Xbox One achievements detailed: your Gamerscore will stay intact

Xbox One achievements detailed: your Gamerscore will stay intact
Xbox One, Xbox Two, Xbox a-One, Two, Three, Four

A sigh of relief rippled around the internet today as Microsoft confirmed its new achievements system for Xbox One will carry your 360 Gamerscore to the new console.

Beyond that, the new system sees your accomplishments split into two categories: regular achievements and special 'challenges' - these new challenges are described as "more like an opportunity' in that they are time-limited.

There'll be a window during which you can unlock the challenge, but if you don't manage it before the time is up, well, as Cierra McDonald, program manager for Xbox Live Achievements puts it, "*Kanye shrug*".

The things your achievements can unlock are changing too - on the Xbox One you'll be able to earn access to digital artwork, new maps, unlockable characters, temporary stat boosts and the sort.

Gamification

What's more, you can earn achievements through other apps too - not just games. These include Xbox Live's video and music apps, which can let you earn sneak peeks at new songs, early access to tracks and videos or subscription extensions.

Despite all these new gamified entertainment options, only actual games can boost your Gamerscore. Which, after all, is the way it should be.

News Editor (UK)

Former UK News Editor for TechRadar, it was a perpetual challenge among the TechRadar staff to send Kate (Twitter, Google+) a link to something interesting on the internet that she hasn't already seen. As TechRadar's News Editor (UK), she was constantly on the hunt for top news and intriguing stories to feed your gadget lust. Kate now enjoys life as a renowned music critic – her words can be found in the i Paper, Guardian, GQ, Metro, Evening Standard and Time Out, and she's also the author of 'Amy Winehouse', a biography of the soul star.