Microsoft has been giving players many different updates concerning the Xbox One, and Marc Whitten, the chief platform architect for the Xbox One has been answering fans questions concerning the next-gen console on IGN. This week, Whitten revealed new information concerning gamertags for the upcoming console, and also addressed how updates will work on the device, which will launch on Nov. 22.
When asked if users will have to obtain a new gamertag when buying an Xbox One, and if a new gamertag would cost money, Whitten reiterated previous Microsoft policy.
"All of our gamertags will come over from the existing Xbox LIVE community. We have no changes to our policies in this space," said Whitten.
Whitten was also asked if players could import JPEG's or other images for use as a player's profile picture, and he revealed that users will have a selection of preselected images for their gamerpic:
"We are focused on building out a beautiful collection of 1080p gamerpics for our users on Xbox One. You'll also be able to create full-body poses of your Avatar to use as a gamerpic. You'll see us do much more here in the future. At launch, we expect to have 300 gamerpics to choose from."
As for the friends list, one fan asked if users could enter a nickname for a player so that it shows up as opposed to the gamertag whenever they log on, and Whitten revealed that, while that feature may not happen, players can make sublists in their friends list so they can keep an eye out for particular players:
"Good idea! We'll look at that idea in the future. At launch, one of the things we will provide is the ability to add a friend to a favorites list, so you can keep up with both the broader set of people on your list and the people you play with most."
Whitten discussed content updates as well, revealing that the update system will be very similar to the Xbox 360:
"Content providers will have the ability to push two types of content updates with Xbox One: ones that are immediately mandatory like in Xbox 360 and ones that are optional. If you opt to not take an optional update, you can continue to play online and do the update at a later time."
Look out for more Xbox One news right here as the console approaches the Nov. 22 release date.