Hobbies And Interests
Profile
Before you create a save file for your game on the Xbox 360, you creates an Xbox 360 profile. The profile begins with a gamertag, which is a several-character name. Typically, a gamertag consists of numbers and letters combined in an easy-to-remember format, such as "xbox360gamertag." The Xbox 360 profile also includes a brief description, an avatar that wears clothes from the Xbox 360 store, a profile icon and a user's achievements. Users unlock achievements and earn points that increase their "gamerscore" by completing specific tasks within a game. Each console game includes 1000 points worth of achievements and each downloadable game includes 200 points.
Xbox Live
The Xbox 360 allows users to play games on their console for free. Xbox Live, the online service, offers the benefits of voice chat, downloadable content and custom profiles. When you purchase the Gold upgrade -- a monthly subscription -- you can play multi-player games online, stream Netflix movies, visit social networking websites and use the Internet. When playing games online, other players locate you using your gamertag.
Gamertag Benefits
A simple, easy to remember gamertag helps other players identify a specific player during online play. A unique or funny gamertag sets a tone for a player's profile and style. Other players opt for a gamertag that references a specific movie, TV show or video game. This helps a player chat with other fans of the movie or game. A gamertag contains all of the information within a player's profile, including his save files, friends and achievements. When a user changes consoles, he moves his entire profile, including the gamertag, to the new console.
Change Gamertag
When a user grows tired of her gamertag or wishes to elude players who annoy her, she changes her gamertag. To change a gamertag, you visit the "My Xbox" page, select a new gamertag, highlight the "Change Gamertag" option and press the "A" button. You then enter a new gamertag and presses "Yes". The gamertag name change costs a moderate amount of Microsoft Points, the Xbox Live currency.