Suggestion - Microsoft Gift Cards for optional Payment Method

Serenez

I am very excited about the Microsoft/ZOS integration and personally would love to see Microsoft Gift Cards (using Microsoft account balance) as an optional method of payment for initial purchase of the game, additional content and ESO Plus.

Currently as it stands there are very limited options for gifting.

1. Physical copy of game
2. Steam - not everyone wishes to use this platform.

Depending on your Country of residence, obtaining alternative payment cards are not very easy. Microsoft has already implemented their own form of payment gift card which is added to a Microsoft Account by means of an account balance that you can use as your method of payment on their Xbox platform for gaming. These cards are readily available to consumers at least in Canada in many credible and authorized retail outlets both in the physical store and online.

It is my hope that this will become an option in the very near future as a method of payment on the PC platform for initial game purchases, additional content and ESO plus. With the current pandemic and the effects on the global economy, the luxury of gaming may not be a reality for some. By gifting a Microsoft Gift card it would allow the recipient to potentially collect enough of a balance that they could buy the game, ESO Plus or Crowns for an in game item they really wanted. Steam should not be the only digital means of gifting especially when Microsoft has their own platform.

With a linked Microsoft account and allowing the use of a Microsoft Account balance as method of payment, In my opinion it would be a great selling feature to provide this service to their consumers and one more reason to choose Microsoft/ZOS for gaming. I personally would love to have this an an option, would you? Would you be more keen to sign up for ESO Plus, buy more items from the Crown Store etc. if you could put Microsoft Gift cards on your holiday ESO wish list?

The intent of this thread is a positive one and ask kindly that it not be derailed on any other topic. There are other threads regarding game related issues or concerns and would ask that you continue those discussions there.

Norgh

Microsoft gift cards would be a nice idea, but as the base game is on game pass fewer people will buy the game outright I suspect. I also envisage a time when ESO+ will also be a part of game pass ultimate not base game pass though just ultimate.Anything to drive up the game pass subscription numbers.

But to be honest who know what Microsoft's plans are?

Serenez

Norgh wrote: »

Microsoft gift cards would be a nice idea, but as the base game is on game pass fewer people will buy the game outright I suspect. I also envisage a time when ESO+ will also be a part of game pass ultimate not base game pass though just ultimate.Anything to drive up the game pass subscription numbers.

But to be honest who know what Microsoft's plans are?

For those currently on the PC platform there is no Game Pass. The implementation of paying for ESO Plus with Microsoft Account balance is already available on the Xbox platform. My suggestion is to give an option for those on the PC platform to utilize the perks and benefits of belonging to the Microsoft family with respect to payment options. ZOS is now part of the Microsoft family so I am hoping this will also give PC customers the same feeling of belonging and convenience.

Norgh

Ahh I see, yes like I said the gift card idea is very good alternative as you say, I can only see much closer integration for ESO into the Microsoft fold including ESO being on game pass for PC.

Serenez

Norgh wrote: »

Ahh I see, yes like I said the gift card idea is very good alternative as you say, I can only see much closer integration for ESO into the Microsoft fold including ESO being on game pass for PC.

Even before the integration becomes finalized, I would hope they would look at adding this payment option especially with the holiday season approaching. In my opinion, It would create more opportunity for revenue for ZOS as it would give their consumers more flexibility with payment options especially due to financial losses many have endured this year. Having Steam as the only authorized digital method of gifting is very limiting, even if that gifting opportunity is for yourself.

I too can see more options becoming available for gameplay and looking forward to what they have planned.

Anyhow - Holiday Elves please add this to my Holiday Wish List

Serenez

With the acquisition now complete I am going to renew my previous thread about asking for Microsoft Gift Cards as a method of payment. I am very excited to see what is on the horizon and it is my hope that we can add a new method of payment on the PC platform. Not everyone wishes to play on Steam and having Steam as the only option to gift the game or any of the additions to the game to friends or family is very limiting.

For those that may not have a credit card or electronic method of payment, adding an option to pay from a Microsoft balance for new DLCs, crowns, expansions, subscription time, this would give more freedom on how to purchase and gift the game and all that it offers.

With economic challenges that families around the world have endured this past year, not everyone has the luxury of available funds on either their credit card and or bank account, with many losing their jobs or not being able to work at their current jobs. Having an option where friends or family can give a gift card to provide a much needed distraction during these times would be most welcome at least in my opinion.

As both an Xbox One and PC player I am very excited about this acquisition and cannot wait to see what is on the horizon