Two months ago, we reported that some video content on the Xbox Live Video Marketplace was priced high. 720 points ($9 USD) for a one hour 720p video. That’s changed, a little.
Microsoft has teamed up with Discovery to deliver 2 million Microsoft points via the Deadliest Catch Text to Win Sweepstakes.
Useless at maths? We feel your pain. Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to work out how much money you’re actually spending when you fork over some MS Points on Xbox Live Marketplace. The Aussie dollar conversion rate is 100 Points = $1.65, not the simplest calculation do perform in your head when your thumb is hovered over the A button, eager to spend spend spend! Pro tip: bookmark the Microsoft Points Converter.
Those of you adding Microsoft points to your account for the upcoming releases of Braid and Castle Crashers this month might want to add a few more than the 800 a shot we’re used to. According to the official Japanese Xbox 360 blog, August 6th’s Braid will be setting gamers back 1200 Microsoft Points ($US 15), with Castle Crashes weighing in at 1800 Points ($US 22.50?) – the most expensive Live Arcade game yet. Note that these are Japanese prices, while also noting that they generally coincide with European and North American prices.
Microsoft has announced a special offer for those of us willing to cop the $120 price tag of Grand Theft Auto IV and pre-order the game locally.
Inside each pre-order box will be a code for Xbox Live. The code will give you access to four exclusive GamerPics and 500 Microsoft Points to spend on whatever you like. The announcement notes that the code will only be included by “participating retailers”, so be sure to ask before you make your purchase.
While a nice gesture to Xbox 360 owners, it’s not enough to compensate for the high cost of the game – not that Microsoft has any control over this. More importantly, is it enough to coax you into spending your money in Australia? Let us know.