Reports have indicated that come the end of the year Microsoft will be phasing out the use of Microsoft Points across all its platforms.
The change will affect not only Xbox Live, but also developers for Windows Phone and the Zune Marketplace.
When asked Microsoft declined to comment, instead a Microsoft spokesperson simply stated “we do not comment on rumours or speculation.”
Come the end of 2012, transactions will be based upon the region set on the purchasing account and real money will be used in place of the current points system.
Microsoft points at the present moment are used for purchasing games and media content on Xbox Live, the Zune Marketplace, PC's and Windows phone. The system itself isn't universal though; Xbox Live currently lists the price of full games in US Dollars, whereas downloadable content is only purchasable using points. On the phone side of things Windows Phone apps are priced in US Dollars, but in-app purchases are available using points, and Xbox Live avatars are also available with points.
The decision to drop Microsoft Points all together comes as a surprising move, however Microsoft have been slowly introducing a cash purchase system onto Xbox Live. Which as it stands, is their most popular platform where points are in use. A controversial move it may be, but it seems to be a logical one. As moving over to a single cash-based system will bring Microsoft into direct competition with app based competitors and will eliminate the current discord with the point to dollar conversion ratio.
Thanks, Inside Mobile Apps.
Note: This is a rumour and should be considered as such. It does not necessary reflect what will or is happening in the near future.