Microsoft "may" charge for Avatar accessories

[Skeeuk]

MS "may" charge for Avatar accessories

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/

Friday 1-Aug-2008 2:47 PM Micro-transactions "may be in the future" for 360 Avatars, says Schappert

As if Xbox 360 Avatars weren't controversial enough, Microsoft's games corporate VP John Schappert says micro-transactions "may be in the future" for the Xbox Mii-alikes.

The avatars, which will be released alongside the new Xbox 360 dashboard at the end of the year, can be used as an animated, cartoon-y replacement for today's Gamerpics - but you don't have to use them if you don't want to.

"That may be in the future," Schappert told Venturebeat, when asked if Microsoft would charge for extra customisation and accessories for the 360 Avatars.

"In the near term, we want to launch these with great customization and a great library of accessories this fall. I think there is a lot more we can do with them. You will see us continue to add experiences that make use of the avatar.

"Our goal is not to create a sterile environment where you move furniture around. It's about how can we make our gaming experiences better," he said.

Developers such as Bethesda have already expressed interest in including unlockable Avatar accessories with their games.

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dont you think this is a complete rip off? the avatars will just replace gamerpics you cannot take them within gamespaces or anything, or go into lobbys to meet up with friends.

to charge for this, even as they say that thy MAY charge is a joke is you ask me.

this is worse than charging for themes and even more outragous charging for gamerpics as is currently.

what do you think?