Microsoft Plans Avatar Store

[violent]

TeamXbox Reports: (http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/17974/Microsoft-Planning-Avatar-Store-for-Next-Spring/)
With the release of The New Xbox Experience, the Xbox 360 will get their own Miis in the form of Avatars, customizable graphical representations of Xbox Live users tied to Xbox 360 profiles. At launch, there will be a bunch of accessories for these Avatars available free of charge, but in 2009 Microsoft plans to create a store where Xbox Live users will be able to buy new accesories

I think many of us saw this as the inevitable outcome. At least now we will have an answer to the question that's been on all our minds: who will be the first to buy a fake hat?

[Sandman]

Now instead of producing real life swag for their games developers will make avatar swag.

[violent]

Now if they could simply attach certain avatar items to achievements then you got yourself a winner.

[maharahaj]

This was inevitable. But they haven't fooled me. I've never purchased a theme or gamerpic and will never purchase an avatar accessory. It is a complete waste of money.

[maharahaj]

Now if they could simply attach certain avatar items to achievements then you got yourself a winner.

Ha! I wouldn't put it past them in the future. "Defeat monster 'X' while wearing accessory 'Y' " for 20 points.

Hell, they already do it with hardware like in Rainbow 6 Vegas where you need a camera to create a character in your own image for points.

[violent]

Ha! I wouldn't put it past them in the future. "Defeat monster 'X' while wearing accessory 'Y' " for 20 points.

Hell, they already do it with hardware like in Rainbow 6 Vegas where you need a camera to create a character in your own image for points.

I was thinking more that an achievement will unlock certain avatar items but you're idea is much scarier.

[crazyD]

Wow. I can say I honestly didn't see this coming. Pretty damned low.

[maharahaj]

I was thinking more that an achievement will unlock certain avatar items but you're idea is much scarier.

I would support the normal earning of achievements to unlocking accessories for your avatar. That would give some extra value to gaining achievements. I always like the idea of "unlocking" exclusive gamerpics by playing games. That is kind of a trophy you can display to anyone who looks at your profile. PGR4 did this in that you could unlock an exclusive gamerpic buy spending Kudos you earned in the game towards it.

Example: Beat the new Splinter Cell game on hard, earn your avatar Sam Fisher goggles.

[n3rdXcore]

What's going to happen to all your old themes? Some people (not I) spent money on themes, and it seems the new dashboard is getting rid of them. Anyone have any idea?

[maharahaj]

I think they are integrated into the upper 2/3rds of the screen as a background image; the part that isn't obnoxiously taken over as a gray floor element.

[bean]

Consider me not interested.

I did pay a few bucks for the Penny Arcade theme but otherwise the huge amount of absolutely free themes and gamerpics have sated me. I expect there will be tons of free stuff for the avatars as well.

[Kelegacy]

Not surprising, but sad all the same.

[Food Nipple]

http://media.1up.com/media?id=3559987&type=lg

Just tell me how much I have to pay for the bunny suit.

[violent]

As I mentioned before, the closest you'll get me to an idea like this is if you offered me a Strogg costume.

[Spigot]

I know that they won't get a cent from me for this stuff. I have less than no interest in the avatars. Just the thought of the avatars creates an intellectual void in my brain.

I fully support the concept of earning items via achievements (the way that some games dole out themes and gamerpics based on your progress). I do not support needing to have certain avatar items on to earn achievements though.

That said, how many games will incorporate the avatars? Will it be like the Mii implementation on the Wii, where some games use them almost exclusively and others totally ignore them?

[Shadowstorm]

Man, this whole avatar thing strikes me as very trivial. The only thing this is good for is that undoubtedly people will buy some of this shit. Good for Microsoft, bad for people who don't know any better.

[Iron Past]

I was going to make a long post asking why people reply saying they won't buy an offered good and saying how stupid it is that MS would offer this because they themselves have no interest, but I guess I can just leave it at that.

Also, I would like to add that I consider American Eagle shirts overpriced and probably won't ever buy one. I can do it, too.

[DeathtollWRX]

Really lame... Then again I really dig the bunny suit. I don't think i;ll be spending money on this particular thing,

[KamaItachi]

I know that they won't get a cent from me for this stuff. I have less than no interest in the avatars. Just the thought of the avatars creates an intellectual void in my brain.

I fully support the concept of earning items via achievements (the way that some games dole out themes and gamerpics based on your progress). I do not support needing to have certain avatar items on to earn achievements though.

