avatars
Latest
Xbox.com makeover to add browser-based Avatar Editor, multiplayer web games
A "massive" redesign of Xbox.com will launch tomorrow, Major Nelson has announced. Beginning at 5AM ET on October 20, Xbox.com and the Xbox Forums will go offline for "a short period of time" to integrate the update. Once live again, the site will be all tidy and clean (pictured; more images here) and introduce several browser-based activities. Notably, a full Avatar Editor will be added to Xbox.com, allowing users to create, edit and start all over with their Avatars, as well as try on Avatar Marketplace items before purchasing them -- take note: "It just looked so fresh on the mannequin" will no longer be a valid excuse for spending 4 bucks on a Flashy Suit. The Major also teases the new ability to "play web games with your Xbox Live friends on the web or on Windows Phone 7" (but do we get Achievements for that?). The update will also improve messaging functionality on the site and provide access to Xbox Live usage data for family accounts -- you know, to track your kids' hours. We don't have to remind you how critical it is for the little ones to keep up with their Modern Warfare 2 regimen to ensure a strong start in Black Ops competition this November -- gotta keep those K/D ratios up! The 12-year-old might have trouble juggling multiplayer and school work, sure, but it's not like the fourth grader has that much homework getting in the way of a real shot to go pro one day.
GDCO 2010: CCP talks EVE, Dust, and World of Darkness
Gamebreaker.tv recently sat down with CCP's Nathan Richardsson at GDCO for a lengthy video interview about EVE Online, Dust 514, and World of Darkness. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the EVE discussion focuses on the new character generator, recently made live on the Singularity test server and representing the first step towards 2011's long-awaited Incarna expansion. Richardsson doesn't have a lot to say regarding Dust 514, even though he talks about it for several minutes. The gist of the conversation is that CCP will release it when it's ready, and they're not even close to being prepared to talk about it. He does reiterate the game's console focus, stating that "our goal is delivering the EVE experience on different platforms, console being one of them of course. We'll be looking at more platforms, we already are." Moving on to the recently announced World of Darkness, Richardsson again declines to answer most of the pressing questions, though he does drop an interesting nugget relating to control of the game's intellectual property. Turns out that CCP's plans for a WoD virtual world required a certain level of control over the IP that wasn't possible with it residing in the hands of another company, hence the acquisition of WoD parent company White Wolf. Check out the full 30-minute interview after the cut and on Gamebreaker.
New EVE avatars coming soon to Singularity
Those of you excited by the prospect of EVE Online's impending Incarna expansion might want to check out the latest dev blog from CCP senior producer Torfi Frans Olafsson. Heck, even if you hate the idea of Incarna, you'll probably want to check it out since it heralds the first of some rather significant changes in the offing for the sci-fi MMORPG. The change in question is the upcoming test-server release of the new character generator, and in addition to a couple of nifty screenshots, the blog features a hypothetical question-and-answer session that details several aspects of the new system. For starters, Olafsson reiterates the fact that Incarna is coming in 2011, and these character changes are merely the first step. He also notes that the changes are not optional and that the player portraits are some of the last remaining original art assets from the game's launch in 2003. "The assets we are replacing are some of the oldest in the game. Most of our avatars were built in 2001-2003. That's a very long time ago. Nokia banana phones were still considered cool and futuristic," he writes. Olafsson also notes that CCP is sympathetic to those veteran players who may balk at the changes to their traditional portaits. That said, progress waits for no avatar, and it's clear that this is merely the first salvo in an upcoming onslaught of improvements and additions to the universe of New Eden.
Video tour: Xbox 360 Fall 2010 Dashboard update
Join us in our video preview of the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update. While Microsoft keeps the Kinect component under wraps, we've got plenty to show you: there's the promised ESPN content, updated Netflix functionality (now featuring "search") and, of course, the new Dashboard UI. Oh, and Avatars are looking a bit different and sporting some new features. Hit a link below to jump to the corresponding video or watch them all after the break. Dashboard and Family Settings | ESPN | Netflix Search | Avatars %Gallery-103626%
The Daily Grind: Will Incarna get you to try EVE?
OK, I admit it, I'm one of "those" EVE Online players. You know the type I mean: toodling around high-sec on a five-year old account that's somehow still south of 10 million skill points. EVE is something of a paradox in the MMO space: people love to read and talk about it, but for whatever reason, relatively few of those people actually play the game consistently. With the recent announcement by CCP that the long-awaited Incarna (a.k.a. "walking in stations") expansion is not only well underway, but slated for Summer 2011, interest in the sci-fi sandbox is bound to increase over the coming months. Hopefully I won't be the only semi-permanent resident of New Eden who finally puts down roots in one of the genre's last proper virtual worlds (with several humanoid-avatar-loving friends in tow). The question of the day, Massively readers, is how does Incarna's looming reality alter your perception of EVE Online? Do you see yourself trying it out (or returning for a lengthier stay)?
