More new Games Hub features for WP7 en route

Back in May, we heard about some of the great new features and streamlined integration that the Mango Games Hub will bring to Windows Phone.  Today at Gamescom in Germany, the team announced four more things that mobile gamers can expect to see in the coming months.

  • Avatar Awardables: You can think of these as "wearable achievements." Unlock items during game play and they will become available in your avatar closet.  One of the first games to have these will be "Chickens Can't Fly."
  • Game Add-ons: Players will be able to enhance their gaming experience by purchasing in-game add-ons and downloadable content, like extra weapons and new levels, using MS points.  "Beards & Beaks" is one of the first to have this feature, but more are on their way.
  • Parental Controls: Pretty self-explanatory. This will come in handy with M-rated games, like “Splinter Cell: Conviction,” (Coming this Fall).
  • Fast Async: This service will improve multi-player gaming for turn-by-turn (or asynchronous) Windows Phone games.

Check out the entire Gamescom Press Kit for more details, and info on stuff like Xbox 360, Kinect, and more.

Source: WindowsTeamBlog

Seth Brodeur