That said, how many games will incorporate the avatars? Will it be like the Mii implementation on the Wii, where some games use them almost exclusively and others totally ignore them?

They mentioned that the restrictions on using them will be strict. I don't think you're even allowed to use them in Teen rated games, so don't be expecting to chainsaw off your buddy's head in Gears 3.

[Gormanimal]

Add-ons from achievements would be a great feature. I wouldn't even consider buying any (although that chicken suit....damn).

[Telefrog]

Did you buy Gamerpics or Themes? No? Then why bitch about this feature? Use a free Avatar or better yet just continue to use the Gamerpic you're using now.

Why do people bitch when Microsoft monetizes a feature that people have shown they are willing to pay money to have? They're a business, and if people want to give them money why wouldn't they take it?

And if you didn't see this coming, you must not have paid attention for the last few years.

[inmostlight]

I hate to admit it, but I'd pay money for some Psychonauts avatar outfits.

I also suspect they may do promotional tie-ins with movies and games like they do now with themes and gamerpics. Like an Iron Man helmet when Iron Man 2 comes out or something. That could be kinda cool if cheap or free.

[Johan]

I want to buy a digital woodchipper to jam my avatar into, feet first. I cannot stand their jamming this down my throat. Let me opt out of avatars without having to avoid the update and online altogether, MS!

[KamaItachi]

I want to buy a digital woodchipper to jam my avatar into, feet first. I cannot stand their jamming this down my throat. Let me opt out of avatars without having to avoid the update and online altogether, MS!

You don't have to have an avatar, as far as I know. Just don't use it.

[Johan]

You don't have to have an avatar, as far as I know. Just don't use it.

We've been over this before, and as far as I can tell, you have to have an avatar to represent you, and it will appear in certain aspects of the UI and the like.

Regardless, if I wanted a doll, I'd buy one.

[crazyD]

Why do people bitch when Microsoft monetizes a feature that people have shown they are willing to pay money to have?

Because it's lame. If they want to rip off Mii's, they shouldn't make money off it.

[EternalGamer]

It would have been cool if they linked accessories to achievements. But unfortunately, that will probably never happen. I don't know who buys stuff like this and the "gamer pics" but apparently someone does or they wouldn't be trying to monetize this nonsense for the second time.

[KamaItachi]

We've been over this before, and as far as I can tell, you have to have an avatar to represent you, and it will appear in certain aspects of the UI and the like.

Regardless, if I wanted a doll, I'd buy one.

If that's what happens, fair enough, I'll shake my fist with the rest of them. But I was certain that you'd be able to go "classic" and just keep the blade system as the interface.

[Evil Avnovice]

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/DarkDoom.gif

[mister slim]

If that's what happens, fair enough, I'll shake my fist with the rest of them. But I was certain that you'd be able to go "classic" and just keep the blade system as the interface.

Supposedly the blade system will remain, but only as part of the menu that pops up when you hit the guide button. On the plus side, this implies you'll be able to access the marketplace while in a game.

[Carlos]

you know, this screams "LittleBigPlanet" in some sort of way.

And potentially companies will buy into this stupid charade. Konami and Square already did with LBP. But they're doing better than selling accessories.

I ain't buying any of that avatar shit. No comprende.

[Whunpo]

I care less about costumes, but I think it would be really cool to see some different artist styles for my avatar. I would probably give Microsoft $5 so that my avatar could be in the Penny Arcade style. But I doubt I would pay for a hat.

[Widgetcraft]

I'll probably want to get my avatar looking good, so I expect I'll probably end up spending a little cash on this one time, and then never touch it again. That's just the reality of the situation; I know it's a waste of money, but I still ended up buying at least five gamer pic packs.

[MachEnergy]

I'm starting to catch on. If you don't find something worthwhile, other people that like it are stupid. And here, I thought you were full of love and tolerance, Mr. Internet.

[Deunnero]

No one willing to spend a few points on a CoG shirt? Or some swag of your favourite sports team? For all you politically inclined folks, a shirt to support your candidate?
How about a pirate hat, or a halloween mask?

Who doesn't have 5, 10, 20 or 30 points just sitting there, lonely, just waiting to be used?

I would buy a hockey jersey for my lil avatar, and I would definately breakout the points for a CoG shirt.

I'll be spending some time playing with this new feature, as it sounds fun and entertaining; and that's exactly why I got an xbox, to have fun and be entertaied.

[Gorvi]

People are foolish enough to buy themes, wallpapers, and gamerpics, they'll be foolish enough to buy this crap as well.

