Microsoft: We're building a community

Tuesday 15th July 2008 - 17:00

Mii-like avatars coming to Xbox 360 but Microsoft denies copying Nintendo and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince screens

It's E3 time again! The annual trade-only games show has kicked off in Los Angeles for another three days of big announcements from the three major console manufacturers - and just about every games publisher you can think of.

First up was Microsoft who unveiled a startling new feature for the Xbox 360 which was clearly inspired by the competition. As of the autumn, a new dashboard for all online Xbox 360 users will become available including Mi-type avatars - a direct nod at Nintendo's impressive achievements in that field.

Microsoft's version of the Mii characters seem quite a lot more detailed than the Wii counterparts. Each miniature character can be customised to include facial features, hair, clothes and accessories.

Microsoft is also launching a new Xbox channel, Xbox PrimeTime, that will allow the avatars to play against each other in quiz gameshows recognisable from TV - with real prizes up for the grabs. It is understood that an agreement with Endemol will see shows such as Deal Or No Deal on the new channel. Could an Avatar version of Big Brother be on the cards? Let's hope not.

Shane Kim, head of strategy and business development for Xbox, denied that the firm was copying its rivals. He said: "We're not claiming to invent music games, or avatars. But we're innovating by bringing something new to these games, and taking them to the next level." They do say that imitation is the best form of flattery.

Harry Potter has also made an appearance at E3 thanks to EA showing off some brand new screens of the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game. Players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron's romantic entanglements as they attempt to discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. A release is scheduled for late autumn.

To view more images, click here