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Microsoft’s proprietary virtual currency system, Microsoft Points, will be phased out by the end of the year, according to a source with knowledge of the company’s decision. The change will affect developers for Windows Phone, the Zune marketplace and Xbox Live.

By the end of 2012, all transactions will be based on the region set on the purchasing account and real money will be used to purchase all Windows Phone content. The move puts the Windows Phone Marketplace in line with the purchasing practices used in the App Store and the Android Market.

When asked Microsoft declined to provide further information, with a Microsoft spokesperson responding with “we do not comment on rumours or speculation.”

Mobile developers that have publishing agreements with Microsoft are being warned to plan their upcoming downloadable content (DLC) and in-app purchases in accordance with the change. Customers with existing Microsoft Points balances will have them converted into their local currency after the switch.

Microsoft Points are currently used to purchase games and media content on Xbox Live, the Zune Marketplace, the PC and Windows Phone, but the system isn’t used universally. On Xbox Live, the prices for full games are listed in dollars, but downloadable content is purchased with Points. On Windows Phone, apps are priced in dollars, but users can make in-app purchases with Points. Windows Phone users can also use Microsoft Points to buy accessories for their Xbox Live avatars and purchase Points directly from their phones.

While the decision to eliminate Microsoft Points may seem to be a surprising move, Microsoft has been gradually introducing cash purchases to Xbox Live, the most popular platform where Points are used. It makes sense for the company to move to a single cash-based payment system, as it brings it in line with its app market competitors and eliminates a consistent criticism of the system — that the Points to dollar conversion ratio is not only confusing, but it forces consumers to purchase more Points than they actually need. The smallest amount of Points that a consumer can purchase at one time is 400, or $5 worth.
Source

[StevenWongo]

I'd prefer to see $10 rather than 800msp. Just my opinion.

Cause this way when I buy $20 worth, its not 1400 points but $20 worth. This makes everything more fair cause like in the states, $20 gets you 1600 so its not equal.

[Iccccy]

Originally Posted by StevenWongo

I'd prefer to see $10 rather than 800msp. Just my opinion.

I Agree With this.

MSP is pointless.

[iva1212]

I dont know but i like more microsoft points

[FlipTeck]

It's about time, I was always confused about the currency :L

[TheWolf]

So if I dont spend them by then do i lose them? Sorry if it says i skimmed the article

[Sade Zero]

Yeah . finally they realize that having a "points system" is POINTless.

[Chris]

To me MSP are just a waste of everyones time, ms will loose money though. Lets say you add a CC/paypal to your account. Well now when you get banned they will no longer just have money sitting there that you can no longer use.

[MoNsTeRR]

this is bad imo, people will add more credit cards to accounts and kids with popular phishers would jizz cuz they just got a handful of accounts with credit cards on them

edit : lucky #777

[Dreamnation]

Finally they are taking out MSP. They should have had cash in the first place like playstation.