360 Avatars Mandatory [Archive]

violent

10-09-2008, 04:33 PM

IGN reports: (http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html)

Part of Microsoft's push at the Tokyo Game Show this year has been the so-called "New Xbox Experience," which is another way of describing the Xbox Live Dashboard overhaul scheduled to go live on Nov. 19. And Microsoft is so excited about the Avatars portion of the updated service that it plans to force all users to adopt one of the cutesy, non-threatening personas.

And there you have it.

Wraith

10-09-2008, 04:35 PM

In a meeting with journalists at TGS this week, Microsoft's group product manager for Xbox 360, Aaron Greenberg, said all users will be required to choose an avatar as a visual representation of themselves when they boot up the new dash.

"We're forcing you to have a visual representation of yourself," Greenberg said, when asked if he thought hardcore gamers would be put off by the requirement. "But you can make a pretty badass avatar."

However, that doesn't mean you have to use your new friend, or even take more than half a minute creating him or her. At the outset of the Avatar creation process, you'll be greeted by a cavalcade of pre-made Avatars who'll romp onto the screen for your choosing.Ehh. Just means that users who do show avatars won't just see a ton of default avatar characters for players who don't care about showing avatars themselves.

pomeroy

10-09-2008, 04:35 PM

IGN reports: (http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html)

And there you have it.

Oh good. .

Midrael

10-09-2008, 04:36 PM

violent

10-09-2008, 04:37 PM

I was under the impression that the Avatar interface would be optional.

Wraith

10-09-2008, 04:37 PM

Hmm.. I thought I recently read that you had to have 256mb of disk space for the avatars. That kinda bites for owners of the Arcade version of the console since they'd have to use their memory card for that, wouldn't they?"The New Xbox Experience is available this fall through a free download to anyone with an Xbox 360 system, a broadband connection and a storage device of either a hard drive or 256MB memory unit or larger.""customizing avatars requires a 256 MB memory unit or greater"Link (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/10/09/avatar-customization-requires-256mb-storage/)

So if you only have a 64MB card, you won't be able to customize them, I guess.

Wraith

10-09-2008, 04:38 PM

I was under the impression that the Avatar interface would be optional.Using the avatar interface: optional.

Choosing an avatar to represent yourself to those using the avatar interface: mandatory.

violent

10-09-2008, 04:41 PM

Using the avatar interface: optional.

Choosing an avatar to represent yourself to those using the avatar interface: mandatory.

I'm not seeing where it says you'll still be able to use the old interface. It seems as if they're requiring you to go to the avatar interface.

Iron Past

10-09-2008, 04:42 PM

Should read: X360 users required to make avatars.

There's a pretty big difference between being forced to create one and being forced to use one, IGN. Misleading headlines FTL.

Widgetcraft

10-09-2008, 04:43 PM

Meh, don't see what all the bitching is about... You use premium forum avatars to represent yourself now; how is that better than a premium 3D model? As for the Core owners: We've known that they were fucked since day one, don't act so surprised.

Wraith

10-09-2008, 04:43 PM

Reading the IGN story, it's not really misleading. It never says you have to use the avatar interface, just that you have to make your avatar.

violent

10-09-2008, 04:44 PM

Should read: X360 users required to make avatars.

There's a pretty big difference between being forced to create one and being forced to use one, IGN. Misleading stories FTL.

"TGS 2008: Avatars Required" is the title of the source story. I'm reporting on their story. I'm trying to figure out what it all means just like the rest of you.

jeffbax

10-09-2008, 04:45 PM

Sounds like a gigantic non-issue.

Virtual Machine

10-09-2008, 04:47 PM

Yeah, i do NOT want to see a screen full of Wii clones when i fire up my 360 - keep that shit to yourself please. :)

Iron Past

10-09-2008, 04:49 PM

"TGS 2008: Avatars Required" is the title of the source story. I'm reporting on their story. I'm trying to figure out what it all means just like the rest of you.

