Xbox Live "further monetization" Coming Holiday 2012 - Polidicks

[URL="http://www.analoghype.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Microsoft-Points.jpg"][IMG]http://www.analoghype.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Microsoft-Points.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Back in January a [URL="http://www.analoghype.com/video-games/microsoft-ditching-points-system-in-favor-of-local-currency/"]rumor [/URL]detailed Microsoft's plans to phase out Microsoft Points in favor of a "regional currency." Initially I was quite skeptical about this move; What made Microsoft decide that they wanted to do this now - a decade after the debut of Xbox Live? Well a recent post on [URL="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/praveen-rutnam/5/30/18a"]LinkedIn [/URL]seems to add some credibility to this rumor. Praveen Rutnam, Microsoft's Group Product Planner, has recently " Developed strategy to further monetize Xbox LIVE subscriber base that will be implemented for holiday 2012." The previously reported rumor also stated that the change would go into effect before the end of 2012. If the rumor turns out to be true, one has to wonder how they will handle the change in other regions with Xbox Live. While the current system might seem cumbersome, it's actually very convenient. With the current system, managing prices across different regions is a simple task. If implemented, the new system could pose a problem for those that deal with cross-region purchases. Microsoft Points offers a convenience that regional currency lacks, flexibility. Not only do retailers regularly have sales on Microsoft Points, but because they're points - as opposed to real money - the price for a set number of points varies from region-to-region, resulting in some regions offering more points for less money. All-in-all the current system is a double-edged sword, while converting real money into points is cumbersome, the end result is a payment system that is more flexible than that of say PSN. Add on the fact that retailers regularly have sales on Microsoft Points - something that you can't do with money-based cards - and you have a "currency" that, for some, has proven itself to be better than a regional currency. [url=http://www.analoghype.com/video-games/xbox-live-further-monetization-coming-holiday-2012/]Xbox Live "further monetization" Coming Holiday 2012[/url]

Yeah, most retailers sell MS Points and PSN credit at a 1:1 price ratio

[QUOTE=usaokay;35561526]Last time I bought an MS Points card that was on sale was at Best Buy in 08 or 07.[/QUOTE] i didn't even know having them on sale was possible

i bought a 4000 msp card at christmas for like $35

It's cause they want it to be consistent with Windows 8 and WP8.

[QUOTE=usaokay;35561526]Last time I bought an MS Points card that was on sale was at Best Buy in 08 or 07.[/QUOTE] last time I bought a MS Points card was never

I remember buying 12-mouth gold and 1600 msp for $60.

I honestly can't stand the point cards for Wii/Ps3/360. It would be a lot easier buy something for $4.99 or $9.99 instead of spending $10/$20 on points, and then buying what you wanted and having the left over points.

I've kinda been waiting for this. It's silly to have to spend more than the price of the item you want to buy. I understand how it makes incorporating all of the world's currencies waaay easier though.

Refund for odd numbered MS points or fuck off MS!

[QUOTE=The Baconator;35562390]It's cause they want it to be consistent with Windows 8 and WP8.[/QUOTE] it'd be nice if microsoft lifts the xbox demo regional restriction off Australia, y'know seeing as we can already get it.

"Further monetization" is code for "wringing more money out of players". Whatever the change is, you can bet your ass it'll result in spending more money and getting less.

[QUOTE=Bomimo;35565848]Refund for odd numbered MS points or fuck off MS![/QUOTE] Like hell they will, it's the same reason why they have less hotdog buns in a bag than sausages in a pack, it'll get people to buy more

They could try actually making their system not retarded and make good games for it instead.

[QUOTE=Jedi_Rayne;35564296]I honestly can't stand the point cards for Wii/Ps3/360. It would be a lot easier buy something for $4.99 or $9.99 instead of spending $10/$20 on points, and then buying what you wanted and having the left over points.[/QUOTE] PSN sells cards but they're actual currency and their store is listed in currency instead of points just for clarification.

[QUOTE=Jedi_Rayne;35564296]I honestly can't stand the point cards for Wii/Ps3/360. It would be a lot easier buy something for $4.99 or $9.99 instead of spending $10/$20 on points, and then buying what you wanted and having the left over points.[/QUOTE] Us old folks use credit cards, never failed me.... yet

[QUOTE=Dr. Fishtastic;35575922]Like hell they will, it's the same reason why they have less hotdog buns in a bag than sausages in a pack, it'll get people to buy more[/QUOTE] Not here, we have the same amount of buns as dogs.