Abstract: Embodiments related to the introduction of new avatar items to a video game environment are disclosed. One embodiment provides a computer-readable medium comprising code executable by a computing device to perform a method of presenting a video game to a user. The code comprises code executable to display in the video game an avatar representing the user, code executable to receive input from a user of the video game during game play, code executable to detect an occurrence of a designated event in the video game during game play that results from input received from the user during game play, code executable to award the user access to an avatar item upon the occurrence of the designated event, and code executable to store code representing the appearance of the avatar item in a location external to the video game.

Abstract: An item can be added to an avatar associated with a user of a video game console. The item is represented by a data entry that is written to a manifest, which contains data fields storing a type and a name of the item. Items can be applied to or “worn” by an avatar by setting a flag in the corresponding data entry in the manifest. Items can be obtained from a number of sources, including, for example, disc based games and a server connected to the video game console. Further, items can be obtained as a reward for attaining achievements in a game.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein integrate a social aspect into avatar modification. Multiple users may access a virtual environment that allows users to modify the user's avatar. The users in the application may be any combination of remote and local players. The users' avatars may be associated with the same application or different applications. The users may interact in the same virtual environment while modifying their respective avatars. Any user in the virtual environment may view modifications that are made to other users' avatars and interact with other users while modifications are made. Thus, the techniques disclosed allow avatar modification to be a multi-player experience.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for updating the appearance of an avatar that exists across an online multi-player gaming system, including an executing video game. In addition to the general system, systems, methods and computer readable media for updating the avatar, techniques are disclosed for prompting networked video games to update an avatar that has been modified while the video game has been executing.

Abstract: Mechanisms for accessorizing avatars with animated items. Avatars may be accessorized by items that have animations that are item specific, or they may be accessorized by items that apply to the entire body of the avatars. In addition, such item accessories may apply to avatars across different game titles and they may be added during the execution of a game, whether using a user interface or the game itself (e.g. receiving accessories for achieving certain milestones in a game). Such accessories may also be obtained from remote sources as packages, and then applied locally to avatars.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for updating the appearance of an avatar that exists across an online multi-player gaming system, including an executing video game. In addition to the general system, systems, methods and computer readable media for updating the avatar, techniques are disclosed for prompting networked video games to update an avatar that has been modified while the video game has been executing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an application programming interface (API) that provides for an extensible avatar system. In one embodiment an API may allow video game applications to retrieve structures of data which represent an avatar. The game can then take those structures and incorporate the data into its own rendering system. In another embodiment an API may allow a video game application to render an avatar to a render target or texture wherein the video game system performs rendering and animation functions.

Abstract: An avatar along with its accessories, emotes, and animations may be system provided and omnipresent. In this manner, the avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations may be available across multiple environments provided or exposed by multiple avatar computing applications, such as computer games, chats, forums, communities, or instant messaging services. An avatar system may change the avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations, e.g. pursuant to a request from the user, instructions from an avatar computing application, or updates provided by software associated with a computing device. The avatar and its accessories, emotes, and animations may be changed by a system or computing application associated with a computing device outside of a computer game or computing environment in which the avatar may be rendered or used by the user.

Abstract: An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including recording of content on a gaming console. A digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component allows users to record media content on the gaming console. The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu. Once integrated, users can record media content while playing games. Alternatively, users can record content when the gaming console is turned off. The recorded content can include television programming, gaming experience (whether local or online), music, DVDs, and so on. When in the recording state, users can also switch between various other media modes, whether gaming, television, and so on.

Abstract: An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including television viewing on a gaming console. A client component is installed via a bootstrap process that uses authentication information to accomplish this task. Once installed, it integrates itself into a typical gaming display. Various console hardware details are used to enable communication between the client component and downstream servers providing the content. Once up and running, the client component allows users to watch television as if they were interacting with a set-top box. Users may switch between various applications on the gaming console, including but not limited to game titles, DVR, VOD, DVD programs, and so on.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are disclosed herein for integrating media on a gaming console. For instance, a dashboard having a plurality of media selections can be displayed, where such a dashboard is native to a gaming console and where at least one of the media selections is a television selection. Moreover, users can be provided with the option of switching back and forth between the television selection and other media selections in the plurality of media selections, such as music, video, VOD, DVD programs, and so on. Users can be provided with the option of selecting starting of the gaming console as a set-top box, or with the option of selecting remote starting of the gaming console as a set-top using a gaming controller, or with the option of selecting starting of the gaming console as a title.