Joystiq

Injustice: Gods Among Us Avatar costumes point to more characters

Jordan Mallory — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST

Now that the Injustice: Gods Among Us demo is live on PSN and Xbox Live, the game's associated Avatar goodies have also hit the Xbox Live Marketplace. Of the many offerings available (Wonder Woman/Superman/Batman logo shirts, etc), the costumes for Killer Frost and Ares seen above are by far the most interesting, since those characters haven't been announced for the game.

Considering that every other available costume is for one of the game's many playable characters, we feel safe in assuming that Ares and Killer Frost haven't been thrown in for giggles. More likely, these two villains are either unlockable fighters, or future DLC. We've reached out to NetherRealm studios for more information and will update with anything we learn.

[Thanks, Sugg3s710n!]

Injustice: Gods Among Us Avatar costumes point to more characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab a free toy biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live today

Mike Schramm — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST

You've already won something in 2013 - it's a free Toy Soldiers-themed biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live. We admit, it's a little hard to get to, but if you've got a few minutes to spend browsing around Microsoft's interface (and about 150 MB free on your hard drive), the biplane avatar prop (usually 240 MSP) is yours for the taking.

So here's how you do it: The prop is being given away as part of the Chain Reaction deal inside Microsoft's "Sales and Specials" app, which is a free app designed to point you toward games and content on sale. If you don't have this app, you'll have to download it - go to the Games tab on Xbox Live, and then choose "Browse Games." The "Sales and Specials" link is up in the top right corner (it currently features a Madden 2013 graphic), and then you'll just need to click on "Get the Free App" to download the app. It'll update once if you don't have it yet, taking up about 150 MB of hard drive space.

Once you have the app, you can simply navigate over to the "Chain Reaction" set of deals, and the first deal in the chain is a free biplane, no strings attached. Sure, it's a little complicated, but the holidays are over, right? Might as well pick up one more present while you can.

[Thanks, Karl.]

Grab a free toy biplane for your avatar on Xbox Live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get equipped with Mega Man Xbox Live avatar clothing

JC Fletcher — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST

Mega Man's 25th anniversary observances extend from the PC Street Fighter X Mega Man game to these here Xbox Live avatar clothes. For your Microsoft space bucks, you can outfit your little digital self with a Mega Buster, helmet, or even full Mega Man, Guts Man, Ice Man, and Bomb Man costumes. A Capcom-Unity post shows Cut Man, Elec Man, and Fire Man costumes as well, which have yet to show up on the marketplace.

You can also just wear a digital t-shirt with a picture of Mega Man on it, if you like that extra level of abstraction.

Get equipped with Mega Man Xbox Live avatar clothing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods

Mike Schramm — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST

When asked about how he and the team at Sony Santa Monica are bringing multiplayer into the God of War series with God of War: Ascension, game director Todd Papy digs deep for inspiration. The single-player side of the game is obviously an influence, he says, as multiplayer side of the game attempts to enhance the always cinematic world of Kratos with a new character called the Avatar.

But then things get a little nuts. "You can look at Allegiance levels," says Papy, referring to the mode's customization choices defined by the four gods Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, and Ares, "and you can look at Diablo and Call of Duty and other games that have skill trees that you basically level up.

"And then you can look at Power Stone," says Papy, "as far as that old school melee feel to it." Yes. That's the one. Playing God of War: Ascension's renamed "Favor of the Gods" mode, and running around with up to eight other players flipping switches, executing combos, and earning favor points does feel a whole lot like the Dreamcast classic. In a strange way, to be honest. But a good one nevertheless.

Gallery: God of War: Ascension (Multiplayer)

Continue reading God of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods

God of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman: Absolution XBLM avatar items are squeaky-clean

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST

You're about to assassinate a highly trained group of killing professionals and maybe a ninja or two. You have your guns, ammo, a fresh suit and quiet shoes - but you need one more thing to complete an outfit of inconspicuous stealth. A rubber-duck hat.

A new line of avatar items based on the Hitman: Absolution universe are available now on XBLM, including the aforementioned rubber-duck hat, branded shirts, a Blake Dexter suit and a chipmunk costume, all running 80 to 320 MS Points. If you ever have an assassination assignment at a county fair, consider this your avatar set.

Check out the entire lineup of new items here.

