We knew it was coming. Unlockable clothes for your Xbox Avatar. There’s been speculation from a number of sources about it being paid content and others claiming it’s linked to achievements; regardless, we haven’t heard a word about if these will totally suck or not.
I, having some time on my hands now that the missus is off gallivanting in a foreign country (The ongoing saga of Gamer Girlfriend will continue in two weeks!) came up with some ideas for clothes that might not be terrible.
Take heed, developers. Read the article, everyone else.
The issue I’ve worried about when it comes to Xbox avatars is that computer nerds ain’t got no clue what looks good.
My closet contains innumerable gamer t-shirts, as well as unrelated and far less socially acceptable fallalery (crowning piece being a pair of neon yellow Chuck Taylors). This adverse attention to clothing has rectified itself, I’ve now finally reached a point where if I walked down the street alongside you, you might try to distance yourself to make sure people didn’t think our lives were somehow entwined.
But if this type of Fashion Blindness can effect even the most aware of game-players, what hope do we have for people who spend 8 hours of their day programming?
Having personal experience of what to avoid, I feel that I’m best suited to make some suggestions. So I have. The following are these aforementioned suggestions:
- Work with Penny Arcade. Put out a Jonathan Gabriel and Tycho Brahe pack, or alternatively, make them unlocks in completion of the next episode of On The Rainslick Precipice of Darkness.
- Rock Band and Guitar Hero equipment. Props have already been discussed as an avatar feature, why not have a tie–in with Fender or Gibson? I’d pay to equip lil’ Pillowfort with a shiny new Jackson.
- Developer Logos or in–game brands. Umbrella? Ultor? Who wouldn’t want to side with evil?
- Batman. Arkham Asylum is upon us in August: an avatar tie–in, much like the one for GTA:Lost and Damned would make a lot of sense. I’m not necessarily talking full cowl regalia. I’d consider it enough to throw the bat symbol onto a black tee. This information is coming from someone who silk–screened his own shirt to wear to the Dark Knight premiere.
- Considering the idea of movie characters, why not link up with the video-marketplace? Kill Bill is ready to download? What? I can pay for The Bride’s motorcycle outfit? I will do this!
- Are you a lumberjack and are you okay? Do you sleep all night and work all day? Say you want people to know what you do for a living, your avatar could show it off. Say you’re a chef at a restaurant, buy the hat and overalls. Just wish you were a chef? Buy it anyway, people won’t know!
- Lederhosen.
Do you have any suggestions? I bet you do. Write a comment! I read them!
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In bullet 3 you forgot Black Mesa and Aperture Science.
Maybe, like, if you were playing rock band in a party, your avatar would be playing an instrument corresponding with the instrument they were actually playing.
I cut down trees, I skip and jump, I go to the XBOX Live Marketplaaaaaace…
I’m all for the lederhosen, but I don’t have a 360.. but, imagine it in Home. It’d be weirder than it already is.
I want superhero costumes and props like guns, bats , swords , instruments, etc. and Your Halo 3 Characters armor would be cool
Outfits that would be gauranteed to make money: Ninja, Samurai, Pirate, Viking, Master Chief Armor, Weapon props (particularly swords and guns), hell you could probably make a decent amount of cash off something that makes you avatar look like a gundam.
If you make time period themed outfits available many people would enjoy them, could even tie them in to game releases like you suggested, such as ninja outfit for the naruto or Ninja Gainden 2 sigma games even if it’s only a plain black no frills ninja outfit I’d be all over that. It would be even better with props like weapons.
Or what about the idea of a truly military themed outfit for your FPS gamer nights?
Could also make money having people pay to download a shirt/jacket with their favorite pro or college team on it.
Personally I can’t see Microsoft not charging for some of the new avatar clothes/props, but I really like the idea of adding unlockable things that you get from achievements as well.