At last year’s E3, Microsoft announced an overhaul of the existing Avatar system, and it was believed its release would coincide with the arrival of the Xbox One X. Most presumed that Microsoft’s goal was to offer variety for gamer’s self expression, varying from prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs to baby bumps. Since then, the leaked video offers the best look at the new system and how those changes are being implemented.
The video comes from Idlesloth on Twitter, with no mention of how he acquired the video, but other sources at The Verge say it comes from a former Microsoft designer. The Xbox Avatar Editor video showcases a variety of features, as well as the Pixar-esque Avatars and their colorful hairstyles.
Notably, there are tabs titled Purchases and Avatar store, which indicates players will once again be able to buy outfits for their digital selves. There are also tabs titled Mood, which seem similar to emotes, and Photobooth. Photobooth allows players to screenshot their Avatar in a variety of poses and then post it as their profile picture, or share it, or simply save it. Also, although there is a Prop section, there is no word or evidence indicating if guns will return as a prop or will continue to be banned.
These Avatars are a long time coming and a great deal of thought is seemingly being put into their development. It’s been three years since Microsoft sought software engineers to improve the Avatars with the Xbox One. However, it seems better late than never might be a good thing, as the Avatars look much improved compared to their 360 counterparts.
Source: The Verge
