Remember those somewhat ridiculous restrictions on developers, put forth by Microsoft, when it comes to using Avatars in games? Kotaku took a peek at a similar set of rules -- this group for the elusive marketing folk -- and there are some interesting bullet points. Some laughable ones, too. Sure, developers can't have violence depicted, make Avatars talk, modify features, etc., but did you know that when the Xbox 360 mascots are used in promo material, they can't be blinking? How about that if they're used a "group of three or more, at least one Avatar must be female"? A similar guideline says that a group of three or more Avatars must include multiple ethnicities.
- When Avatars are used in a group of three or more, at least one Avatar must be female.
- When Avatars are used in a group of three or more, consider including different ethnicities.
- When Avatars are used in groups of three or more, one of them should be facing forward and looking outward.
- Avatars must be playful and mischievous, not devious or inappropriate.
- Do not show Avatars with closed or blinking eyes.
- Do not show Avatars using any hand or body gestures other than those provided.
- Do not use an Avatar as the main message of a marketing piece.
- Do not show Avatars interacting with the Xbox 360 Sphere.
Interesting. Too bad there's no mandate that says Avatars can have the option to stand like normal people, and not like hipsters. Sigh.
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