150°

MSN Messenger gets an Avatar-like upgrade

Destructoid writes: "Today, Arstechnica found that Microsoft unveiled a project that works with MSN Messenger to give users Mii-like avatars. The program is called "Minimise Me" and it's an extremely simple little web-based service that allows users to construct faces, then port them to MSN Messenger. It's a lot like the Mii creator, which allows users to pick from several basic components and then organize them around the face to create unique looks.

More interesting than creating dumb little people to go with an IM client, is the option creating dumb little people on Xbox Live this fall. Could this IM addition be paving the way for a more advanced service in the future that would include Microsoft's Avatar system? The integration of MSN Messenger with the Live dashboard went over fairly well, so I can't imagine that this doesn't have some sort of correlation to the announcement at E3.

It could also turn out to be completely nothing, and just a good opportunity for Microsoft to try to reach out to those who like playing the Wii, but use AIM. Regardless, I made my own Minimise-Me. Isn't he dreamy?"

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destructoid.com
flexbox3606125d ago

then dont use it. u have a choice. if u hate microsoft so much...do not use msn messenger or windows for that matter. frikkin hypocrites

60°

What If... Destiny 2's Gambit Was a Hit?

In a world where Gambit thrived, Destiny 2’s seasons, storylines, and even its endgame might’ve revolved around PvEvP as a core foundation.

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gamerant.com
Christopher12h ago

Destiny already has the pretty hyper 'raid' fixation and then they added legendary raid dungeons. Hyperfixating in PvEvP wouldn't work as well because you need a lot more than 2% of the userbase to keep that going unlike raids that are propped up by streamers who make running them their whole job. Most players don't play all the raids let alone run them over and over. And most who play PvP don't want structured PvE elements.

60°

Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remaster VS. Original Graphics Comparison

IGN : How does the new The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, released in 2025 for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and PS5, compare to the original 2006 Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion released on Xbox 360, played via Xbox Series X/S Backwards Compatibility?

190°

OG Destiny artist recalls Bungie’s “disgruntled” reaction to Halo 4’s art style change

Original Destiny artist Darren Bacon recalls how Bungie reacted to the art style change of Halo 4 by 343 Industries.

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videogamer.com
Tacoboto3d ago

Bungie at that time became the most wonderful bunch of hypocrites in the gaming industry. Knowing this now, gosh the entitlement they felt was out of this world.

Nothing like buying yourself from Microsoft because you don't want to be the Halo Studio anymore, and the FIRST THING you do is sign your next IP over to Activision, for a DECADE, while they are in the middle of ousting the heads of Infinity Ward so they can exert even more control over COD while screwing out the devs at IW...

Should've come as no surprise then that Activision gutted the content of Destiny 1 before launch and was a horrible partner through Destiny 2, until history repeated itself and Bungie had to split from Activision only to wind up in the arms of another major conglomerate that also doesn't know how to handle these unmanageable devs.

Profchaos3d ago

Tti their credit they praised the technical abilities of 343 and I remember at the time thinking halo 4 was a huge graphical leap above reach everything else was rubbish when I actually got to play it but there was no doubt it looked good for the 360 and is probably the best looking game on the system.

But ultimately I think bungie has always had a leadership problem and going independent ultimately proved this it's only getting worse with studio heads being outed by Sony for abuse allegations seems like all bungies past success has been in spite of management not because of it.

But really I think the bungie we have today is not the same one we had in that Xbox era of Bungie

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

I liked the artstyle change. For the most part. Something looked worse but most of everything else looked better. Weapons and vehicles for sure. The wraith come to my mind instantly.
And how can they get mad when the bungie changed it with Halo Reach?

Sciurus_vulgaris2d ago

I know a lot of people dislike Halo 4’s arts style, but there’s thing about it I like and dislike. Personally, the Halo 4 design of Master Chief’s armour is my favourite depiction of the character’s armour.