Sex, drink and violence make anything instantly better, so if you were ever hoping that Xbox Avatars would be improved, you can think again. Microsoft has revealed its list of rules for the use of Avatars in Xbox 360 games, and it seems that they only needed to have one overall commandment -- No Fun!
The rules were revealed to XNA developers for help with their games, and provides an interesting insight into how Microsoft handles its Avatars. They are not allowed to speak, for example, but they can make sounds such as crying and laughing. They are also not allowed to be given personalities. Mostly though it's just no sexy things, no naughty things, and no substances. Microsoft now reminds me of the overbearing mother in Carrie.
Hit the jump for the full list of rules, from Microsoft itself.
Player interacts with their avatar as if it's a separate character
A player's avatar does not have an autonomous personality or instinct. The avatar is under the control of the owning player. It can have idle animations and can respond appropriately to game events but it should not interact with the user as if it is separate from the player, try to get the player's attention in an annoying manner.
Violence which causes blood, gore, dismemberment, decapitation, maiming, or mutilation
Cartoon violence is allowed. Violence is allowed as long as there is no blood, gore, dismemberment, decapitation, maiming, or mutilation. An example of allowable injuries includes injuries that might befall an avatar in a sporting event such as American football. Avatars can die temporarily to depict failure.
Player's avatar talks
The player's avatar should not have their own voice. They are allowed to make individual sounds, such as laughing and crying but otherwise cannot use a voice.
Acts of sexual innuendo or mildly explicit sexual descriptions or images or sexual posturing
Sexual acts or terminology cannot be insinuated or enacted.
Excretes obscene bodily fluids or substances
No sexual or bodily fluids or substances can come from the avatar.
Glamorized criminal act
Criminal activities need to be relevant to the story and are presented unfavourably.
Acts of an aggressive or threatening manner
Gratuitous insults, bullying, intimidation or otherwise violent or emotional abuse of a position of power are not allowed. Avatars may leave innocents or bystanders slightly injured, but not dead.
Vulgar or profane act
Game-controlled avatars cannot use profane, racist, or discriminatory language, nor can they make obscene gestures.
Use of controlled substances
An avatar is not allowed to hold, be seen around or partake in any controlled substances or paraphernalia including, but not limited to, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Replace Avatar features
The features of an avatar cannot be hidden or in obscured and cannot be replaced with alternative items. Items such as, but not limited to, masks, hats and alternative clothing, are not allowed.
Avatars proportions are not modified
The proportions of an Avatar cannot be modified form their original settings. An Avatar can be resized as long as the proportions don't change.
Contest:
9:00 AM on 06.22.2009
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Fuck that.
jesus they have to care about their image.. at the end is a family machine, not everyone using it is a established nerd like us.
@DonPixel hahah i love it when people say that
Well we know what happened to her, hmmm, telekinetic avatars O_o
How can you even TRY to make "sexual or bodily fluids or substances come from the avatar"?
I didn't realize making a few jokes was me trying to be wild and Libertarian.
No really, I mean what do you expect from a silly avatar system on a console aimed at the neglected kids of losers on welfare?
Oh yes, he's still got it.
"Excretes obscene bodily fluids or substances "
Haha, gross.
Awwwww, that means no Big Head cheat codes.
Still, what a bunch of killjoys. Being able to spunk at will, and then start fights indiscriminately are important attributes.
Sexual acts or terminology cannot be insinuated or enacted.
Excretes obscene bodily fluids or substances
No sexual or bodily fluids or substances can come from the avatar."[/i]
We have to keep the children safe, don't we? God forbid they see anything like that. I mean, it's not like we're two-faced or anything in our presentation of being a human. Nobody does that ever in real life, so avatars shouldn't either. SICK UNGODLY FILTH. IF YOU DO NOT PRAY EVERY SUNDAY TO THE LORD...
..etc. etc.
Can't see the fault.
RE: Protecting their image, well no duh. But wtf is wrong with being a Libertarian?
"We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose."
Sounds good to me. But I guess maybe you're one of those guys who only believe in "freedom" for people who agree with your beliefs, hmm? Pfft...
Like, "Hey, that Sexualchocolate guy sure comes up with a ton of funny and clever names to make fun of the Xbox - NOT!"
Also reminds me of this. http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/12/12/
Incorrect.
Sexual acts or terminology cannot be insinuated or enacted.
Therefore you can not insinuate they are gay. Remember this IS the company that removes gay people's gamertags, heh.
However saying they think cock is a delicacy is acceptable. That assumes chicken. Strange, eh?
But they look annoying how can they not? But seriously while most of the rules make sense, the last two are really lame. Different clothing and proportions can help them fit into the game's style better. Nintendo do that with Miis.
I put the word "sex" in the headline.
Criminal activities need to be relevant to the story and are presented unfavourably."
Aren't there tons of 360 games that portray crime in a positive light? Lol.