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution XBLM avatar items are squeaky-clean

Hitman: Absolution XBLM avatar items are squeaky-clean originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'A Game About Bouncing' from Dyad dev coming to PlayStation Home

Mike Schramm — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST

PlayStation Home is getting a new arcade game this Wednesday, and this one has some indie chops. From the minds of Dyad, studio ][ and Shawn McGrath, comes A Game About Bouncing, which McGrath briefly discussed in an interview with Joystiq earlier this year. Originally developed as a prototype sketch at a quick game jam, Bouncing is now featured as a premium arcade cabinet in PlayStation Home.

Purchasing the cabinet gives players access to the game along with a full avatar skin, some themed glasses to wear, and even a Shawn McGrath-inspired outfit, complete with cowboy hat and beard.

There's also a bevy of other new avatar items available for purchase, and some tweaks and additions to the Avalon Keep area in Home (including a new crystal-collecting minigame you can play with friends). Sony says the update, including that new arcade cabinet, should be out and available on PlayStation Home on this Wednesday, November 7; however, no price was revealed.

'A Game About Bouncing' from Dyad dev coming to PlayStation Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventure Time items gallivant off to Xbox Live Marketplace

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:15:00 EST

The Xbox Live Marketplace has checked its watch and observed the little hand is squarely on "Adventure." A lineup of Adventure Time avatar items is live on XBLM, including shirts with Jake, Finn, Lady Raincorn, Ice King and Marceline, along with extra items such as Marceline's Axe Bass, Finn's Toy Golden Sword of Battle, Ice King's crown and Princess Bubblegum's tiara and hair.

The Princess Bubblegum item is on the second page, where we can only assume she's hiding from Ice King. Unfortunately, she's right next to an Ice King t-shirt, and they're all alone. Finn, Jake, help!

[Thanks, neoz.]

Adventure Time items gallivant off to Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch election coverage on Xbox Live, get avatar armor

Mike Suszek — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST

Xbox Live Rewards members that tune in to live election coverage via Xbox Live on three of four scheduled dates will receive Halo 4 Warrior armor for their avatars. Viewers will be able to participate in live polling as well as present poll questions via Twitter using the hashtag #XboxPoll.

The four debates, of which viewers need to watch three to get their totally-not-real Halo armor, are all scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern 6:00PT:

October 3, 2012: Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy
October 11, 2012: Vice-Presidential Debate
October 16, 2012: Presidential Debate on Domestic Policy
October 22, 2012: Presidential Debate

Watch election coverage on Xbox Live, get avatar armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mojang previews next Minecraft update (and avatar items) for Xbox

Mike Schramm — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:59:00 EST

Mojang has posted a quick preview of the next update coming to Minecraft XBLA. In the gallery below, you can see three different shots from the upcoming patch, including what appear to be some Endermen (in a picture labeled by Mojang as "the most anticipated thing on Xbox 360"), an underground zombie, and even a spider at the end of a rail line.

And above: a brief video showing off a new sheep pet coming to XBLA's Avatars. The sheep looks cute indeed, but that pixelated wool can't be ideal for a sweater.

Gallery: Minecraft Xbox update preview (9/13/12)

Mojang previews next Minecraft update (and avatar items) for Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A World of Keflings now a world of Avatar Famestar rewards

JC Fletcher — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST

The second game to see new Avatar tie-in content from the "Avatar FameStar" program is NinjaBee's A World of Keflings, which was just updated to support FameStar today. The new update adds more than just Avatar bonuses for in-game accomplishments, including what NinjaBee calls "a full year's-worth of free weekly quests, a new kingdom to build in and more."

The new kingdom is a "sandbox" environment in which players can build whatever they want - including ships to sail and explore the waterways. Also present in this new kingdom is the "Rockstar Kefling" who dispenses each week's new quest.

In other weird, time-delayed updates, today's Keflings additions include a patch to unlock a "unique Twisted Pixel emote" for players who have earned a specific achievement in Comic Jumper. What a strangely busy week for XBLA games from 2010.

A World of Keflings now a world of Avatar Famestar rewards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft teases Avatar motorcycle game

JC Fletcher — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Microsoft's PlayXBLA site posted two "Secret Squirrel screenshots" depicting an unannounced Xbox Live game to be announced for real at E3. Of course, even without the title or any real details, we can get a pretty good idea of what the game's like: it's Avatar-shaped people racing and doing stunts on motorcycles in exotic, dirt-track environments.

