The very fact that Microsoft charges 800 MS Points just so a person can change their tag is pretty farcical, but one particular gamer feels more sore about it than anybody else. Dave Zatz tried to change the tag for free after he received an alleged death threat -- surprise surprise, Microsoft didn't give out.
"I’ll kill you in real life with a real gun," was the threat made over a game of Call of Duty: World at War. While Zatz suggests he never felt the threat was too serious, he nevertheless felt a change of tag would be wise.
"So I gave the Xbox Live support folks a call," Zatz explains. "And it turns out a death threat doesn’t exempt you from the Gamertag change fee, which runs 800 Microsoft Points. As Microsoft doesn’t actually match Points to dollars or sell 800 Point bundles via Live, I ended up paying $12.50 for 1,000 Points to fund my new identity."
The writer feels that death threats must be common, since the Live support staff didn't seem too concerned. Of course, the support staff is never concerned about anything. In fact, this whole story reeks of someone who has never dealt with Microsoft before. If he's shocked that the company nickel and dimes you for a name change and has a crappy customer support line, I can't wait for him to find out the really awful stuff MS does.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
10:30 AM on 12.23.2008
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But that's just cause I don't want to spend 10 bucks. I'd rather live in fear.
800ms points for name change is bullshit.
Also, it is not possible to change your name in PSN, once set, forever set, at least MS makes it a possibility.
LETS HELP.
But them seeing you online gives them no info on your whereabouts so if you play smart and not give out personal info you are fairly safe. Well you might also want to make sure your friends are on the same page too if you alow others to see your friends. But again you have to assume they have already gathered this information at the same time of the threat and if you feel it is sincere contact the authorities.
Next time, use something more anonymous.
Microsoft has the right to charge whatever it wants. However, I have the right to call them cunts for it.