Microsoft Planning to Drop Microsoft Points for Real Cash Value

It seems Microsoft is looking to move on from their proprietary Xbox Live Marketplace points system in favor of real-world values. A source aware of the company’s dealings has reported that the system will join PSN and iOS marketplace by switching to plain monetary values.

Currently, the marketplace already has some items, downloadable full versions of game titles in particular, that are priced with actual currency.

According to Inside Mobile Apps, Microsoft refused to comment on the potential changeover, citing that they “do not comment on rumors or speculation.” However, sources claim that developers currently working on titles for XBLA are being told to prepare for a switchover in pricing.

The current points system requires users to buy set values, which result in over-paying for an item and dealing with unused points after purchase. The motley pricing nature of arcade titles, premium themes, and avatar items leads to a system where customers rarely end up without strange leftover values of points.

[via: GamesIndustry]