With screenshots named "AMX_Mystery," the name "Avatar Motocross" seems like a safe guess. Regardless of the name, Xbox fans have proven definitively that they think bikes are neat - a trend that likely motivated the development of this mystery game.

Gallery: Unannounced MX game (XBLA)

Microsoft teases Avatar motorcycle game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST

Darksiders 2, which was recently delayed to August, has a collection of premium Avatar gear for the Xbox 360. We're not sure if "adorable" is a word we'd ever use to describe Death, but for 400 MSP ($5) the "Reaper Armor" is just about the cutest outfit (demonstrating demonic power) your Avatar could slip into.

Prices on the items and props range from 80 to 400 MSP ($1-$5), but there's also a free T-shirt designed by Joe Madureira available if you "like" the Darksiders 2 page. The shirts are limited by codes, so if you're jonesing for some Avatar swag better click on through to the other side.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars

Darksiders 2 fashions head to Xbox Avatars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rampant Speculation Theater presents: Microsoft files for 'Avatar Famestar' trademark

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST

Last monday, Microsoft submitted a trademark filing for "Avatar Famestar" to the US Patent and Trademark Office. The application classifies the trademark for "downloadable software for video game services" and "providing an online portal for video game services and social networking," which leads us to believe it has something to do with video games.

What that something might be is anyone's guess, but you came here for our guesses, which are as follows:

Avatar Famestar will be a tri-platform XBLA/Windows Phone/Facebook photo-editing suite akin to Hipstamatic and Instagram, in which the user will be able to add her Xbox Live avatar into any picture uploaded into the service. Animated sparkling overlays and faux-Polaroid frames serve as monetized microtransactional DLC.
"Take control of your Xbox Live avatar as they audition for simulated singing and dancing reality shows, embarking on the musical journey of a lifetime in this Better With Kinect[TM] experience! Upload your audition tapes to Friendster and LiveJournal and let your friends hear the snarky British commentary delivered by Avatar Famestar's virtual judges! It's just like losing your dignity on national television, only without the brief candle of fame flickering in the distance! Pre-order today!"

Rampant Speculation Theater presents: Microsoft files for 'Avatar Famestar' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Threadless goes literally threadless with Xbox Avatar shirts

JC Fletcher — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:20:00 EST

Your quest to make your Xbox Live Avatar look exactly like you has just gotten a bit easier, provided you own a bunch of shirts from Threadless (or don't mind buying one). The Avatar Marketplace now features a selection of classic t-shirts and hoodies from the retailer, all based on user-submitted designs.

Shirts sell for 80 MSP, with hoodies for 160 MSP, because they use more ... virtual ... fabric? You can try them all on at the Avatar Marketplace.

Threadless goes literally threadless with Xbox Avatar shirts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live Avatar tattoos now available

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Firearms may have been too suggestive a topic for the Xbox Live Marketplace to broach, but apparently body modification is an A-OK, family friendly activity for everyone to enjoy. Xbox Live customers now have the opportunity to trade real money for virtual tattoos on fake people via the Marketplace. Available designs encompass the whole of "regrettable," from hot-rod flames and meaningless "tribal" scribbles to idealistic kanji symbols for "peace" and "love."

We should point out that the tattoos aren't actually accessories, but rather t-shirts and tank tops with transparent design "sleeves" that replace your existing clothing, meaning that it's impossible to have a tattoo with anything other than a blank shirt. Tattoos are also arm specific, just like in real life, so make sure you're really committed to the placement of your "Mom" heart before dropping the Microsoft points.

[Thanks, Randy.]

Xbox Live Avatar tattoos now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look at these adorable Avatar awards for Japan's Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:05:00 EST

There may be only a very small handful of Xbox 360 devotees living in Japan, but Kojima Productions doesn't want them feeling totally left out of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. While 360 owners won't be treated to the same free download of Metal Gear Solid 1 that PlayStation owners get, they will have the option of unlocking several MGS-themed Avatar items. Better news? All of the items are simply adorable. Just look at that tank box!

Continue reading Look at these adorable Avatar awards for Japan's Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Look at these adorable Avatar awards for Japan's Metal Gear Solid HD Collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robocop avatar items are part Avatar, part machine, all cop

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:10:00 EST

We're always vaguely shocked when something genuinely awesome happens on the Avatar Marketplace, since the very idea of paying for promotional items for the little you on your Dashboard seems to negate awesomeness.

