While Project
Natal and the Xbox 360 debut of Metal Gear Solid stole the show at
Microsoft's Electronic Entertainment Expo media briefing, not
everything the company revealed was so far off in the future. Some of
those plans are nearing fruition, as Microsoft has confirmed a handful
of additions to Xbox Live that were revealed at E3 will be included in
the next update to the Xbox 360 online service.
First
off, the Netflix movies-on-demand functionality is getting an overhaul,
starting with the addition of movie parties. Xbox Live Gold users will
be able to pack a "virtual theater" with avatars to re-create a more
traditional theater-going experience, complete with patrons talking
amongst themselves and throwing popcorn around the auditorium. Netflix
users will also be able to manage their movie queues through Xbox Live,
and Microsoft is promising streaming upgrades for overall smoother
playback.
The Avatar Marketplace will also open its virtual doors with the next
update, allowing players to purchase new clothing and items for their
Xbox Live counterparts with Microsoft points. Some of the objects for
sale will be pulled from popular real-world brands, while others will
be game-centric (Microsoft used Halo gear as an example). At last
month's E3, Microsoft tentatively priced some avatar items, with a
T-shirt running for MSP80 ($1) and an "interactive prop" going for
MSP320 ($4).
Screenshots of the update posted on Gamercyde
appear to show entire themed wardrobes, with an 11-piece Steampunk
ensemble offering a jacket/shirt combination for MSP160 ($2, pictured
above). The authenticity of the images had not been verified by
Microsoft as of press time. For those who like playing virtual dress-up
but don't want to part with real money (or even Microsoft points) to do
it, developers will also now be able to award avatar wear to players
for completing tasks within games.
The update will also properly introduce Microsoft's Games on
Demand service. The section of Live formerly known as Xbox Originals is
being renamed in order to accommodate downloadable versions of retail
Xbox 360 games. The list of specific titles to be included in Games on
Demand hasn't been revealed yet but will be listed--along with
downloadable and printable manuals for each title--on Xbox.com.
Not all of the additional Xbox Live functionality announced at
E3 is just around the corner. Microsoft made no mention of added
integration with Twitter, Facebook, and GameSpot sister-site Last.fm in
regards to the next update, suggesting those will instead be
incorporated in future revisions.
Microsoft hasn't set a release date for the next Xbox Live
update, but it will start showing it off in preview form to the media
and select community members next week.
