http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200605/N06.0503.1754.42600.htm
GI: Have you thought about how to make Xbox Achievements interesting with BIA, instead of just something tacked on?
Pitchford: I think the achievement system is really interesting. I have a lot of good theories about the psychology that is behind them and how to use them effectively. Were still a ways from implementing the achievements in the 360 version, but Ill go ahead and share some of my theories.
There are a few classes of things that should be achievements. One class is what I call a badge this is an award or honor for some specific experience or behavior that is relevant enough where it should be displayed for others to see. Another class is what I call a carrot this is used to motivate someone to try to do something. Badges are given because of something special that has already been accomplished that deserves some bragging right and carrots are dangled out there to encourage you to accomplish something.
Another developer whom I respect added to my theory with the concept of entitlement. Entitlements are granted simply for completing portions of the game. I suggested that carrots should be numerable and should start frequent and become less frequent as the game progressed. Carrots should account for a huge amount of the total achievements that can be earned. Meanwhile, badges are more rare. Perhaps only 20% of the total achievements are badges. And, lastly, entitlements should be something that reward just for experience. At least 50% of the total achievements should be earned on a complete play through of the game. Most of that should be because of entitlements.
Anyway, the fun bit is linking up that theory with all of the different metrics and options and accomplishments that exist in a game as complex as Brothers in Arms Hells Highway. It should be as fun to hook up as it will be to unlock them all!
GI: How has your experience been with working with the PlayStation 3 versus the Xbox 360? Will there be any noticeable difference between the two games?
Pitchford: Both platforms are awesome. There are some differences between these systems that are going to be interesting to see how they affect customers purchase decisions. From a graphics point of view, I would expect Brothers in Arms Hells Highway to remain very comparable between the different platforms. There will be some specific implementation differences, but these will largely cater to the specific strengths of any given platform. So, if you made a platform decision because of the strengths of the platform you have bought, youre likely going to like that version of Brothers in Arms the best anyway