Incarna scheduled for summer 2011 release
EVE Online is often said to be a game that's not for everyone. One of the biggest points of contention a lot of new players have with the game is the lack of any real avatar. The faces we customise on character creation are little more than passport photos, sitting next to names in chat channels and posts on the official game forum. Without a full body avatar to interact with the world, a lot of new players find it difficult to relate to their EVE characters the way they would in other MMOs. Originally named Walking in Stations, the Incarna expansion is intended to rectify this problem by giving players the ability to walk around and socialise inside the space stations of New Eden. Until now, it wasn't known for sure when the expansion would be released. It's been in development since as early as 2008 but has been pushed back several times since then as the enormity of the project began to fully unfold. Earlier today, Eurogamer reported that a release schedule for Incarna has finally been revealed. The first step in the feature's release will come with the Incursion expansion this winter, in which we'll get access to the new character creation and customisation process. After that, CCP's goal is to release the first iteration of Incarna, complete with the ability to walk around station environments, with the next summer expansion. Barring any major setbacks, it's reasonably safe to say that Incarna is on track for a summer 2011 release.
Halo: Reach Avatar armor now on Xbox Marketplace
Having unlocked and equipped one of the various Halo: Reach bonus Avatar helmets, you may have found your plainclothes Xbox Live persona looking rather uncoordinated. You can now complete the Noble look by purchasing any of the five armor outfits for $5. So much for all those Reach credits!
Year of Xbox Live Gold and free Halo Avatar item for $30
You may have noticed the above advertisement on the Xbox 360 dashboard -- we've yet to encounter this ourselves, but we've been assured it's there. Engadget writer @rjcc first tipped us off on the deal, which adds a year to your Xbox Live Gold membership, along with the pictured Halo: Reach helmet above. Get 'em both for $29.99, because we all know Xbox Live won't be that cheap for long.
Featureless avatars help scientists dominate the dancefloor
Scientists. If we didn't know better, we'd think they were messing with us all the time. But we know they're usually there to help, which is the only reason we've watched this video (after the break) 27 times this afternoon. Apparently Northumbria University researchers motion-captured a bunch of dudes dancing really hard, then mapped their movements to these fun models -- devoid of any popped collars, Ed Hardy vests, or Gucci bling to keep things scientifically pure -- then asked 35 women to rate the dancing on attractiveness. Turns out the left wrist, right knee, head, and trunk are most important parts to shake if you're a dude trying to catch the most feminine eyes in da club. Seems like those parts communicate a man's "reproductive quality" the most effectively. Now excuse us -- we've got a lot of work to do before Happy Hour rolls around.
Redesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you
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-97510% [Thanks, Vanessa and Anthony]
Apple Discussion Boards to receive major overhaul
The Apple Discussion Boards have long been a great source of help for Apple end-users and professionals looking for both Apple-supplied and community-supplied assistance. In my personal experience, though, it can sometimes be a frustrating place to visit. Apple has announced that what has been known as "Apple Discussion Boards" will be renamed "Apple Support Communities" and sport some new functionality and design elements. One of the biggest changes will be the concept of a user-designed homepage, where one can customize it with social sharing elements, widgets and discussion activity alerts. Another new feature will be user avatars, which is likely meant to make the site feel more social and friendly and less like a place where pros will tell the novices to get the hell off their lawn. What's been your experience with the Apple boards up until now? What do you hope they'll address in the update? [via MacFixIt]
A look into the nuts-and-bolts of EVE Online's single-shard architecture
Have you ever wondered why MMOs have multiple servers and limitations on the number of people that can be squeezed onto each? It's a good question, especially when you consider EVE Online's impressive single-shard (single-server) setup, where tens of thousands of concurrent players can log on in the same environment. CCP's Kjartan Emilsson wrote an article for Gamasutra explaining why most MMOs choose to separate their population onto several severs. The main problem, Emilsson said, was the issue of avatar density. Too many players in too small of a space creates a miserable experience for all involved. So either the game has to put limits on how many avatars can be in an area, or create a playing field that is so large as to render this issue null. Emilsson went on to argue the case for single-server games that create a united society instead of a fractured one. He detailed the setup of EVE's server architecture, which is held together by a single database at its nucleus and has been steadily growing and improving over time. If you love to read the nuts-and-bolts of the underlying technology that makes games like EVE run, then do yourself a favor and give this article your time.
Felicia Day premieres The Guild music video and Xbox Live Avatar items at Comic-Con
Felicia Day was one of the biggest gamer stars at this year's Comic-Con -- she premiered the trailer for her Syfy movie Red, sat on a panel about "Girls Gone Geek" and made two announcements to the packed room during The Guild panel on Saturday afternoon: First, the gang has put together its second music video, dubbed "Game On" (which you can watch online or on Xbox Live); and second, Microsoft (which posts The Guild videos in HD on Xbox Live every Tuesday) will be releasing Guild-related Avatar skins this fall, so you can dress up your Xbox Live Avatar as your favorite Guild member. In between her busy schedule of panels and signings, I caught up with Day to chat about what she's been playing, the new music video and about whether or not The Guild webseries, currently in its fourth season, has outgrown its gamer roots. Find our conversation posted after the break. [Image credit: YGX]
Halo: Reach, Dragon Age Avatar gear now available
As promised, new Halo: Reach and Dragon Age: Origins goodies are now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The Reach items include a handful of T-shirts, a hat and Noble Team armor. The Dragon Age offering is somewhat more robust, including hats, shirts, various character outfits and armor, helmets and even a couple of props (including a nice goblet for your digital krunk needs). Strangely absent from the Dragon Age set: A Brood Mother Avatar pet.
