It’s certainly no secret that points systems for purchasing additional content for gaming consoles has been the target of angst among gamers. Some might even argue against DLC aside from full games all together. But it looks like Microsoft may be taking a step in the right direction to make their customers happy.
The Verge is reporting this morning that Microsoft has removed their MS Points system for purchasing media from their store in Windows 8. This is the same points system that Microsoft uses on the Xbox 360 platform. It makes sense for it to go away for Windows 8 as MS is implementing their own app store similar to Apple’s for distributing software. Customers would not be able to purchase content or apps as easily as they can with Apple if they are required to go through a points system thereby greatly reducing the number of impulse buys (I can’t even count the money I’ve spent on games and apps for my iPhone that I used all of one time).
If Microsoft follows suit with Xbox 360, a whole lot of gamers would rejoice. The biggest issue with points systems for purchaing gaming content is that you are almost always left with points remaining on your account due to the fact that it is extremely difficult to purchase titles that match your number of points. It’s great for companies like Microsoft and Nintendo in that it forces consumers to keep buying points, but it’s obviously aggravating to the gamer.
I really think that going this route could be a huge cash cow for MS. Link your credit/debit card to your account and purchase with the push of a button. The easier it is to spend money, the more money you’ll spend…I’m going to be so poor.
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Really liked what you had to say in your post, Save Some Green: Microsoft Doing Away With MS Points?, thanks for the good read!
— Fermina
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