How Xbox Live's Reward Program and PlayStation's Rewards Gives Back to Gamers

In December 2010, Microsoft began the sign up process for the new Xbox Live rewards program for users in the U.S. and UK. While the details were sketchy at first, points are now pending and the system seems to be working. The reward program is an easy way to earn Microsoft points. Here's how it works and how it compares to what is known about the upcoming PlayStation reward program.

How to earn Xbox Live points
You sign up here. Once your account is activated, you can start earning points by taking monthly surveys, buying from the Marketplace, or renewing your subscription. Right now, there is a special that earns 80 points by purchasing an avatar item of 240 points or more. New Xbox Live Gold members get 100 points for a first time Marketplace purchase or starting a Gold account. There is also 100 points for trying applications like Netflix. Monthly surveys are worth 20 points. Renewing or upgrading Gold subscriptions are worth from 10 points to 400 points. Since the program is new, there will be other ways to earn points in the future. Certain Gold members were recently invited to take place in a VIP rewards program where they can win prizes like Kinect games bundles.

Once you earn the Microsoft points, they can take awhile from them to show up in your account. When the program first started, it took longer then usual for the points to show up as pending. Points are suppose to appear in the pending section of the points summary no later then 36 hours, but it may take up to 96 hours. You need at least 100 points before they are deposited into your account. Also, it will take up to 45 days for points to be credited to you. Right now, all points earned through the program will expire on June 30, 2012.

How will Xbox Live's program fare against the PlayStation's reward program?
In October, Sony launched its own reward program to select members of their Plus service. There are three levels in the PS3's program, Select, Pro, and Legendary. PS3's program is suppose to go live this spring. Sony has not specifically said what types of rewards are available except users will have access to certain themes, PlayStation Home items and avatars. There also will be sweepstakes to win prizes. Players will reach different levels depending on how many new games they play or how many items they purchase at the PSN store.

It seems to me that Xbox Live's programs gives user more freedom with their rewards right now. Microsoft points are the currency of Xbox Live and can be used to purchase everything from games to avatar pets. The PSN doesn't have its own currency system, everything is bought with "real" money. While avatar items and background themes are nice, I would rather have the freedom to spend my rewards how ever I like. As both programs are in their infancy, the rewards and new information about the programs will be updated in the coming months.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://rewards.xbox.com/

http://electronictheatre.co.uk/index.php/xbox360/xbxo360-news/6984-microsoft-expand-xbox-live-rewards-programme-offer-free-games

http://us.playstation.com/psr/