My comment was directed at IGN, not you, sorry. I changed it to say headlines, which is what I really meant. It drives me nuts when these sites knowingly publish misleading headlines for clicks, moreso because most people don't read past that before complaining. Joystiq has just plain lied in the past.

violent

10-09-2008, 04:52 PM

My comment was directed at IGN, not you, sorry. I changed it to say headlines, which is what I really meant. It drives me nuts when these sites knowingly publish misleading headlines for clicks, moreso because most people don't read past that before complaining. Joystiq has just plain lied in the past.

I hear you. I went through pretty much the same distaste not an hour ago on another "oddly stated" story. Thing with this one is that they seem to be a little vague on details. It says avatars are mandatory but are they also talking about the interface? Somehow I think they purposefully worded it that way.

King3567

10-09-2008, 07:10 PM

People are making a bigger deal out of Avatars than it needs to be...

Grifter

10-09-2008, 07:17 PM

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/grifter_66/DrDoomChap.gif
Weeeeeeeeee!!

Deadend

10-09-2008, 07:21 PM

Reading the IGN story, it's not really misleading. It never says you have to use the avatar interface, just that you have to make your avatar.

It implies it, the story also features an angry tone, such as if being forced to use avatars and it does not clearly state what could be summed up in one sentence.

So I am going to go with... the story is misleading.

Xerxes

10-10-2008, 04:55 AM

Bah... I'm sure there will be some generic Avatar everyone will end up using. I don't even like Miis and this is a knock that doesn't seem worth the time.

Deunnero

10-10-2008, 06:11 AM

I look forward to this new and exciting experience.

Squidbot

10-10-2008, 06:12 AM

"Would you like to use the default Avatar? Y/N"

OH NOES!!!!!

bapenguin

10-10-2008, 06:17 AM

Bah... I'm sure there will be some generic Avatar everyone will end up using. I don't even like Miis and this is a knock that doesn't seem worth the time.

Actually it's pretty cool - it totally randomizes a bunch of Avatars when you first enter. You pick from 20 or so of them and use that as your base one to edit, or simply use that as your avatar.

The character model creator is more akin to something like an EA Sports Player Creator than a Mii one.

Savok

10-10-2008, 06:41 AM

So, no real default.... anyone else having a goth lesbian as their avatar then?

Karak

10-10-2008, 08:29 AM

Actually it's pretty cool - it totally randomizes a bunch of Avatars when you first enter. You pick from 20 or so of them and use that as your base one to edit, or simply use that as your avatar.

The character model creator is more akin to something like an EA Sports Player Creator than a Mii one.

Ya its more of a very advanced Mii then a total copy. I mean from what they are showing you could make some pretty cool kats.
I on the other hand will go Random. Until a game comes where there is a true need for my own avatar.

Squidbot

10-10-2008, 08:41 AM

So, no real default.... anyone else having a goth lesbian as their avatar then?

I'd buy that for a dollar.

Xerxes

10-10-2008, 03:15 PM

Actually it's pretty cool - it totally randomizes a bunch of Avatars when you first enter. You pick from 20 or so of them and use that as your base one to edit, or simply use that as your avatar.

The character model creator is more akin to something like an EA Sports Player Creator than a Mii one.

But I mean it's a little character to stand around and do nothing. It's the Help Paperclip in office all over again. :(

mister slim

10-10-2008, 04:49 PM

Actually it's pretty cool - it totally randomizes a bunch of Avatars when you first enter. You pick from 20 or so of them and use that as your base one to edit, or simply use that as your avatar.

The character model creator is more akin to something like an EA Sports Player Creator than a Mii one.

The Mii Channel does the same thing. It's what I use when I'm in a hurry and one of my friends is scared of the Mii options.

Shjinta

10-10-2008, 04:53 PM

Woo another reason not to plug my xbox into the net anymore.

Johan

10-10-2008, 05:04 PM

You know, I just love when companies give consumers CHOICES. I like the options here: Use an avatar, or don't sign on to update.

