Xbox 360 Hint System
In-game hints are a rising trend, with Nintendo none-too-recently taking out a patent for such, as illustrated in New Super Mario Brothers Wii, and games like Demon's Souls incorporating them in an intriguing manner.
Enter Microsoft, who, as Siliconera reports, patented a system for such. While there is mention that this is meant for Xbox Live, there is not enough information as yet so as to ascertain whether this would be for all members or just Gold.
If all goes as stated, it would highlight user-submission, the use of tags, audio tracks, screenshots, et cetera. Theoretically, it could be used to help advance in the game or unlock achievements, as both users and developers can create guides, which are then rated by the players. This measure would certainly be nice if it managed to take out the middleperson of running to GameFAQs whenever a head-scratching (or controller throwing) situation arises.
It is not unforeseeable that it could be used to help with learning new tactics and strategies in some games (though the usefulness of such would be dependent on if everyone starts using the same system). The question also comes up over whether this would see more completion rates in terms of either achievements or just continuing the basic story.
Microsoft Patents Xbox 360 Hint System [Gamasutra]
VorpalBunny
Posted to Miscellany on 25 November 2009
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