Microsoft has posted job listings for two dedicated software engineers to work on the next generation of Xbox avatars.
The job postings state:
"As we cross the threshold to a unified operating system and product experience across Microsoft, it is time to for Xbox avatars to also advance to the next level. Come with us, as we take Xbox avatars on their biggest adventure yet with higher fidelity and a bigger stage in new Xbox experiences. You will be part of the broader Xbox Experiences team, which owns the Xbox One Shell, and the Xbox experiences across console, desktop, slate, mobile, iOS, and Android.. "
Originally designed and created by Rare back in 2008, the Xbox avatar system has proven to be popular, bringing with it a whole ecosystem of purchasable (and collectible) items with which to dress up your character. It looks as if those characters will be getting an overhaul.
"[Candidates will] work with designers, animators, artists, and other content creators on the implementation of new features"
With Microsoft pushing towards a unified operating system across all of their platforms, avatars could well become a UI cornerstone once again, having been relegated to the reserves bench somewhat with the launch of Xbox One.
[source careers.microsoft.com, via careers.microsoft.com]
Comments 6
Fingers crossed we see more of the avatars soon on Xbox One! I've missed the little guys since my transition to the next gen
I guess I should actually make an avatar for my xbox one then
I'm just surprised it's taken them so long to implement them properly. They're one of the things that help differentiate the console from the playstation and it allows people to add a bit of personality to their console and online presence. Profile pictures are still there for those that prefer them to the avatar sytem so everyone is happy.
Maybe the Kinect will scan us in and make us avatars.
Funnily enough I was just changing my avatar outfit yesterday on my windows phone & wondered when they'll actually be used on Xbox one. Good idea EternalDragonX, about time they used the scanning feature for other than QR codes
This will probably go alongside the new Kinect studios and for some unreleased party games.
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