Redakcja Choose TV
The costs associated with gaming have been rising for several years on practically all platforms. The prices of new games are increasingly exceeding the equivalent of several hundred zlotys, and purchasing a new console represents a significant expense for many people. However, it seems that Microsoft is looking for ways to make purchases easier for its users. The latest information indicates that the company is working on a payment installment system directly in the Xbox store. The solution would utilize popular financial services already known from many online shops.
Buying games and equipment without paying the full amount upfront
Information about the new feature emerged after analyzing the code of the Xbox website. The discovered entries suggest that Microsoft is preparing integration with the Klarna and PayPal platforms. Both services offer a "buy now, pay later" payment model. This allows users to split the cost of their purchase into several installments instead of paying the full amount at once. According to the discovered information, PayPal will enable payment to be divided into four interest-free installments made every two weeks. There was also mention of the possibility of repaying purchases over up to 24 months. However, additional fees or interest may apply in this case. Klarna, on the other hand, is expected to offer payment split into three parts regulated every 30 days. The detailed terms have not yet been unveiled. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the existence of the new feature. It is also unclear which countries will receive it first. However, the mere appearance of relevant entries in the code suggests that the project is already in an advanced stage of preparation. Therefore, it is possible that an official announcement will occur in the coming months. For many gamers, this could be one of the most practical changes in the Xbox store in a long time.
Rising Game Prices May Accelerate the Implementation of a New Feature
The gaming industry has been struggling with rising production costs for some time now. As a result, the prices of new titles are regularly going up. More and more launches cost even 70 or 80 dollars, and a similar trend can be seen in Europe as well. Additionally, players have to reckon with higher prices for consoles, accessories, and additional services. In this situation, the option to spread the expenditure over installments may be attractive to many users. Microsoft has previously tried to lower the entry barrier to its ecosystem. One example is the development of the Game Pass service, which provides access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. Now the company could take another step and facilitate the financing of individual purchases. This could be particularly significant for the launches of major hits or new devices. However, it is worth remembering that deferred payments do not mean a lower product price. In many cases, the user will still have to cover the full cost of the purchase, just spread over time. Some options may also involve additional fees. Despite this, the solution could increase the availability of more expensive products for some players. If Microsoft decides to officially implement the feature, the Xbox store will become another major digital platform offering modern forms of financing purchases.
Microsoft may soon add the option for installment payments for games and hardware to the Xbox store. Clues about this new feature were found in the code of the platform's website. Integration with Klarna and PayPal would allow purchases to be spread over several months, which may interest many gamers in times of rising prices. However, an official confirmation from Microsoft is still awaited.
source: digitaltrends