But there it is. Robocop avatar items, promoting nothing, apropos of nothing and available, as far as we can tell, just in case people want Robocop suits, OCP t-shirts, or little ED-209 pets. Something about the randomness of it -- "hey, here's Avatar stuff from that one movie from 1987!" -- is appealing.

Something else appealing about this: the trailer above was actually a contest-winning fan creation, by Giant Bomb user MoleyUK. The gear will be out August 25.

Robocop avatar items are part Avatar, part machine, all cop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oblivion expansions, Fallout 3 DLC half off on XBL this week

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:55:00 EST

It's been nearly five years, but that notorious Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion "Horse Armor" DLC is finally on sale. Along with the "Shivering Isles" and "Knights of the Nine" expansion packs, the equine armor is discounted by 50 percent as this week's Xbox Live deal.

Keeping with the Bethesda theme, three of Fallout 3's DLC packs -- "Mothership Zeta," "Operation Anchorage," and "Broken Steel" -- are similarly discounted, as well as a handful of Avatar items. There has never been a better week to dress up an Avatar as a Vault 101 wastelander and buy virtual armor for a virtual horse. Head past the break for the full list of discounts.

Continue reading Oblivion expansions, Fallout 3 DLC half off on XBL this week

Oblivion expansions, Fallout 3 DLC half off on XBL this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitman: Absolution using 'Avatar' mo-cap tech, hollywood actors

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 12 May 2011 09:34:00 EST

Hollywood Reporter has managed to sneak in a few questions to IO Interactive game director Tore Blystad about the forthcoming Hitman: Absolution, and got an earful back about the development process. "We've designed a more stylized, more serious, and darker game this time around in both the story line and the visuals," Blystad told HR.

Blystad also revealed that his studio employed Giant Studios for the game's motion capture -- the same studio that James Cameron used for Avatar -- and that Keith Carradine (Cowboys & Aliens) and Marsha Thomason (White Collar) will be voicing two main roles. Carradine is Agent 47's antagonist this time around, while Thomason will act as 47's handler. Blystad's betting that the theatrical approach his studio is taking to voice acting and motion capture will dovetail nicely into the next Hitman film. "The hope is that the movie will be going in a similar direction, and then when they both come out they will speak the same language," he said.

In Absolution, Agent 47 finds himself on the run from police while simultaneously hunting "his most dangerous contract to date." As promised, more details will be revealed next month at E3.

Hitman: Absolution using 'Avatar' mo-cap tech, hollywood actors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Family Game Night 4: The Game Show' got bored with board games

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:15:00 EST

The crazy thing is: Yahtzee played with a giant rubber bawl and bowling pins, instead of the traditional cup and dice, is actually a better idea for a video game -- especially one compatible with Kinect and PlayStation Move.

The crazier thing is: The Family Game Night 4 video game includes fewer than half of the minigames featured in the Family Game Night television game show on which it's based. You can't even begin to imagine how "Operation Relay" is going to work in your living room -- you just have to wait for the EA Hasbro division's next sequel.

Family Game Night 4: The Game Show will be released this fall for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and features support for motion control on all three platforms. It includes five minigames adapted from The Hub channel's Family Game Night game show, including "Bop-It Boptagon," "Connect 4 Basketball," "Scrabble Flash," "Sorry! Sliders" and "Yahtzee Bowling."

[Image credit: Hub Television Networks]

'Family Game Night 4: The Game Show' got bored with board games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Cameron says 3D being propelled by video games

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Speaking at the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters conference, director James Cameron had a lot to say about 3D display technology. After announcing the founding of his own 3D tech company, the Cameron-Pace Group, Cameron talked about gaming's role in the industry's growth. In an interview with Yahoo, Cameron sung the praises of the 3DS, saying, "Video games are going to help propel the autostereoscopic (glasses-free) play because that's going to be the entry level for most people."

Cameron seems to think that the 3DS is a kind of gateway drug to harder 3D displays. He added, "These single-viewing devices that are engaging the person to play these video games will drive a lot of investment in autostereoscopic displays for that very reason." Wow, Mr. Cameron's just chock-full of good ideas! In fact, later in the interview, he said, "I'd love to do an MMORPG experience inside the Avatar universe and I would like to see it authored in 3D." Oh, no. Oh. No.

