Microsoft to introduce Xbox Live-compatible currency cards in India

Microsoft is set to introduce prepaid currency cards in India, which will be usable across Xbox Live, Windows 8 and Windows Phone.

With Microsoft Points being retired, users are now able to pay for digital purchases via local currency. Once the card is redeemed, the money will be added to the users’ Microsoft account, from where it can be spent on Xbox Live or the Windows Store on Windows 8 or Windows Phone.

I think this provides huge scope,” says Anshu Mor, category head for Xbox at Microsoft India. It opens up the entire Xbox Live experience through connected devices like PCs and tablets, and that’s extremely exciting for us. We’re looking forward to being in the phone, tablet and PC isles at retail, showcasing the currency system. That’s going to dramatically help us in terms of Xbox Live adoption, which is central to our strategy in the country.”

The prepaid cards will be available in two denominations – Rs 1,699 and Rs 3,399.

Mor believes replacing Microsoft points with local currency, along with the company’s plans to introduce more entertainment content on Xbox Live, will make currency cards a far more attractive proposition to Live users.

The fact that the currency is made available across multiple platforms and multiple screens gives you the ability to use it at will. You no longer have to just spend it on Xbox 360 games on Xbox Live, but you can also buy apps and games on the Windows Store. Once we bring in more entertainment content, that’s when consumers will also know where to spend their money. I think consumers will see a lot of value in taking these cards up.”

(Image courtesy The Verge)

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