A minor game update rolled out last night with one noticeable change and lots of behind-the-scenes changes as well. Here are the details…
Avatar “Head Type” Customization
Zwifters can now choose from three basic head “types” and a higher number of hairstyles. There are three head types for men, and three different head types for women. The head types could be described (left to right) as white, Asian, and black.
More hairstyles were added to the list, and since men and women share the same set of hairstyles, everyone chooses from the same list of 19 looks. Lots of dreadlocks available now!
These changes definitely help the avatars move away from being very “white.” (For example: before this change, black riders were stuck with a look that was essentially a white person’s face and hair, but in a darker color. The new head options should be at least a touch more realistic!)
The Future of Faces
Game master Jon Mayfield shared some information about plans they have for animating avatar faces in the future:
These new heads will let you have slightly greater control over the look of your avatar, and will also give us the ability to animate faces in future updates (like yelling when crossing a finish line, or blinking, for example)
I’ve actually seen this in action, and it’s pretty cool! Just another small change that makes the game more immersive, realistic, and engaging. Imagine being able to look around at other riders in a race and see their facial expressions based on heart rate and/or power level? A brave new world!
Other Updates
According to Jon, nothing else was included in this update which Zwifters will immediately notice:
We’ve also made some changes to our underlying network code (boring, but important!), and have improved our new user “first ride” experience to explain the basics of Zwift to new Zwifters better than before.
Our guess is the next major update will come in within 10 days and include the new 2019 UCI Worlds Harrogate course.