James Cameron says 3D being propelled by video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PowerUP Heroes listed by Ubisoft as Kinect Avatar brawler

Randy Nelson — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:10:00 EST

After the dismal Fighters Uncaged, the words "Ubisoft," "Kinect" and "fighting" have not been uttered in the same sentence here at the 'Stiq, for fear of summoning a sequel to the game. We must now use them, though, to describe what Ubisoft has -- perhaps unintentionally -- revealed via its web store: a Kinect fighting game called PowerUP Heroes coming "summer 2011."

According to the description provided, the title will let players transform their Xbox 360 Avatars into superheroes, acquiring the abilities of defeated foes by taking their "super suits," Mega Man style. Mentioned are a necromancer suit that summons skeletons and a mentalist getup that can "break into your enemy's mind."

The listing also includes a price: $50, so we're talking a full retail title here. We're contacting Ubisoft to find out what more we can about this Kinect fighting game. Gah -- we did it again!

PowerUP Heroes listed by Ubisoft as Kinect Avatar brawler originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Unleash' your Xbox Avatar with wall graphics and figures

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST

Admit it, you like your Xbox Live Avatar. It's like an action figure version of yourself. But what if you could have a real-life action figure of your Avatar? Wouldn't that be awesome?

If you want to indulge your more narcissistic tendencies, Microsoft has some new options to "unleash" your Avatar: Decorate your home with you -- get a custom wall print to make your Avatar larger than life; or have your Avatar stand proudly next to your GI Joe collection by ordering a miniature figurine; or even have your Avatar etched onto the back of a Zune media player.

Before you unleash, check your wallet. A "jumbo" wall print will set you back $150, while a 16GB Zune with Avatar etching costs $170. In comparison, the $60 asking price for a figurine doesn't sound so bad.

[Thanks Ben F!]

'Unleash' your Xbox Avatar with wall graphics and figures originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft shows off prototype avatar that will haunt your dreams

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST

Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer Craig Mundie wants to show you the haunting bridge his team has built over the uncanny valley. Employing Kinect hardware and custom PC software, the research team at Microsoft has created an unnervingly realistic new avatar that can handle text-to-speech when combined with a script and can recognize the words in any order.

"This is a way to create a synthetic model of people that will be acceptable to them when they would look at them on a television or in an Avatar Kinect kind of scenario," Mundie told USA Today in a video interview. "There's no reason that we couldn't do that in real time by feeding the information that we get from a Kinect sensor, including its audio input and its 3D modeling, spacial representation, and couple that to the body and the gesture recognition in order to create a full body avatar, that has photo realistic features and full facial animation," he added.

This impressive (if not somewhat terrifying) demo is still very much in the prototype phase, however, and Mundie said it would be "some time before we see it show up in products." We're just hoping those first "products" aren't T-1000s.

Continue reading Microsoft shows off prototype avatar that will haunt your dreams

Microsoft shows off prototype avatar that will haunt your dreams originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Dead Redemption multiplayer XP challenge for Avatar awards begins

Mike Schramm — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

With all of the planned DLC out the door and a shelf full of Game of the Year awards to display, you might think Rockstar is done riding the Red Dead Redemption train -- but not so fast, pardner. A Rockstar XP challenge is now underway in the Wild West shooter which has players collectively earning XP in the multiplayer modes towards unlocking special Avatar awards for Xbox Live and PlayStation Home for everyone. The items include system-specific versions of both the RDR T-shirt and John Marston's in-game Elegant Suit.

Of course, each system's goodies will only unlock when the totals for the platform are met. You can watch the bars rise on the official Rockstar Games newswire or Social Club site. What'er you waitin' for, cowboys and cowgirls? Get to yer XP earnin'!

Red Dead Redemption multiplayer XP challenge for Avatar awards begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: 'Avatar Kinect' Xbox feature to be unveiled at CES

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST

Glimpse Dog received what it purports to be a snapshot of a leaked slide from Microsoft's CES keynote (seen above) showing off something called "Avatar Kinect." This by itself isn't all that exciting, but Winrumors believes that Avatar Kinect will be part of a forthcoming software update -- one that "will allow Kinect owners to interact with each other using their avatars" much like Sony's Home.