[Johan]

I'm starting to catch on. If you don't find something worthwhile, other people that like it are stupid. And here, I thought you were full of love and tolerance, Mr. Internet.

I for one am thrilled when people get to enjoy something they choose to engage in. I am NOT thrilled that I have no choice but to go along for the ride, however, if I want to continue to play online and use many of the features of my 360.

I like choices. That way, we can both be happy with the product we are using.

[JayVe]

I was thinking more that an achievement will unlock certain avatar items but you're idea is much scarier.

This has already been announced. Games will unlock special Avatar items by just playing.

[violent]

This has already been announced. Games will unlock special Avatar items by just playing.

I'm ok with that idea.

[wyeast]

Who doesn't have 5, 10, 20 or 30 points just sitting there, lonely, just waiting to be used?

5 or 10 points? Maybe. But if it's like 400 points for a "shoe pack"? Fuck no. :mad:

[itchyeyes]

Why do people bitch when Microsoft monetizes a feature that people have shown they are willing to pay money to have? They're a business, and if people want to give them money why wouldn't they take it?
Because this is the Internet, where people bitch about everything.

[MagGnome]

Ugh, just ugh. I've avoided buying any gamerpics or themes - things that should be free. If Live wasn't so isolated there is no way they could charge for tiny images. It's just silly. I don't care if MS has the right to charge for it - it's still stupid.

I'll probably play with my avatar once, and then ignore him after that.

[Re3x]

My Rock Band's T-Shirt on my avatar would be epic.

[Johan]

I'll probably play with my avatar once, and then ignore him after that.

He'll be heartbroken! ;)

Love 'em and leave 'em! :)

[Mdot]

Just an option for people who want it. Doesn't bother me one way or the other.

[JayVe]

I'm ok with that idea.

Me too.

Look, there are lots of picture packs, and lots of free picture packs on Live. I've got too many damn icons, just by downloading the free ones. Same with the themes. I'm willing to bet the same will be true with the Avatars. Yes, you'll be able to buy all sorts of stupid virtual clothing, but you'll get some for free too.

If you don't like buying virtual doll clothes, then don't. I can tell you that a LOT of people will, because unlike a gamer pic, people will have an emotional attachment to their avatar, and will want them to look cute/cool. They'll want it enough to pay for that ADORABLE hat, or that cute little animal costume.

[Telefrog]

Look, there are lots of picture packs, and lots of free picture packs on Live. I've got too many damn icons, just by downloading the free ones. Same with the themes. I'm willing to bet the same will be true with the Avatars. Yes, you'll be able to buy all sorts of stupid virtual clothing, but you'll get some for free too.

If you don't like buying virtual doll clothes, then don't. I can tell you that a LOT of people will, because unlike a gamer pic, people will have an emotional attachment to their avatar, and will want them to look cute/cool. Want it enough to pay for that ADORABLE hat, or that cute little animal costume.

Absolutely. For those of you that don't understand how MS could "stoop" to this, try to imagine how much money Nintendo would've made early on if they monetized Mii accessories.

[crazyD]

Absolutely. For those of you that don't understand how MS could "stoop" to this, try to imagine how much money Nintendo would've made early on if they monetized Mii accessories.

Yet Nintendo didn't. Microsoft has stooped to this, so they are getting the hate.

[Mdot]

It's a business. I find buying this stuff stupid and apparently most of the people on the site do too, but if somebody wants to waste their cash on it, what's to stop a company from capitalizing?

[Telefrog]

Yet Nintendo didn't. Microsoft has stooped to this, so they are getting the hate.

C'mon. So Microsoft gets the hate because they saw an opportunity and got it up and running first? Business savvy translates into internerd rage? I'd bet Nintendo stockholders wouldn't mind a bit more hate if that's the case.

They are offering a product. If you want to buy it, go ahead. If you don't, then just use the free stuff. As I see it, at least they are offering customization options beyond picking the color of the shirt on a Mii.

Edit: It's not like Nintendo isn't above monetizing their offerings when they recognize the opportunity. Remember the free legacy games hidden in Animal Crossing? Yeah. Guess what's not being offered in the Wii version thanks to those games being on VC.

[crazyD]

C'mon. So Microsoft gets the hate because they saw an opportunity and got it up and running first? Business savvy translates into internerd rage? I'd bet Nintendo stockholders wouldn't mind a bit more hate if that's the case.