Yeah...great job MS! :rolleyes:

I for one am happy for those who like the idea of avatars; they'll have them around to mess with. I, however, think it's one of the most idiotic things that MS has tried to push on me, and I shouldn't be forced to use a digital rag doll to represent myself. I'm forty-fricking-one, not fifteen.

Iron Past

10-10-2008, 07:40 PM

I for one am happy for those who like the idea of avatars; they'll have them around to mess with. I, however, think it's one of the most idiotic things that MS has tried to push on me, and I shouldn't be forced to use a digital rag doll to represent myself. I'm forty-fricking-one, not fifteen.

So... don't. Here's what I don't get about this argument. You'll be "forced" to hit the A button to accept a random avatar (just like you're forced to pick a gamerpic), and then never mess with it again. It'll sit in the corner, again like your gamerpic (which you can still use).

I usually stay on the dash long enough to get to the game I want to play, but I guess there's alot of people who play the "dashboard game" where thay do nothing but go back and forth between the blades for a couple of hours or something. You can also bypass all that crap with the mini-dash, by the way.

Johan

10-10-2008, 08:03 PM

So... don't...It'll sit in the corner, again like your gamerpic

Apparently you don't mind that it's mandatory. I don't appreciate crap being forced on my screen, regardless of how long I have to look at it or not.

Choices; I like choices. Those that want it should be able to use it, those that don't, shouldn't be forced to.

Here's what I don't get about this argument.

Here's what I don't get about this argument. I'm arguing that we should have the choice to use it or not. You're arguing I shouldn't care that I have to.

One of us has a better argument for both of us than the other one does. I can tell you who it is. Me.

JayK47

10-10-2008, 08:18 PM

Goddamn, consoles are getting gay. Back in my day we didn't need some nancy avatars.

EternalGamer

10-10-2008, 08:27 PM

Apparently you don't mind that it's mandatory. I don't appreciate crap being forced on my screen, regardless of how long I have to look at it or not.

Choices; I like choices. Those that want it should be able to use it, those that don't, shouldn't be forced to.

Here's what I don't get about this argument. I'm arguing that we should have the choice to use it or not. You're arguing I shouldn't care that I have to.

One of us has a better argument for both of us than the other one does. I can tell you who it is. Me.

Maybe they could just give you an option to "hide" the avatar.

I'm kind of indifferent towards it myself. But when I heard that the avatar has actual animations and will react to stuff happening on the UI, have to admit, I started to warm to it a bit. But I do imagine the novelty of that will wear off pretty quick.

This seems like an elaborate version of the MS Word Paper Clip if you could "trick out your Paperclip" with urban street ware.

Adam Blue

10-10-2008, 08:36 PM

I think stressing over this just takes up too much energy. Just like gamerpics, ads, and sub-menus, it's there and shouldn't stop you from enjoying a game.

I honestly don't care for the avatar thing, but I am willing to give it a chance because I really don't know how I will take it. Really, 'you never know'.

Kryopsis

10-10-2008, 08:59 PM

I won't complain if they replace my current Pip Boy Gamerpic with a Pip Boy Avatar.

DeathtollWRX

10-11-2008, 01:23 AM

I want an Avatar that looks like a Sackboy from LPB.

danielOut

10-11-2008, 01:27 AM

violent

10-11-2008, 01:29 AM

I'm not sure why so many people don't like avatars. They seem pretty cool to me, but maybe that's just because I like to customize stuff. Can you anti-avatar folks expand on why you don't like avatars in general? It would be interesting to see that viewpoint.

I can only imagine it has to do with the image the Wii has driven into our minds. Plus that pimp avatar Major Nelson posted looked fucking lame (IMO). These are at least my reasons for being skeptical. I will say this though, if they give me a full Strogg avatar then I'll shut my mouth on the subject of gripe for good.

Squidbot

10-11-2008, 03:42 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/linvuiet/storm_in_teacup_-_BW.jpg

Rock Bandit

10-11-2008, 04:32 AM

mister slim

10-11-2008, 04:45 AM

I'm a sucker for customizing characters so they really had me by the balls on this since day 1.

