Xbox Achievement System Set for Major Overhaul

Microsoft is currently testing a series of new features for Xbox achievements through its Xbox Insiders program. These updates, which include options for achievement list management, redesigned visual displays, and enhanced completion tracking, are expected to become available to all Xbox owners in the future.

Key Features Being Tested

The updates introduce several new functionalities for managing and displaying achievements:

Achievement List Hiding

Select Xbox Insiders, beginning in April (with some reports specifying late April), will gain the ability to hide specific games from their achievement list. This option applies regardless of the game's completion status.

Hidden games will continue to contribute to a user's Gamerscore, providing users with a method to curate their public profiles.

Redesigned Achievement Display

Microsoft is implementing visual modifications to how achievements are presented. Xbox Insiders will observe redesigned achievements that include new animations and notifications. These visual elements will align with the custom color theme selected for their Xbox interface.

The updates also include updated icons for classic and rare achievements, with rare achievements featuring a distinct animation. Achievement unlock notifications will feature increased animation and will continue to display the action performed to unlock the achievement. Minor user interface adjustments have also been implemented.

Completion Highlighting and Filtering

Games for which Insiders have earned 100 percent of achievements will be highlighted within their achievement list, sometimes described as a visual border. Additionally, users will be able to filter their achievement list to specifically view only fully completed games.

A new option to sort achievements by category is also being introduced, aiming to assist in tracking progress.

Availability and Context

The new achievement features are being tested within the free-to-join Xbox Insiders program.

Microsoft has identified the ability to hide games from the achievement list as a frequently requested feature from Xbox Insiders.

This follows a similar implementation in March, where an update introduced the option for users to exclude games from the Xbox's Quick Resume feature, which was also a highly requested item.

These achievement improvements are part of broader system updates for the Xbox platform. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that a dedicated team was formed to address fan feedback regarding these updates, with further achievement-related changes anticipated in the future. The broader system enhancements also include expanded custom user colors, Quick Resume settings, and additional Groups functionality on the Home screen.