Sitting for a portrait with FaceTime on iPhone 4
So, you're tired of your Twitter avatar, the photo of your face that you took in Photo Booth. Maybe a nice portrait would be in order... David Lanham, who is probably best known for his work with Iconfactory (he designed Ollie, the Twitteriffic bluebird), is an accomplished artist whose body of work using electronic media and traditional art media is whimsical, thought-provoking, and beautiful. I've used one of his vector drawings (Game Hunter) as my desktop wallpaper on my iMac, and it never ceases to make me smile when I look at it. Lanham recently broke his foot, which forced him to hang around his house. A friend of his volunteered for a portrait, with the traditional "sitting" being done over a FaceTime call. He decided to make a few bucks while immobile, so he's been picking up FaceTime portrait work at $50 a pop. Once the portrait is complete, you can use it as your online avatar, and perhaps even order a giclée print for your study. According to a developer who is currently working with Lanham, the artist's inbox is now jam-packed with requests for these cool drawings, so don't expect him to respond immediately if you're in the market for a FaceTime portrait. Thanks to Jack (second from the right) for the tip!
Xbox Live Avatars update: PoP, Deadliest Warrior, Monkey Island 2, Super Street Fighter IV
Wanna beef up your virtual wardrobe? Xbox Live now has new goods from The Forgotten Sands, Monkey Island 2: Special Edition and Deadliest Warrior. Or, come July 15 for 320 MS Points ($4), you can play virtual dress-up as one of the Super Street Fighter IV fighters above. Virtual cosplay is still cosplay, right?
Snoopy Flying Ace swoops in on the Avatar Marketplace
Aside from having about the best intro splash screen ever, Snoopy Flying Ace also has quite the collection of nifty Avatar gear. Oh, and we guess it's a good game and stuff. But back to the Avatar gear! You'll notice several different props, including your very own virtual Snoopy, complete with his signature red house. You can also snag some miniature dogfighting planes, as well as a cute little Woodstock to play with. Xbox.com: Add Snoopy Flying Ace Avatar items to your Xbox 360 download queue
'Avatar Days' short examines WoW characters and their players
"Avatar Days" is a new short by digital artist Cormac Kelly that examines the fascinating relationship between a World of Warcraft player and their in-game avatar. Not only is the animation great (and you can see how he's upscaled the five-year-old player character graphics of the popular MMO), but the premise is perfect, placing video game avatars of real-life players in everyday situations, and asking us the viewers to examine how they're connected together. Excellent stuff. Not the first time we've seen these characters invade the real world, but definitely the most poignant. Watch the whole four minute short embedded after the break. Update: Kelly emails to say that he only played a small part in the production -- the short was directed by Gavin Kelly and produced in just four days for Ireland's Darklight Film Festival. [via Citizen Game]
Red Dead Redemption Avatar gear moseys on over to Xbox Live
Does Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption not satiate your need for rough and tumble cowboy stuff? Relax a spell, friend. We'd like to tell you about some new Xbox Live Avatar items now available for download. You'll find several full outfits are on offer, including the John Marston uniform above and the Walton Gang outfit in the bottom-right corner for the boys, while the fairer gender gains access to Bonnie McFarlane's in-game getup, as well as an Armadillo Woman ensemble -- each full outfit will set you back 320. If you're a bit short on coin (what did we tell you about spending all your time playing poker in the saloon?), there are cheaper fashions available -- including T-shirts with various characters and sayings on them and some hats. There's even a lasso prop your virtual self can play with. Xbox.com: Add Red Dead Redemption Avatar gear to your Xbox 360 download queue
A World of Keflings includes in-game Avatar props and pets
Ninjabee has announced that A World of Keflings will expand on the Avatar functionality of its predecessor, A Kingdom for Keflings. Specifically, the title will allow players to bring their Avatar props and pets inside the game world. Players will be able to summon their props and pets whenever they want, although the press release notes that the items won't have any extra functionality in the game. When summoned, the pets and items will simply go through the same animations seen on the Xbox 360 dashboard. That's unfortunate, as we really would have loved to smack some Keflings around with a giant cotton swab. Art director Brent Fox also offered some new details regarding the new "story-driven" focus of A World of Keflings. He noted that players will meet several new characters, including a "Kefling pirate, a witch, a princess and an inventor, just to name a few". Players will also "travel between exotic Kefling lands, assemble a robot and build an airship" -- all of which, according to Fox, is "barely scratching the surface."