While you'll still be able to use the old interface I believe the reason you're required to download it is so people who are using the new way can still interact with everyone on LIVE, no matter what interface choice they make. At least that's my guess. I don't know, I'm not a doctor.

I assume it's because they're using the avatars as a substitute visual metaphor to depict gamer's activities, and that won't work if some players don't have an avatar to use.

JayK47

10-11-2008, 08:17 AM

Well the general consensus of this thread is "wow, I can't wait". Now I know where Microsoft got the idea, and then followed through with it. Most of you want it.

To me, consoles should be about games foremost. They have tried to turn them into so much more, and I think it takes away from gaming. I don't think I should be able to play a DVD on my 360, even if it has a DVD player for the games. I hate the ads on a paid service. I hate how with every damn dashboard update, the dashboard gets harder and harder to navigate since I can't find shit. I feel like the 360 dashboard is a Target store. It is filled with tons of crap I don't want and changes every month so I can't find what I do want.

And now we will be forced to use a Mii? Come on guys. Give me a break. I don't need or want some douche bobble head representing me. Ever. But I don't have a choice. Thanks Microsoft. Thanks a lot. I bought your damn Vista, and now this? You kill me. You really do.

Iron Past

10-11-2008, 09:26 AM

And now we will be forced to use a Mii? Come on guys. Give me a break. I don't need or want some douche bobble head representing me. Ever. But I don't have a choice. Thanks Microsoft. Thanks a lot. I bought your damn Vista, and now this? You kill me. You really do.

That's what I don't get, like I said in my other post (which was glossed over). If all you use the X360 for to play games, how does this affect you? You start it up and play the game, no muss no fuss. The other changes directly address your problems with the navigation.

Whatever, I won't change anyone's mind. Just a little confused.

Johan

10-11-2008, 10:04 AM

That's what I don't get, like I said in my other post (which was glossed over)...Just a little confused.

Your other post wasn't glossed over. I directly addressed it. Your approach is:

**It's mandatory, but who cares? If you're just playing games, just ignore it!**

My approach is:

**It should be a choice for those who wish to utilize it, not mandatory. I don't care for it, regardless of how long I have to look at it or not. I don't want it.**

When I patronize a service, I don't like being told that I MUST take things I don't like bundled with things that I do like. A restaurant that forces me to have a side order I don't want isn't making me happy as a customer. I don't care if I can push it off my plate, or just ignore it; I don't want it there at all. Give the customer a list of "sides" that can be used to garnish his/her plate, however, and that customer will be happy because they can customize their own user experience.

What's getting glossed over is the fact that you want people who don't like this to just "get over it" while I would like people to actually have CHOICE. One of those two approaches is much more user/customer friendly. I think it's obvious which one is, too...

EternalGamer

10-11-2008, 10:13 AM

Your other post wasn't glossed over. I directly addressed it. Your approach is:

**It's mandatory, but who cares? If you're just playing games, just ignore it!**

My approach is:

**It should be a choice for those who wish to utilize it, not mandatory. I don't care for it, regardless of how long I have to look at it or not. I don't want it.**

When I patronize a service, I don't like being told that I MUST take things I don't like bundled with things that I do like. A restaurant that forces me to have a side order I don't want isn't making me happy as a customer. I don't care if I can push it off my plate, or just ignore it; I don't want it there at all. Give the customer a list of "sides" that can be used to garnish his/her plate, however, and that customer will be happy because they can customize their own user experience.

What's getting glossed over is the fact that you want people who don't like this to just "get over it" while I would like people to actually have CHOICE. One of those two approaches is much more user/customer friendly. I think it's obvious which one is, too...

The problem is that it would be a mess for everyone if it wasn't uniform. If only SOME people had avatars then you would only see them when you were playing with those people. However, I agree that you should be able to "hide" them or perhaps just see "gamerpics" instead if you choose. But I think the uniformity of everyone having one is important.