Furthermore, the site believes that "the Avatars will have a separate area, much like the Nintendo's Mii Channel, that will allow for users to control them using Kinect and interact to watch content or play games." Does this mean Kinect-based A World of Keflings wrestling matches? 'Cause if so, we're totally on board -- just as long as we don't have to queue for them.

We'll presumably find out more when Microsoft's CES keynote is broadcast live this Wednesday from Las Vegas.

[Image credit: Glimpse Dog]

Rumor: 'Avatar Kinect' Xbox feature to be unveiled at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XBL Deal of the Week: Avatar thrift shop

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST

Hey, remember all those super great deals on Xbox Live that capped off 2010? Those suckers are gone. Sorry, but the only deals you're getting this week are on assorted Avatar props and outfits, one of which is actually based on a game. And there's a rabbit suit. So yeah, Happy New Year.

Continue reading XBL Deal of the Week: Avatar thrift shop

XBL Deal of the Week: Avatar thrift shop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-order Halo: Reach Noble Maps at GameStop for flaming helmet, inconvenience

JC Fletcher — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST

If you pre-order the Halo: Reach Noble Map Pack from GameStop, you'll receive a Flaming Mark V Spartan Helmet for your Xbox Live Avatar.

Yay, free stuff -- but that's beside the point. The point is that GameStop is taking pre-orders on downloadable content. Isn't the reason for pre-ordering to secure a copy in case the store runs out of stock? Not ... really a problem for DLC. It would seem that GameStop's strategy for dealing with a scarcity-free market is to hope nobody notices the lack of scarcity.

The best part: This offer is available in-store, but doesn't appear on GameStop's website. So you have to go to GameStop to pre-order the DLC, and then go to GameStop again so you can get the code to download your map pack from Xbox Live. Unless you're a Power-Up Rewards member, in which case you only have to visit a GameStop once, and then the code is available to you online. That's ... more convenient.

Gallery: Halo: Reach (Noble Map Pack)

[Thanks, Matt]

Pre-order Halo: Reach Noble Maps at GameStop for flaming helmet, inconvenience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fire Pro-Wrestling pins Xbox 360 release with Avatar support

JC Fletcher — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Microsoft is hitting Japan right in its beloved franchises. Along with Radiant Silvergun, the company announced a new version of Human/Spike's long-lived wrestling series Fire Pro-Wrestling.

The twist this time is that instead of (legally distinct) simulacra of your favorite wrestlers, you'll be able to take to the mat with your Avatar. If you make a really big Avatar, do you have an advantage?

Gallery: Fire Pro-Wrestling

Fire Pro-Wrestling pins Xbox 360 release with Avatar support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!]

Randy Nelson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

That email purportedly sent out by Microsoft a couple weeks back inviting its recipients into a Kinect beta program? Yeah -- it was legit. Joystiq has received corroborating evidence confirming the program, including pictures of the promised Kinect-enabled Dashboard update running on a participant's retail console. In them, you can clearly see the flatter presentation, new mini-guide and revamped Avatar editor -- complete with a re-proportioned Avatar.

Our tipsters clearly didn't read the included guidelines, pictured in the gallery bellow. Apart from the laundry list of methods via which participants aren't supposed to talk about the program, there's confirmation that Kinect hardware is indeed part of the beta, "is being packed" and will presumably be on its way to testers soon. These same sources report that the beta support site mentions Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports and Kinect Joy Ride as titles they can expect to receive for testing purposes.

We'll have more on the program as its participants continue to refuse acknowledgment of Microsoft's terms and conditions. [Update 8/27, 9am: And we've got a video of the new Dash posted just after the break, featuring much more than the boot-up screen. Thanks, Bradley!]

Gallery: Kinect beta dashboard (8/26/10)

Continue reading Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!]

Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You know how sometimes people go "away" for the summer, and then when they come back they look ... totally different? Well, Major Nelson's Xbox Live Avatar didn't go anywhere but has seemingly undergone one such full body makeover -- as evidenced by the above comparison between the bobble-headed likeness (via Xbox Avatar Life) we had come to associate with the Xbox Live director of programming and his current Avatar. It would appear that Major's Avatar and perhaps other "VIP" Avatars are the (beta) test subjects in a forthcoming effort to transform the currently cartoonish Avatars into -- to put it candidly -- virtual figures that would look a lot less goofy in a motion-controlled sports game.

