Posted Thu Jul 11, 2013 at 09:30 AM PDT by Brian Hoss
Move comes ahead of overdue transition from MS Points to local currency.
One change coming with Xbox One is still part Microsoft's plans and that is the elimination of its virtual currency, Microsoft Points. Instead of using the convoluted 800 points per $10 conversion that has been the norm for the life of the Xbox 360, users will now purchase digital items and cards in their local currency not unlike Apple's iTunes or Sony's PSN.
One issue that has arisen ahead of the transition involved Beta users whose banked points converted to their local currency in a highly devaluing manner. Microsoft quickly promised to correct the issue after reports began to spread that this would affect all users once the transition officially took effect.
Another issue that Microsoft has identified, but not quite supplied a solution for, is Xbox Live Rewards program. Formerly, the program would award points for various online actions for members. Starting August 1st, Microsoft will no longer be awarding MS points in the program, and all earned points will be issued regardless of the normal 100 point threshold. Microsoft is not actually terminating the program, but has not yet disclosed what future rewards will be.
From Microsoft, "As you may have heard from the announcements at E3, major changes are coming to Xbox Live. One of these changes is the switch to local currency for purchases on Xbox. That means Microsoft Points will soon be retired and you’ll instead be able to use money to purchase content on Xbox (see Xbox.com Points FAQ for more info).
"With all these changes, it’s become necessary for us to evolve the way we reward you. Starting August 1, 2013, you will not be able to earn Microsoft Points through Xbox Live Rewards any longer. Not to worry, though! Since this currency change is impacting the structure of the program, we’re taking the opportunity to make Xbox Live Rewards even better. You’ll continue to get rewarded for doing the things you love on Xbox Live – just not with Microsoft Points. So come back to rewards.xbox.com on September 1, 2013 for the full scoop. You can also follow us at @XboxLiveRewards on Twitter for the latest updates.
"Finally, despite the Microsoft Points changes, all your hard work will not go to waste. On August 7, 2013 we’ll deposit ALL your Pending Rewards Points into your account, even if you have less than 100. And if you still have Points in your Xbox account when Microsoft Points are retired, they’ll be transitioned into your country’s local currency. Your currency will be available for use at the Xbox Stores as usual."
Source: Xbox Live Rewards
Author: Brian Hoss
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