Buzz Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 The Microsoft points system for Xbox Live has been an area of complaint since the beginning of the currency system. Criticisms were drawn to the system due to its confusing nature. It seems like Microsoft is thinking about changing the currency system to fix these concerns. Near the end of last month, InformationWeek reported a law suit that may become a class action suit against Microsoft. The suit is in regards to the Microsoft points system for the Xbox 360. The suit accuses Microsoft of engaging in “a scheme to unjustly enrich itself through their fraudulent handling” of the complainant’s account. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a fraudulent scheme, but it is a scheme of sorts. Its similar to how gift cards pretty much work. You have to buy chunks and spend it all at one location. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has been criticized by the “Microsoft Points” system. Microsoft has been criticized by IT Pro Magazine for the way users have to buy music for the Zune. According to Paul Thurrott a writer for the magazine, a song costs 79 Microsoft Points which is about 99 cents. Thurrott accused Microsoft of obscuring the true cost of this content by showing what seems like a lower amount (79) than 99 cents. Also, The Wall Street Journal criticized the system by stating that you have to buy at least $5 for a 99 cent song so Microsoft can hold onto $4.01 of your money. This differs from other currency systems used on competing game consoles such as the PS3. The PSN store allows users to purchase the content for the exact value – no bulk points, no confusion and no hassle. Aaron Greenberg recently told G4TV that the company might do away with the points system and move onto direct cash purchases like the PS3. As a heavy purchaser on XBL Marketplace, I am extremely glad to hear this. It has been a long standing annoyance whenever I have points in my wallet leftover that can’t be used for anything else. Over the course of four years I probably “loaned” Microsoft money with no interest during the whole duration. Link: http://gamer.blorge.com/2010/02/08/microso...the-ps3-system/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketTantrik Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 Its the same story as the different numbers of frankfurters and hot dog buns available in their individual packages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arun360 Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 I am forced to buy the whole pack of Gems even if I only want the red colored ones. Maybe I should sue Cadburys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftrunner Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 Only in America. "I am lazy and stupid, gimme some money." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel81x Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 for a company that has a mountain of experience in the online industry when it comes to online transactions and oddities related to online purchasing I can't see who even said yes to the 79 = 99 concept. Reminds me of Office Space and how they took all the excess money from fraction rounding lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flip Posted February 10, 2010 Report Share Posted February 10, 2010 ye..sheer confusion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L33TWiZaRd Posted February 10, 2010 Report Share Posted February 10, 2010 Think about this way. Recently i picked up a 4000 points card for 30$ of ebay. Actual cost of card is 50. Savings of 20$. This can't be done on the PSN The down side of the MS points farce as mentioned in the article is the left over points which can't be used for anything. I still have 300 points balance on my GT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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