Microsoft contemplating for-pay Avatar accessories

by Randy Nelson { Aug 1st 2008 at 8:25PM }

In an interview with VentureBeat, Xbox Live chief John Schappert confirmed that Microsoft is looking at the possibility of charging users for accessories that can be used to customize their Avatars. When asked about such plans, Schappert replied, "That may be in the future." But what about the near-term? "We want to launch these with great customization and a great library of accessories this fall," he said.

Given the precedent set early on with for-pay customization items such as gamer pics, the fact that MS might charge for more "exotic" Avatar extras certainly doesn't surprise us. We also wouldn't be surprised to see free accessories created to promote upcoming games, films, and events, much in the way promotional game pics and themes are currently offered. So, that Spartan armor helmet? It'll be, oh, 100

. But that totally radical Mountain Dew Extreme Sports Action Experience billboard hat is on the house.

Tags: avatars, dlc, microtransactions, new-xbox-experience, nxe, xbox-avatars

Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

Hey Apples @ Aug 1st 2008 9:44PM

will not buy

Rob Accomando @ Aug 1st 2008 11:25PM

wow, the girl in the middle is named, "Lackluster".

Perfect word for these tired Avatar things

J @ Aug 2nd 2008 12:09AM

It'd be cool if getting achievements could get you some accessories, like game-specific ones.

It'd be an extra incentive for people to play more games. Even if they just rent or borrow it, the developers would still end up reaching a wider audience. Seems like a win-win to me.

Tyler Jones @ Aug 2nd 2008 12:16AM

Meh. They can charge $100 per sock for all I care. I use my xbox for games and sometimes movies, thats it. Not as a virtual doll/dollhouse to pimp out.

If you dont like it, fine, dont use it. Itll still play GoW2, Fable 2, and Fallout 3. If you like playing with 2008 verisions of Ken and Barbie, then enjoy...

VSpeck @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:29AM

Contemplating? I just assumed this was a given.

KiraXD @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:49AM

ahhhhh why would i want a fisher-price looking avatar? seriously.. whos idea was it to straight up copy the Miis? they dont look cool, it doesnt make my dashboard any cooler...seriously... i think ill stick to a blank avatar or gamer pic... and keep the cool looking avatars on the PS3... MS really knows their target audience though it seems... 12 year olds love that crap right?

brains @ Aug 2nd 2008 5:38AM

only microsoft would do that :(

deaftly @ Aug 2nd 2008 12:03PM

SONY is doing the same shit with Home.

hotnutz @ Aug 4th 2008 4:03PM

Deaftly, since you have intimate details of Home, why don't you share your beta experience with it? How much is Sony charging for their accessories?

If you could provide a link to a screen shot, I would be more inclined to believe you next time.

Snowblind @ Aug 2nd 2008 6:27AM

I'd prefer to be able to get new costumes via achievements in games. Getting the Ninja Costume for finishing Ninja Gaiden, for example would be far cooler than just buying it.

But I don't see why everyone is so surprised over this, you really think they would miss the oppertunity to sell more little costumes to people? And you guys also realise Sony are doing exactly the same thing with Home?

Why is it only "evil" when Microsoft does it?

B @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:36AM

Dont like the Avatars? dont use them.
Dont want to buy cloths and accessories? use free ones fucking dont then

the bitching about these simple avatars is disgusting.....

B @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:40AM

plus, MS is guarenteed making oodles off the gamerpics and themes... they'd be stupid not to do it again

ray C @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:57AM

microtransactions can go take a flying leap into lake feces!!!

LuayS @ Aug 2nd 2008 11:14AM

i don't see why you guys are all getting worked up. As if you didn't see this coming, there will always be tools who want to pay for stupid things as such.

Which is why I have never bought a theme/gamerpic yet and have no intention of doing so why because a little picture is worth alot less than the 100 points. Free Pics/themes are what I use

Dave @ Aug 2nd 2008 11:54AM

The worst part about this whole thing is that every avatar I've seen so far is smiling. That's not my game face.

TrojanGuy @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:19PM

Shocker!

c.Lake @ Aug 2nd 2008 3:26PM

So Microsoft comes up with this stupid idea to "rip-off" Nintendo Mii's -- forcing everyone on Xbox on-line to use them. Now they want you to pay for some ridiculous "add-on" features, that you NEVER wanted in the first place? Yeah, good luck with that.

Snowblind @ Aug 2nd 2008 9:10AM

And for the record, you aren't forced to use them, it's optional. And I fail to see how they're anymore of a rip off them Sony's avatars. Nintendo didn't invent avatars, and there's only so many ways they can be done. Realistic, or not.

Personally, I think Microsoft found a good middle ground. And again, I'd gladly pay for some items if it meant I could spruce up my Mii's a little. They're just way too boring.

c.Lake @ Aug 5th 2008 1:34PM

Huh? I'm sorry, but how did Sony get in THIS conversation? And what Sony avatars are YOU talking about? Those little 100x100 icon pictures on the PS3? Um...OK.

And, no, Nintendo didn't invent avatars (I never said they did?). However, they DID invent the dress them up and make them look like your friend, bluh, bluh, bluh. At this stage of the game, Microsoft's core attendance is hard core gamers (not the causal crowd), and hard core gamers DO NOT CARE about this kind of crap. THAT IS WHY IT'S STUPID! That is pretty obvious and should have to be explained.

NOW, If YOU like it, and YOU want to pay for it -- good for YOU. But that doesn't make is any less stupid.

dwhite @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:59PM

Some times this site is like the best comedy ever. What is with all the raising hell about something optional? What is a 100 MS points, like a $1.20? That's like a bottle of water. I don't see anyone raising hell about that and rushing to drink out of a water hose because its free. Get a job people or don't buy it. You guys must be some penny pinching bastards to do this almost every thread.