E3 ’09: Xbox LIVE Rids of Microsoft Points, Gets User Ratings

Microsoft’s getting ready to update Xbox LIVE to make it easier for the gamer to find and buy content. A new Games on Demand service is on the way which will allow Xbox 360 owners to download full games like Mass Effect or BioShock over Xbox LIVE. The big news is that you’ll be able to use your own currency instead of the Xbox LIVE Microsoft Points system. However, gamers will have an option to chose Microsoft Points if it money doesn’t suit them too well.

“We’re going to have 30 or more games launching in August, worldwide, in all markets. We’ll also be adding new content in all of our markets weekly,” explained Microsoft’s Scott Austin.

You’re going to be able to bring your game over to a friends house if you’ve purchased it digitally. “We keep the license information on the Live servers, so the user who purchased it can roam to another console and play the game there.”

A brand new user rating system is coming, too. “One thing that customers have been asking for is more information about games,” Austin said. “Especially for community games or game add-ons that don’t get a lot of coverage or reviews,” says Austin. “So we’re introducing user ratings.”

This summer, a rating system will come into play with a five-star review scheme. If the game’s amazing, give it five stars, if it’s terrible, give it one. You’ll be able to sort content depending on their ratings as well, showing you only the games that are actually good.

Finally, a brand new Avatar Marketplace is coming to Xbox LIVE, which will allow you to buy gaming-themed shirts such as Halo or Splinter Cell apparel. However, you’ll also be able to win stuff like this from games you play as awards.

Microsoft has a lot planned for the Xbox 360 as a digital media distributor. Now we await these updates.

Xbox Live evolves: no more Microsoft points, user ratings [Ars]