They are offering a product. If you want to buy it, go ahead. If you don't, then just use the free stuff. As I see it, at least they are offering customization options beyond picking the color of the shirt on a Mii.

Edit: It's not like Nintendo isn't above monetizing their offerings when they recognize the opportunity. Remember the free legacy games hidden in Animal Crossing? Yeah. Guess what's not being offered in the Wii version thanks to those games being on VC.

Consumer unfriendly and just plain greedy practices will always generate annoyance from me. I don't care if they make money off of it, it is still greedy and low. I would be just as annoyed if Nintendo did it.

I think there is a bit of a difference between not including free content and charging for meaningless content that should be free. Has that Animal Crossing thing been announced?

[Telefrog]

I think there is a bit of a difference between not including free content and charging for meaningless content that should be free. Has that Animal Crossing thing been announced?

Yes (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=195145).

We also knew that the free NES games included in the N64 and GameCube versions wouldn't be thrown into the Wii edition, because they're selling them separately on Virtual Console. That's completely undertandable, but why not have City Folk as some kind of cool hub for launching our VC collections?

I'm not trying to start an argument with you, but Nintendo isn't above taking money from their customers. In fact, here's a case of them actually taking away a feature that was free in a previous game to support their commerce.

It's a business. Neither Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft is your friend.

[crazyD]

I'm not trying to start an argument with you, but Nintendo isn't above taking money from their customers. In fact, here's a case of them actually taking away a feature that was free in a previous game to support their commerce.

It's a business. Neither Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft is your friend.

I still think it is worse to rip people off for avatar armor then stop including free extra content in a game. This sucks, but I feel it is a different scale.

[MagGnome]

Absolutely. For those of you that don't understand how MS could "stoop" to this, try to imagine how much money Nintendo would've made early on if they monetized Mii accessories.

I don't think of this as Microsoft "stooping to a new low".

That happened a long time ago. :p


Edit - I don't understand why so many people rush to defend companies that do things like this. Yes it's a business, and they are out to make money. We all get that. Still, does that mean this is okay, and we should all just shrug and move on?

Companies will do lots of things to make money. It doesn't mean we all have to like it or even ignore it. I see people trot out the "it's a business!" defense out whenever people question things like this.

[Orca]

Yet Nintendo didn't. Microsoft has stooped to this, so they are getting the hate.

Nintendo would have, if they had any idea how to. They can't even figure out how to get Nintendo points to work for both the Wii and DS stores, for crying out loud.

[crazyD]

Nintendo would have, if they had any idea how to. They can't even figure out how to get Nintendo points to work for both the Wii and DS stores, for crying out loud.

... But they do know how to get them to work for the Wii. So, I'm sure they could have. Maybe they just didn't want to look like greedy nickle and diming dicks, and figured that charging people to personalize a character would cost them a lot of good will?

Seriously, this is like a less useful horse armor. I think people have every right to be annoyed with MS.

[Orca]

... But they do know how to get them to work for the Wii. So, I'm sure they could have. Maybe they just didn't want to look like greedy nickle and diming dicks, and figured that charging people to personalize a character would cost them a lot of good will?

Seriously, this is like a less useful horse armor. I think people have every right to be annoyed with MS.

Yeah, I'm sure that's what they were thinking. That's probably right after the meeting where they decided to release games that could "only" be played by buying the throwback controller peripheral.

I still don't see why people "have every right" to be annoyed. You don't need to buy any of this. There'll be free content, just like the marketplace has.

It's the same as Home - which will feature "premium" content. Why bother bitching about it, when you don't have to buy it? Just ignore it and move on...

...to playing the latest VC title you bought for $10 that features no improvements at all. No, nothing to complain about there - huh?

[Variable Gear]

Yeah, I'm sure that's what they were thinking. That's probably right after the meeting where they decided to release games that could "only" be played by buying the throwback controller peripheral.
Bullshit...bullshit never changes...

For the record, no Wii games, VC or otherwise, require the Classic Controller.
...to playing the latest VC title you bought for $10 that features no improvements at all. No, nothing to complain about there - huh?
Quite a few XBLA games are ports as well. Go bitch to Microsoft about that, in between downloading ROMs of your favorite Nintendo titles. No, nothing to complain about there - huh?

[crazyD]

Yeah, I'm sure that's what they were thinking. That's probably right after the meeting where they decided to release games that could "only" be played by buying the throwback controller peripheral.

I still don't see why people "have every right" to be annoyed. You don't need to buy any of this. There'll be free content, just like the marketplace has.

