14 DAY TRIAL // A new report has suggested that video game publisher and hardware creator Microsoft will keep the redeemable codes system that they are using for the Xbox 360 home console even after the currently used Microsoft Points are eliminated and replaced with clear cash value.
A source has told Eurogamer that Microsoft is at the moment notifying developers and publishers planning to deliver games on Xbox Live, and that the decision was mainly motivated by the increased profits that can be obtained by the company.
The each region’s real-world currency will be used in place of the Microsoft Points, and it seems that the switch will happen at some point during summer or in early fall.
Microsoft has not commented on the initial story, regarding the elimination of the Points system, or on the follow-up about the redeemable codes.
Those who are now interested in getting Xbox Live Gold subscriptions and content from the Live service need to pick up cards with set values for cash and then use the points when trading with Microsoft.
The system has been widely criticized by gamers all over the world because it basically forces players to get more Points than they actually need and then mix and match values in order to get the games they want.
The PlayStation Network from Sony has used pure cash transactions since it was launched and some have claimed that this feature and the free multiplayer offered is what made the service competitive with Xbox Live.
There’s also speculation that Microsoft is making the move to a pure cash system in order to prepare the Live service for the still unannounced next-gen Xbox platform.
The device has been rumored for quite some time but the company has not officially confirmed its existence, although industry watchers expect an announcement at the E3 trade show.