Schappert: Avatars a “logical extension” of Gamercard, Gamertag and Achievements |
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BY Se Ajala August 1st, 2008 |
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When everyone first saw the Avatars that go with Microsoft’s new cosmetic make-over of the 360’s interface, it was a natural assumption that the they could have been inspired by the Wii’s Mii’s. Right? Well, not so fast bucko! Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE boss John Schappert, while no doubt trying to deflect some of that “MiiToo” talk that’s been going around, explained to MCV that incorporating Avatars was a “logical extension” of what Microsoft has built so far.
“It’d be remiss to say that we don’t enjoy playing on the other systems and we have a lot of respect for the work that Miyamoto-san and Nintendo do,” remarked Schappert, warming up for a “but,” “but I think it’s a logical extension of our Gamercard, Gamertag and Achievements.”
“People want to personlise their Gamertag and so when we look to the future and think about building a brand new Xbox experience, Avatars is a logical extension of that innovation. I think it’s another avenue of self-expression and there are a lot of opportunities here for consumers,” he explained.
So there we have it. Now somebody needs to break the news to Miyamoto, considering he was quite flattered by Avatars.
August 1st, 2008
at 8:40 am
Logical extension or not, the avatars or most likely inspired by the Miis. MS would’ve probably do something like this even if the Mii’s didn’t exist, but I suppose it would’ve taken much longer.
August 1st, 2008
at 8:53 am
They also wouldn’t be so cartoony and simplified either. If there were no Mii’s these avatars would look way different.
August 1st, 2008
at 4:06 pm
Yup agree and agree again. Why can’t he just man up and say:
“Although we were inspired by Nintendo and their Mii system. We decided to expand on the idea (or) go in a different directon with our implementation of Avatars.”
Simple, I mean who the @#% is handling (or mishandling) P/R for these gaming companies?! It’s embarassing.