Microsoft and Xbox fans got a significant surprise on social media when a former Microsoft employee leaked information regarding the next generation of avatars.
The Leaked Video
On Tuesday, April 17, ResetEra forum users found that a former Microsoft designer uploaded a video onto YouTube showing a sample avatar to be possibly used for Xbox's Avatar Editor. While the video was initially removed from the social media platform, that did not stop fans from posting it onto other social media platforms such as Twitter.
The 2-minute, 9-seconds video shows a jubilant male avatar with blonde hair. On the left side of the screen, viewers saw six different options they could use to build their avatar. The user in the video was using a mouse to transform the avatar's physical appearance and even gave it a mini-photoshoot with its Photobooth function.
The Xbox Avatar Editor is expected to be used for both Windows 10 and Xbox One. Microsoft has not revealed when the new feature, which is expected to allow users to edit their fingernails as well, would be publicly released.
Mixed Twitter Reactions
The leaked demonstration video drew mixed social media reactions. Some fans were very impressed with the leaked demo. They thought that the graphics were unbelievable and they were eager to receive the new update. Others were skeptical after seeing the video, worried that the update would remove some of their old wardrobe. They also thought it was cringe-worthy. In addition, one Twitter user predicted that the avatar creator would work into a project that Microsoft was working on with Altspace VR.
That looks sick @XboxQwik— ️Ti️Dog ️ (@BeastFireTimdog) April 18, 2018
Looking at this video i think were gonna have a wardrobe clean out from the old avatars. Which is a real shame as some of my old Avatar stuff is mega rare like my Seattle Sounders T-shirt — Xboxik29 (Mik 'McKraken' 29) (@XboxMik29) April 18, 2018
Extra cringe — McToasty (@unmicca) April 18, 2018
I have my suspicions that this will tie into whatever MS has been doing with @AltspaceVR and social VR/Mixed Reality. — Braycen in VR (@lambomang) April 18, 2018
Xbox Gaming Developments
In addition to the leaked Xbox Avatar Editor going public, other announcements regarding upcoming Xbox One games have been revealed. Disney and Square Enix released new details regarding the highly-anticipated Kingdom Hearts III. There would be over 20 mini-games that users could play within the video game. Sega, meanwhile, revealed that it would re-release Shenmue and Shenmue II for the Xbox One soon.
Also, there have been talks that there might be progression sharing between Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and personal computers regarding the popular shooting game Overwatch. The game's lead designer, Jeff Kaplan, revealed that it is challenging for players to play the video game across numerous platforms. It has also been announced that PUBG will be free to play for Xbox Live Gold members from April 19 to April 22.
Tech Times reached out to Microsoft for a comment about this story.