It's the same as Home - which will feature "premium" content. Why bother bitching about it, when you don't have to buy it? Just ignore it and move on...

...to playing the latest VC title you bought for $10 that features no improvements at all. No, nothing to complain about there - huh?

Why are you bringing up unrelated crap? I'm not happy with the VC prices either. If we had a thread on the matter, I would probably post about that as well. Instead, we have a thread about MS being greedy, so that is where I am posting.

[Orca]

Bullshit...bullshit never changes...

For the record, no Wii games, VC or otherwise, require the Classic Controller.

Really? So when you go to buy it and it has the icon for the controller - that doesn't mean you need it to play the game? I can download, for example, an N64 game and play it just fine with the Wii-mote? That's news to me...


Quite a few XBLA games are ports as well. Go bitch to Microsoft about that, in between downloading ROMs of your favorite Nintendo titles. No, nothing to complain about there - huh?

I guess you missed that "that features no improvements at all" part, huh? Then you try to accuse me of downloading ROMs... So yeah, I guess your argument is done then?

[Orca]

Why are you bringing up unrelated crap? I'm not happy with the VC prices either. If we had a thread on the matter, I would probably post about that as well. Instead, we have a thread about MS being greedy, so that is where I am posting.

Nintendo gouging customers isn't unrelated once people start saying Nintendo would never 'stoop this low' and other assorted garbage.

Every company out there is out there to make money. Your money. If they find something they can charge for - THEY WILL. Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft - it doesn't matter which you favor, they all do it.

I just think it's stupid when the angry hordes cry about "nickel and diming" just because it's the other two, especially when they can't admit their favorite does it just as much.

It's an optional accessory store to buy things you don't really need for an Avatar many of the same whiners say bitterly that they don't even want. So shut the fuck up about it and let those who are looking forward to it look forward to it without you whining in the background about how bitterly unfair it all is.

[Variable Gear]

Really? So when you go to buy it and it has the icon for the controller - that doesn't mean you need it to play the game? I can download, for example, an N64 game and play it just fine with the Wii-mote? That's news to me...
You didn't specify the generation of system. For N64 games, you need a GC Controller or Classic Controller. For Super NES games you need a Classic Controller or GC Controller. For NES games, you can use the Wii Remote on its side, the Classic Controller or the GC controller. Most people on CoG who own Wiis probably own a few GC Controllers, which is another part of the reason I ridiculed your assertion that the Classic Controller is a necessity to play VC games.
I guess you missed that "that features no improvements at all" part, huh? Then you try to accuse me of downloading ROMs... So yeah, I guess your argument is done then?
Here are the improvements for XBLA games that are ports:

1. HD Graphics
2. Achievements
3. Custom Soundtracks
4. Chat Function
3. Xbox Live Multiplayer in some cases

The only updates I have any interest in are the XBL multiplayer and the HD graphics, and the rest of the stuff doesn't interest me much. Achievements aren't that interesting to me, you can already listen to whatever music you want while you're playing, and you can chat as a core function of the 360. I don't need to buy the game again to get access to that.

Accusing you of downloading ROMs was kind of a cheap shot, but, what can I say, my back was up against the wall (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=46634#post46634). There was nothing else I could do.

[crazyD]

Nintendo gouging customers isn't unrelated once people start saying Nintendo would never 'stoop this low' and other assorted garbage.

Who said that? My point is, that they didn't stoop this low, and MS did. If Nintendo did, I would be annoyed at them.

It's an optional accessory store to buy things you don't really need for an Avatar many of the same whiners say bitterly that they don't even want. So shut the fuck up about it and let those who are looking forward to it look forward to it without you whining in the background about how bitterly unfair it all is.

Who is whining about how it is unfair? I am saying it is greedy, and makes them look bad. I don't see how fairness has anything to do with it. You want to not hear people complain about bad business practices? Don't read the threads.

[Johan]

It's a business. Neither Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft is your friend.

*removes Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft from ChristmaHanaKwanzica card list*

I thought they were.

[Orca]

Who said that? My point is, that they didn't stoop this low, and MS did. If Nintendo did, I would be annoyed at them.

Who is whining about how it is unfair? I am saying it is greedy, and makes them look bad. I don't see how fairness has anything to do with it. You want to not hear people complain about bad business practices? Don't read the threads.

People don't even know what the "Avatar Store" is and they're complaining. For all we know it could use our Gamerscore as currency. I shouldn't really be surprised though, it took the "EA selling Madden cover for charity" thread only FOUR REPLIES until someone tried to make it negative.