Recently, Rare senior programmer Nick Burton told OXM UK that Xbox Live Avatars would be proportionally redesigned to better connect the physical movements of Kinect players to their on-screen Avatars. Presumably, this "Avatar 2.0" update would occur in time for Kinect's November 4 launch and possibly as part of the expected, annual fall update of the Xbox 360 UI. [Update: Check out further details of the Kinect Dashboard update here.]

The new trimmer Avatars are visible in Rare's Kinect Sports screenshots below.

Gallery: Kinect Sports

[Thanks, Vanessa and Anthony]

Redesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scott Pilgrim Strikes Back against the Xbox Live Avatar store

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

So, Xbox 360 owners can't get their hands on Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game for about two more weeks -- however, rather than stew in a broth of your own jealousy, you can recreate all the action of the game by dressing your Avatar up like its mischievous protagonist. Well, maybe not all the action. A whole mess of stylish, Pilgrim-inspired duds were recently added to the Avatar storefront, including Scott's ruby red bass guitar, Ramona Flowers' begoggled outfit and a handful of tees featuring sprites from the game.

Also added to the storefront were a whole bunch of Star Wars outfits as part of The Empire Strikes Back's 30th Anniversary celebration. If you felt like shelling out the cash, you might be able to mix and match the ensembles of Scott Pilgrim and Han Solo, thereby creating the raddest fictional character on the planet.

Scott Pilgrim Strikes Back against the Xbox Live Avatar store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If your anticipation for the co-op treasure-plundering action of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is so strong that you're seeking for outlets through which to give Crystal Dynamics money, here's your chance. A handful of Avatar items based on the XBLA title will arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace July 29. The particulars and prices of these items have yet to be revealed, though a handful of images posted in the gallery below indicate costumes for Lara, her partner-in-raiding Totec, a Tomb Raider-themed T-shirt, a hideous matted wig and ... some kind of ... demon suit.

The background featured in these images is actually available on the Marketplace today for 240 MSP, under the title "The Lava Tomb." It's perfect for those who think their menu navigation experience could use a bit more molten rock and ugly statuettes.

Gallery: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Avatar items

Continue reading Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace

Lara Croft Avatar items and premium theme coming to Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrate The Empire Strikes Back's 30th birthday with Xbox Live Avatar items

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:00:00 EST

Everyone should already be enlightened to the fact that The Empire Strikes Back turns 30 this coming Friday -- didn't you get that Facebook invite to our "Hoth The Chains Birthday Extravaganza?" (No? It's on its way.) If you're in the mood to celebrate the third decade of one of the greatest movies in existence, LucasArts has a pretty fun way for you to do so: by picking up one of the ten Avatar costumes and other miscellaneous Star Wars-themed accessories which will be available for purchase tomorrow on Xbox Live.

There's a selection of characters you'll be able to change your Avatar into, including an Imperial Snowtrooper, Boba Fett, Lando, Chewbacca, a Rebel Snowspeeder Pilot, Han Solo, Leia, Bossk, C-3PO, and an AT-AT Pilot. The additional props include a tauntaun pet, a ballcap with Yoda ears, and a lightsaber -- a green one this time around, for all those Qui-Gon Jinn cosplayers among us.

Gallery: Empire Strikes Back Avatar Outfits

Celebrate The Empire Strikes Back's 30th birthday with Xbox Live Avatar items originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft reports $76.2 million operating loss in fiscal year 2009-10

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST

Ubisoft today released its financial earnings report to investors for fiscal year 2009-10 (ending March 31), reporting sales of €871 million ($1.1 billion) with an operating loss of €60 million ($76.2 million). CEO Yves Guillemot softened investor reaction by saying: "The global economic crisis had a pronounced impact on the video game industry in 2009, which contracted by nearly 10 percent year-on-year. Ubisoft's sales were hit particularly hard, falling 18 percent over the full year despite a stabilization in the second half of the year."

Ubi's Q4 sales were up 1.9 percent year-over-year to €210 million ($266.7 million), outpacing internal guidance by €10 million ($12.7 million). The company says the inflated numbers are due partially to "a strong increase in sales of Just Dance," the "ongoing exceptional performance delivered by Assassin's Creed 2 which sold-in nearly 9 million units during the year," and higher-than-expected sales of both Red Steel 2 and Avatar.

