good for the consumers, but only for certain aspects, and a customizable avatar is not one of them.

ZPfan

Wow @ all these "leaks" this generation is filled with mediocreness, this is why I don't play video games anymore.Fucking joke of an industry.

ELM

If you can "buy" stuff for your avatar with the gamerscore then that would be cool, but somehow I don't think anything like that will happen.

jair

Wow, Microsoft Avatars? What an original idea? Why has no one else thought of this one before? Uh okay, with that unnecessary sarcasm out of the way...

@Zim: I seriously wonder how Sony have been developing it for this long and no one has decided to do something. I mean part of the reason Mii's became so popular is that they are simple and cute.

And on account of the fact that the average wii user is...um, five. That may also have contributed to it's popularity within it's specific userbase.

GogolGants