Not much, but something!

Microsoft has released an interesting new way to save Microsoft Points through achievements in their Xbox Live Rewards program. Basically, the higher your gamerscore, the better the savings. Just how much better? Well, it’s unfortunately a tad underwhelming. Check out the details after the cut.

So the good news, as I said above, is that those achievements we all work so hard to unlock finally have more meaning than bragging about who has the least amount of friends. The rewards that are given are broken down into three tiers:

• At 3000 points, you unlock the CONTENDER rank, earning you a “special gift” during your birthday month.
• At 10000 points, you become a CHAMPION, promising you the same “special gift” from above, as well as receiving a 1% (yes, one single percent) rebate on EVERY Xbox Live Marketplace purchase you make at the end of every month.
• Glory be to those LEGENDS who unlock 25000 points worth of achievements, netting a smooth 2% (that’s DOUBLE the previous rank!) rebate on all Marketplace purchases, plus the satisfying “special gift” we’ve known to love and cherish.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What is this fantastical sounding special gift for our birthday months?” Well there’s no specific answer, but if you read the asterix at the bottom of the page linked above, you’ll get a hint, stating that the approximate retail value of the gift is $0.25.

Wait, wait, wait. You mean I get 16 MS Points back when I buy an 800 MS Point games AND I get a quarter? GEE WHIZ, THIS SOUNDS GREAT.

In all seriousness, it IS pretty neat that achievements have SOME kind of usefulness now. I just wish it were a bit more worthwhile.