And Guillemot predicts a sunnier 2010-11. "We forecast a return to profitable growth in 2010-11 with positive cash flow generation, driven by a games line-up that is more closely tailored to growth segments based on strong franchises." He also notes his excitement for new technology driving increased sales, saying, "Lastly, the upcoming launches of new consoles, including Natal and Sony Move, should enable us to capitalize on the technology investments that we have undertaken in recent years and re-energize the casual games segment."

Source -- Ubisoft FY2009-10 Sales & Earnings Report (warning: PDF link)

Ubisoft reports $76.2 million operating loss in fiscal year 2009-10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Avatar sets Blu-ray sales record, sells 2.7 million in four days

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST

Unsurprisingly, Avatar has done extremely well during its home video run. In fact, James Cameron's movie has claimed the honor of best-selling Blu-ray movie ever, beating the previous title-holder, The Dark Knight. According to a report by Variety, 2.7 million Blu-ray discs were sold in the four days since its retail release in the US. (In comparison, The Dark Knight took 18 months to sell 2.5 million discs.)

Perhaps a testament to the growing demand for Blu-ray content, Blu-ray accounted for 40% of total home video sales for Avatar in the four-day window. That's a significant increase from the 25% market share The Dark Knight claimed over a year ago.

Avatar will most likely represent yet another sales benchmark when it is re-released on 3D Blu-ray next year. Thankfully, PS3-owning movie fans are already equipped with one of the few Blu-ray players on the market that will be capable of playing that disc.

Avatar sets Blu-ray sales record, sells 2.7 million in four days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ sending Wii and DS players into The Last Airbender's 'world of bending'

JC Fletcher — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST

Avatar: The Last Airbender's move from Nickelodeon cartoon to live-action movie isn't enough to shake off THQ, publisher of games based on the franchise. The company has announced Wii and DS games based on M. Night Shyamalan's improbable film adaptation of the basic cable cartoon series, which focuses on a kid who uses wind-controlling powers (and an arrow on his head) against the Fire Nation.

The games will, of course, allow players to control the title character in segments. However, the story will be told "from the unique perspective of the antagonist Zuko, exiled prince of the Fire Nation, who embarks on a personal quest to capture the Avatar, a young boy named Aang, in order to regain his father's honor." A twist worthy of Shyamalan himself! Or not.

The Last Airbender "immerses players in the world of bending" (no, really, that's what the press release says) in June.

THQ sending Wii and DS players into The Last Airbender's 'world of bending' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Microsoft has unfurled some of its plans for Xbox Live downloadable content for April, including new additions to Games on Demand and Deals of the Week, as well as the April 14th release of Final Fight: Double Impact.

On top of that, look for a half-priced The Maw on the week of April 12 and two add-ons for Mega Man 10 this week: Bass and Special Stage 1. Head past the break for the full list.

Gallery: Final Fight: Double Impact

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Equip your Xbox Avatar with free Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles

Christopher Grant — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST

Do you have any idea how hard it is for your Xbox Live Avatar to see when your 360 is turned off? It gets so dark in there without the console power button's emerald (or, sometimes, ruby) luminescence. Why not lend your tiny homunculus a hand by picking up the Modern Warfare 2 Avatar Night Vision Goggles, which Microsoft and Infinity Ward are handing out for free until Sunday, 11:59 pm PT?

It's a lot cheaper than constantly leaving your system turned on, and it makes it look like you're wearing Johnny 5's head as a sort of trophy, which is ... totally sweet, right?

Shortcut: Add the Night Vision Goggles to your Xbox 360 download queue [via Xbox.com]

Equip your Xbox Avatar with free Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega All-Stars Avatar items are looking for sales

JC Fletcher — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST

We may not usually condone the capricious waste of Microsoft Points on Avatar frippery, but we must admit that the Sonic & Sega All-Stars clothing set makes a pretty good argument for the existence of Avatar clothes. And that argument is "here's Ryo Hazuki's jacket." It's available for men and women for 160 ($2).

The other available items strike similarly at the heart of Sega nerds, including Beat's sunglasses, a little AiAi-in-Monkey-Ball prop, and a Samba De Amigo sombrero! You can even buy a Crabmeat to decorate your virtual Green Hill Zone (by which we mean your dashboard). See the full set at Xbox Live Marketplace.

[Via Sega]

Sega All-Stars Avatar items are looking for sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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