KingGorilla

10-11-2008, 10:13 AM

When I patronize a service, I don't like being told that I MUST take things I don't like bundled with things that I do like

As I star off to my Half-Life 2 and Ep1 "gifts."

Johan

10-11-2008, 10:15 AM

As I star off to my Half-Life 2 and Ep1 "gifts."

I'm assuming you liked that bundle...and made a choice to accept it! Mandatory avatars isn't a bundle of additional games adding value...it's a cheap MS ploy to woo Nintendo-ite-casuals. It's totally cool for those who want to utilize it, but not cool that I have to swallow it with the update. I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity to utilize them; I DO begrudge MS the right to jam them in my face, however.

danielOut

10-11-2008, 10:20 AM

Having a choice would be wonderful in an ideal world, but I don't think it is a very realistic thing to ask of them. Following that line of though further, they would have to make every option in the dashboard have an on/off option in there. From what I understand, the avatars are not terribly invasive in the experience; you can ignore them if you want. Just like gamerpics.

To me, this sounds like a classic issue of The Internet Hates Everything. If you don't update the dashboard, the internet hates you. If you update the dashboard, the internet hates you. Before the update releases, it is taking too long for it to come out. After release, they should have spent more time on it before launch. There are too many people out there to please all of them; the console is owned by a whole bunch of people that play a wide variety of games. Sometimes you'll fall in to the minority opinion about something, and have to accept that they're trying to do something that will please a majority of their customer base.

KingGorilla

10-11-2008, 10:22 AM

I am, by no means a fan of the live service. But this whole business by Microsoft to try and get kids to play this console, or get parents and kids to buy it, will never work. Both of those groups want a Wii, and will get a Wii. Even if the Wii is sold out, they will wait for a Wii. And they can pour money into Rare, Avatars, Motion control, etc. all that they want. You are not going to get people who want a Wii to not buy a Wii.

And this degredation of the brand can only serve to give Sony a boost. For the first few years, Microsoft was aiming at that "core." But Sony is just pouring everythig into that initiative.

This is typical Microsoft. They sidetrack their own, success, when they see the competition has something new and shiny. Then Microsoft tries to make their own. They started and cancelled so many MMOs in the wake of WoW. The Zune, Urge against the iPod and iTunes.

Mr.Green

10-11-2008, 10:27 AM

Just like people have to use a gamerpic now? If you're too cool to make one just use whatever the default/random one is and get over it for crying out loud.

Talk about a whole lot of nothing.

KingGorilla

10-11-2008, 10:29 AM

I want it used as a punishement. Cheaters, and those asshole 14 year olds whould have a pink and purple avatar with huge eyes and flowers for hair.

Johan

10-11-2008, 10:33 AM

get over it for crying out loud.

Sure...I'll get over not having a choice and accepting what I don't want in a service I pay for, and you get over accepting what you apparently like. :confused:

Yeah! I need to remember that with my kids...that works!

"Just get over your lack of choice, son (and please give me money for the privilege of getting over it!)!" :D

I want it used as a punishement. Cheaters, and those asshole 14 year olds whould have a pink and purple avatar with huge eyes and flowers for hair.

This is the only good idea for avatars that I've heard yet.

Disgustipated

10-11-2008, 10:43 AM

Sounds like a gigantic non-issue.

What the hell? jeffbax not slamming Microsoft? Has he turned over a new leaf?

This is intriguing!

Deadend

10-11-2008, 10:45 AM

I'm assuming you liked that bundle...and made a choice to accept it! Mandatory avatars isn't a bundle of additional games adding value...it's a cheap MS ploy to woo Nintendo-ite-casuals. It's totally cool for those who want to utilize it, but not cool that I have to swallow it with the update. I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity to utilize them; I DO begrudge MS the right to jam them in my face, however.

I am assuming you like your 360.. and made a choice to use it! Get the fuck over yourself, you don't need to have Avatars enabled, but you have to make one so that other people can see it. You had to make an XBL account, even if it was just silver to be able to download things.

