Don't want to create a cute representation of yourself on your 360? Too bad.

October 9, 2008 - Part of Microsoft's push at the Tokyo Game Show this year has been the so-called "New Xbox Experience," which is another way of describing the Xbox Live Dashboard overhaul scheduled to go live on Nov. 19. And Microsoft is so excited about the Avatars portion of the updated service that it plans to force all users to adopt one of the cutesy, non-threatening personas.

In a meeting with journalists at TGS this week, Microsoft's group product manager for Xbox 360, Aaron Greenberg, said all users will be required to choose an avatar as a visual representation of themselves when they boot up the new dash. 

"We're forcing you to have a visual representation of yourself," Greenberg said, when asked if he thought hardcore gamers would be put off by the requirement. "But you can make a pretty badass avatar."

However, that doesn't mean you have to use your new friend, or even take more than half a minute creating him or her. At the outset of the Avatar creation process, you'll be greeted by a cavalcade of pre-made Avatars who'll romp onto the screen for your choosing. 

If you like, you can pick one of these templates and customize it to your liking. Or, if you're the Scrooge McDuck type, you can just button mash until an Avatar is picked and filed away. If you so desire, you never have to use your Avatar again, as the same functions that are in the Guide currently will be available in the NXE.

When the service launches next month, all the accoutrements available for your Avatar (haircuts, clothing, etc.) will be gratis. But when asked if that will continue indefinitely, Greenburg said Microsoft is keeping its options open. So if you're planning on outfitting your character with Armani suits and Ray-Bans, be prepared to possibly pay for the privilege down the line.


http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html

And about the bold part...I expect that they are going to put up a masterchief armor for like 800 points and it would sell well.

Your thoughts?

ROFLOL...if someone is just too hardcore, they can choose to forgo the new xbl exp and stick iwth oldie but goodie approach. User generated content will be an interesting thing to see handled.

similar pricing of gamer pics

I would pay for a Ryu Hyabusa getup.

Wait its required yet you have to have 256mb to make an Avatar?

Does this mean....Arcade owners can't play online?

Correct me if I am wrong here.

You are forced to make an avatar.
You need 256MB to save everything.

Arcade unit comes with 256MB memory card?

Now what do Arcade owners do? Forced on a memcard and/or HDD purchase now?

Or does the arcade come with a 512?

I kind of like the idea of avatars because it's pretty much a rip-off of the Miis that I like but with more creative freedom. However, I would absolutely hate it that they charge us for some clothing and some premium stuff. I really hate the DLC for most xbox 360 games because they all are things that should be included in the game (well, if you exclude rock band songs or complete levels or the GTA DLC).

Arcade's in my country come with a 512 memorycard and I guess that is the same for everywhere else.

Cool cant wait for the update. Should be loads of fun.

Arcades come with a 512.

256 of that is apparently for the Avatars.

(This is why you don't muck around with your O.S. this much, during a generation, MS.)