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Microsoft to finally launch the revamped Xbox Avatar Editor after a year of waiting

Microsoft to finally launch the revamped Xbox Avatar Editor after a year of waiting

The long-awaited revamp of Microsoft’s Xbox Avatar Editor will finally launch early for Insiders tomorrow.

Xbox announced an overhaul for its ageing Avatars last year at E3, showing off a wide range of more inclusive options. The customizable characters were first introduced with the New Xbox Experience update for the 360 back in 2008. Over the following years, Avatars were implemented across Xbox platforms, including Windows 10 and Phones.

Ten years later, they’re about to be overhauled with not only improved fidelity and animations, but a diverse range of personalisation options. Gendered clothing restrictions have been removed, characters can sport prosthetic limbs or wheelchairs, and the range of body shapes has been increased.

Members of Xbox Insider - a program where players provide feedback to in-development features - will gain access to the new Xbox Avatar Editor tomorrow. There is currently no release date for public launch.

The focus on more inclusive options is in-line with Microsoft’s strong focus on diversity in recent years. Xbox head Phil Spencer told us that “Representation isn't just good common sense, it's good business sense."

The company likewise collaborated with organisations like SpecialEffect to help open the doors to accessible play with this year’s Adaptive Controller.


Staff Writer

Natalie Clayton is an Edinburgh-based freelance writer and game developer. Besides PCGamesInsider and Pocketgamer.biz, she's written across the games media landscape and was named in the 2018 GamesIndustry.biz 100 Rising Star list.