By the way, charging money for pointless things that people are willing to pay for is a good business practice.

[mister slim]

By the way, charging money for pointless things that people are willing to pay for is a good business practice.

And mocking companies for trying to sell pointless things is good consumer practice. And defending a company's right to be free from all criticism regardless of validity is good sheeple practice.

[MagGnome]

Why are you bringing up unrelated crap? I'm not happy with the VC prices either. If we had a thread on the matter, I would probably post about that as well. Instead, we have a thread about MS being greedy, so that is where I am posting.

It's obvious crazyD. You criticized Microsoft, so obviously you are a Nintendo fanboy.

That you cannot see this is unfortunate. You need help!


And mocking companies for trying to sell pointless things is good consumer practice. And defending a company's right to be free from all criticism regardless of validity is good sheeple practice.


I just had to quote this because it is spot on. Thank you mister slim for bringing some sense into this crazy thread! :)

[MagGnome]

*removes Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft from ChristmaHanaKwanzica card list*

I thought they were.

Save your postage, and mail me a card instead. :p

[itchyeyes]

Consumer unfriendly and just plain greedy practices will always generate annoyance from me. I don't care if they make money off of it, it is still greedy and low. I would be just as annoyed if Nintendo did it.
The only scenario in which this move can be construed as "consumer unfriendly" is if this content would otherwise have been available for free, and unless you're living in some sort of delusional dream world that just flat out isn't the case, and it never will be.

Microsoft is a for profit corporation. Without a way to monetize avatars the funding to develop them never gets approved, and consumers don't even get access to the free content that is available as it is. In the real world lack of an Avatar store results in less content, free or paid, available to customers, not more.

[crazyD]

The only scenario in which this move can be construed as "consumer unfriendly" is if this content would otherwise have been available for free, and unless you're living in some sort of delusional dream world that just flat out isn't the case, and it never will be.

Microsoft is a for profit corporation. Without a way to monetize avatars the funding to develop them never gets approved, and consumers don't even get access to the free content that is available as it is. In the real world lack of an Avatar store results in less content, free or paid, available to customers, not more.

Nintendo never charged for additional customizations to the Mii. This is just sub-horse armor crap, and I'm not happy about it.

In any case, I seem to be running around in circles in this thread, and think I will duck out. Feel free to continue without me.

[Norse]

I don't think I've paid for any theme or gamer pic yet and I see no reason to do so with avatar acessories. Don't like to pay? Don't buy! I see no reason to get these acessories. If you do feel the urge you might see a reason to pay for the stuff.

Even though I haven't paid for themes or gamer pics, I've got a ton of them. Some games come with gamer pics or themes included and some are free to download. I imagine it'll be the same with avatar stuff.

[itchyeyes]

Nintendo never charged for additional customizations to the Mii. This is just sub-horse armor crap, and I'm not happy about it.

In any case, I seem to be running around in circles in this thread, and think I will duck out. Feel free to continue without me.
What? Nintendo hasn't offered any additional customizations to the Mii. So I guess in a strictly technical sense, you're correct in that they've never charged for those additional customizations that don't exist. But that doesn't strengthen your argument in any way. If you're referring to the customization set that ships with the system, the Avatar will have plenty of free choices available to customers that easily compare with what Mii's have to offer.

But you're really going down the wrong path with Nintendo. The amount of free content on XBL outpaces what's on the Wii by orders of magnitude. Why? Because Microsoft puts it there to lure customers into paid offerings, because they monetize online better than Nintendo does.

The only thing going in circles here is your logic.

[MachEnergy]

It's a business. Neither Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft is your friend.*removes Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft from ChristmaHanaKwanzica card list*

I thought they were.

Johan, that was pretty damn funny

[MachEnergy]

What? Nintendo hasn't offered any additional customizations to the Mii. So I guess in a strictly technical sense, you're correct in that they've never charged for those additional customizations that don't exist.

This is key here. The Mii customizations available were completed before the system was shipped. That development is done. When you buy a Wii, part of the price pays for that work.

The MS Avatar system is going to continue to produce new content on a regular basis. Some of it will be free, paid for by your XBL membership. But to expect that ALL of it is free is just naive. For every new piece of content, you have to realize that an artist first designed it, then a 3d modeler created a mesh and texture for it, then somebody had to test that the item is bug free, and finally somebody has to plug it into the XBL content management pipeline.

Nintendo doesn't do any of that, because the work has already been done!