If this is such a big deal, never connect your 360 to the internet so you can't get the dreaded NXE.

Rock Bandit

10-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Am I just not getting it? From what I understand the only thing someone has to do is download NXE and then set up, at a minimum, a basic default setting of it. At that point they have the option to either use it or switch back to the standard blade system that's been in place since launch.

Am I wrong thinking that someone like Johan can just download it, set it up, then switch it off and pretend it doesn't even exist?

Johan

10-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Get the fuck over yourself

How sweet. Well thought out response! :rolleyes:

I'm particularly enamored of the "choices are bad...mandatory is good" attitude of a few of you. I'm more than willing to see you enjoy your avatars; I'd like to not have to deal with the stupidity of them.

You should probably take a break from the keyboard; you seem upset. :D

Am I wrong thinking that someone like Johan can just download it, set it up, then switch it off and pretend it doesn't even exist?

If this is the case, then I have less of a problem. I'll click away until I've accepted the minimum, then remove it from view and forget about it.

That's not how it sounds, however.

Rock Bandit

10-11-2008, 11:20 AM

Or, if you're the Scrooge McDuck type, you can just button mash until an Avatar is picked and filed away. If you so desire, you never have to use your Avatar again, as the same functions that are in the Guide currently will be available in the NXE.

O.k., so does that mean the new guide interface itself is mandatory but you can squirrel the avatars away and never have to look upon their like again if desired? They're really not going out of their way to make things clear here.

Iron Past

10-11-2008, 05:19 PM

Am I wrong thinking that someone like Johan can just download it, set it up, then switch it off and pretend it doesn't even exist?

I don't think there is an option to "turn off" the new dash. What there is, is the option to hit the guide button which will bring up a smaller streamlined version of the current blade interface that allows you to get everywhere you need. This is also available in-game. Which means that you don't even need to use the new system. Hence why I don't understand the big deal.

Raen

10-11-2008, 05:32 PM

While I didn't really care about this at the start, I'm anxious to see just how much I can customise my avatar. I mean I'd love to have Spiderman or Doctor Doom sitting on the screen. I can see where people who don't want it turned on are coming from, having the option would be nice. I would of thought since you can keep your current Gamerpic you'll be allowed to use that in place of the Avatar everywhere.

Johan

10-11-2008, 06:25 PM

What there is, is the option to hit the guide button which will bring up a smaller streamlined version of the current blade interface that allows you to get everywhere you need. This is also available in-game. Which means that you don't even need to use the new system.

Did I miss this in reading about avatars? I haven't seen proof of this kind of 'flexibility' as regards the avatars in particular, but I'm certainly willing to be shown to be wrong in my thinking that it is going to be something I can't avoid seeing/interacting with...

Want to point out the relevant quote or link that shows this in detail? I'm interested and would appreciate it.

Iron Past

10-11-2008, 07:19 PM

Here's a snipit from Joystiq's hands-on (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/joystiq-hands-on-the-new-xbox-experience/):

Rather than a simple blade, pressing the Guide button brings up a extremely zippy, re-vamped "condensed" version of the "classic" 360 blades interface (to the tune of the Xbox 360 boot sound). Everything that could be done via the old dashboard can be found here, and more. It's fast, too, on the level of the PS3 XMB – if not faster.

Here's a couple screens of it:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/07/new-xbox-experience-guide2.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/07/new-xbox-experience-guide1.jpg

Johan

10-11-2008, 07:22 PM

Iron Past

10-11-2008, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the effort!

It's not a huge thing, but I'm seeing something on those screens...something avatarish! :D It would indeed seem that I'm going to be looking at that stupid little rag doll.

Oh well...my 360 is due for a RRoD soon anyways!

I think it's actually the gamerpic. You can take "snapshots" of your avatar to act as the gamerpic or continue using the ones already out there. I can see how not knowing about this would be more annoying, though.