Get in the Gamer Zone

One of the coolest features of the new Xbox Live® and your gamer profile—the basic set of info about you that will show up on your handy gamer card when other gamers check you out—is the ability to choose your Xbox Live gamer zone.

Four different zones are available for you to choose from, and will help tell others the kind of player you are. It’s another step that ensures you synch up with like-minded players when matchmaking.

Xbox Live Gamer Zone: Recreation
This zone is designed for casual gamers who just want to have fun.

You might be a recreation gamer if …

• You only have one Xbox 360™, and it stays in the living room. For the most part.
• You like to meet new people and talk about the latest movies, music, and (of course) video games.
• You only venture into ranked games by accident. • You treat every day like "Casual Friday."
• You cringe when you hear a teenage freak mouthing off online. • You think keeping score is only fun when you're winning.
• You are physically capable of leaving in mid-game if you need A) food, B) a restroom, or C) to go to work. Xbox Live Gamer Zone: Family This zone is where those "kids of all ages" you're always hearing about can gather for safe, family-friendly gaming.

You might be a family gamer if …

• You require a parent and/or guardian to set up your Xbox Live account.
• You're playing a game with your Mom/Grandma/rich Aunt and want to maintain a wholesome atmosphere.
• Covenant Brutes give you nightmares, literally.
• You have kids, are a kid, or never stopped being a kid.
• You knitted four matching wireless controller cozies, one for each member of your household. With love, of course.

Xbox Live Gamer Zone: Pro
The Pro gamer is the truly hardcore—gamers who are there to play and to win, improving their gamescore.

You might be a pro gamer if …

• You automatically mute the "human beat box" gamers and you automatically boot the "slur-spewing chucklehead" gamers.
• You've actually won real prize money in videogame tournaments and competitions.
• You never play anything but ranked games, and your rank has never gone anywhere but up.
• You check leaderboards for games that aren't even playable online.
• You own griefer insurance. Which, if you don't have it, is quite a deal and I would be happy to assist you if it existed.

Xbox Live Gamer Zone: Underground
The Underground is where anything goes—and usually does.

You might be an underground gamer if …

• You are the "human beat box" or "slur-spewing chucklehead" (and proud of it).
• You rock with extreme vengeance and other totally intense buzzwords.
• People shout "griefer!" and you say "Yeah, whaddaya want?"
• You take out whole teams online. Including your team.
• You'd rather get revenge than win.

Article by Ben Barker