According to what seems to be an information leak from the company, Microsoft has prepared a few surprises for its Xbox 360 customers. The software giant might give Xbox users the possibility of creating and using avatars to reflect their personality while online.

If this is true, the avatars will be made available this summer for Xbox Live members and as soon as next spring for Xbox users.

At this moment, Xbox 360 users that go online use gamer pictures that can be bought from Microsoft. The avatars are supposed to reflect the gamer’s personality better than the picture can. Users will be able to dress their avatar as they see fit, thanks to what will probably be a collection of virtual clothes from which the player will be able to choose.

The fact that the avatar is animated would generate a much lifelike feeling, and its motions might be a tool for the gamer to express his or hers feelings or state of mind.

Bringing avatars to gaming communities is not a new idea. One of Microsoft’s competitors, Nintendo, already allows the owners of its Wii console to use avatars while playing online. The Japanese company has dubbed these avatars Mii, and Microsoft’s approach seems to be based on Nintendo’s concept.

If there will be an official announcement from the company on this subject, it is expected to take place at this year’s E3 Media and Business Summit, which will be held in Santa Monica between July 11 and July 13.