We’ve been hoping that Microsoft was saving some Windows Phone Mango features for a later announcement, and while there’s nothing here to earth shattering the fact that there’s new features in the Games hub for Windows Phone is a great way to start a week. Today at GamesCom Microsoft announced three new features coming to Xbox Live on Windows Phone in the fall.
From Michael Stroh of the Windows Phone Blog
- “Avatar Awardables: Like achievements—but wearable. Once unlocked, these items will automatically appear in your avatar closet and can be worn on your avatar’s sleeve as a badge of honor. “Chickens Can’t Fly,” a forthcoming Xbox LIVE release, will be among the first titles to feature them.
- Game Add-ons: In the Xbox LIVE title “Beards & Beaks," players can purchase extra mushrooms and other items from within the game using Microsoft Points. In the months ahead, keep your eyes out for more titles in Marketplace that let you buy in-game add-ons and downloadable content like extra weapons or levels.
- Parental Controls: The next release of Windows Phone gives parents more control of what content their child can access on Windows Phone, including M-rated (Mature) games. The first M-rated Windows Phone title, “Splinter Cell: Conviction,” is scheduled to arrive in the Marketplace later this fall.
- Fast Async: A new Xbox LIVE service coming this fall that improves gameplay for multiplayer, turn-by-turn (or asynchronous) Windows Phone games.”
DLC for Microsoft’s Xbox Live on Windows Phone games? Now that’s what we’re talking about.