Microsoft shared its “Avatar Guidelines” with gaming blog Kotaku today, and on the list are some interesting bits of information.

The guidelines, as Kotaku points out, are really just a “set of rules governing how avatars can be displayed in both internal and external (ie, catalogues) marketing program,” and mostly pertain to graphic designers and such, but it was interesting to learn how Microsoft aims to protect the image of these little men and women.

Here’s what Microsoft deems okay and not okay.

- When Avatars are used in a group of three or more, at least one Avatar must be female.

- When Avatars are used in a group of three or more, consider including different ethnicities.

- When Avatars are used in groups of three or more, one of them should be facing forward and looking outward.

- Avatars must be playful and mischievous, not devious or inappropriate.

- Do not show Avatars with closed or blinking eyes.

- Do not show Avatars using any hand or body gestures other than those provided.

- Do not use an Avatar as the main message of a marketing piece.

- Do not show Avatars interacting with the Xbox 360 Sphere.

What do you think of these guidelines? Responsible? Silly? A little bit of both? Do share!

Source: Kotaku

Last week jerseys from all 32 NFL teams went on sale in the Xbox 360 Avatar Marketplace and today, a full 7 days later, we have a top-ten list‚  of best sellers, with the Pittsburgh Steelers riding high on top.

What does this list mean? That Steelers fan have deep pockets (each jersey is $4)? We’ll let you decide.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. N.E. Patriots

3. Dallas Cowboys

4. Philadelphia Eagles

5. NY Giants

6. Chicago Bears

7. Minnesota Vikings

8. San Francisco 49ers

9. Green Bay Packers

10. Denver Broncos

Source: Major Nelson

Nothing says Halloween like frightening costumes, and if your Avatar is currently looking a little dull, why not spice him or her up with these fresh new themed additions to the Marketplace?

With 25 options ranging from a Werewolf costume to a Frankenstein hat, to even Mummy and Alien garb, there’s‚  likely an outfit or two here you might be interested in.

The downside? These goods aren’t cheap. A simple Witch or Wizard hat will run you a $1 and the full-0n, head to toe costumes are $3.

Maybe I’m a cheapskate, or maybe I think getting festive shouldn’t hurt your wallet, but either way, I do love me some Halloween!

Head over to the Xbox 360 Avatar Halloween Marketplace to see the full range of goods.

The Avatar Shop on Xbox Live went all Mass Effect today and added some new spiffy outfits for your mini-dudes.

If you’re so inclined to spend anywhere from 80 to 320 MS Points, you can score any number of outfits and clothing pieces ranging from the RC Mako vehicle to an Asari Diplomat suit to even the red and black N7 helmet.

Have a look at the screens Major Nelson released today and head to the Xbox Live Marketplace to snag these digital wares.

RC Mako. Awesome.

N7 Helmet

Asari Diplomat Suit