miis

 

industry news

Rare - Avatar Idea Predates Miis

Posted by Mike Fahey at 4:30 AM on September 12, 2008

When Microsoft announced customisable avatars as part of the new Xbox Live Experience at E3 this year, we weren't alone in thinking that it was a blatant attempt to copy Nintendo's success with Miis. Not so, says Rare! In an episode of Eurogamer TV, Rare's Head of Art for Avatars Lee Musgrave explains that avatars are an idea they've been kicking around since before the Wii's Miis.

"(Avatars were) an idea we had, even before Miis were part of the gaming scene, of putting these characters that you have an affinity with, not necessarily as part of the Xbox dash, but somewhere in the Xbox that you would play multiple games with, that you would have multiple experiences with that same character".

So while it could still be considered an attempt by Microsoft to capitalise on the success of Miis, don't drag Rare into that business. Miis were just a happy occurrence that helped bring their original idea to fruition.
The Eurogamer TV Show: Rare on Avatars [Eurogamer via Strategy Informer]

real world

Nerd Wedding Afoot, Mii Invitations Abound

Posted by Luke Plunkett at 1:00 AM on March 25, 2008

Nerds get married all the time. Nothing new there. But nerds getting married in style, well, that is something new. This is the invite that's been sent out to friends and family of 4 Colour Rebellion's Vinnk. And it's just great. Tasteful use of Miis in a formal ceremonial invitation and the joyous union of two crazy kids in love? Unprecedented.

Read More »