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Microsoft Points, introduced in November 2005 as Xbox Live Points, [1] were a digital currency issued by Microsoft for use on its Xbox and Zune product lines. Points could be used to purchase video games and downloadable content from Xbox Live Marketplace, digital content such as music and videos on Zune Marketplace, along with content from Windows Live Gallery.
However, games purchased with 240 Microsoft Points will only be playable on one of the platforms; either Xbox 360 or PC. A dual-platform license will cost 400 Microsoft Points. [10] As the Game Room will be available to Gold and Silver Xbox members, the service will be free to use on Games for Windows Live.
The Steam client includes a digital storefront called the Steam Store through which users can purchase games. Once the game is bought, a software license is permanently attached to the user's Steam account, allowing them to download the software on any compatible device. Game licenses can be given to other accounts under certain conditions.
According to Microsoft's David Edery, portfolio planner for Xbox Live Arcade's, the company envisioned the Community Games as a way for programmers to bring niche experimental games to wider attention without justifying the cost of a full Arcade title with only a limited audience, while still potentially earning some money for the effort. [4]
Single identity across all platforms (tied to a Microsoft Account) Cross-platform chat, with text, voice, and video; Unified friends list and message system; Single, worldwide currency for purchasing virtual games, music, videos and content (Microsoft Points) Cross-platform multiplayer online gaming, including game invites
As part of the "New Xbox Experience" update launched on November 19, 2008, Microsoft launched Xbox Live Community Games (later renamed to Xbox Live Indie Games), a service similar to Xbox Live Arcade, with smaller and less expensive games created by independent developers and small studios using the XNA framework. [5]
Valve Corporation, also known as Valve Software, is an American video game developer, publisher, and digital distribution company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.It is the developer of the software distribution platform Steam and the game franchises Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, Day of Defeat, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead and Dota.
Downloadable content (DLC) [a] is additional content created for an already released video game, distributed through the Internet by the game's publisher. It can either be added for no extra cost or it can be a form of video game monetization, [1] enabling the publisher to gain additional revenue from a title after it has been purchased, often using some type of microtransaction system.