UK retail chains Tesco and Game will sell prepaid cards for Facebook Credits, the social network's universal virtual currency system for microtransactions in social games and apps.
The two companies join a growing list of major retailers that have agreed to stock Credits; in the U.S., Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are all selling the prepaid cards. Tesco currently maintains 2,482 locations in the UK, while Game operates 683 stores in the region. Facebook says it will work with other large retailers in the future, too.
Designed to be more portable than game- or publisher-specific virtual currency systems, Credits can be used to purchase virtual goods in any participating Facebook apps. Over 200 social games and applications have integrated Credits, and 22 of the most popular 25 Facebook apps (according to monthly active users) offer it as a payment option.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Facebook Credits' product marketing manager Deborah Liu said that while users can only spend the virtual currency on Facebook.com right now, Credits could expand beyond the main site to Facebook Connect -- an API allowing users to log into third-party sites, apps, and more with their Facebook account.
"Someday it's something that we would consider, but there's a lot that we want to do on Facebook.com for now," said Liu. She has also previously mentioned the social network's aspiration to turn Credits into an international virtual currency, comparing its potential to the Euro, which she said helped broaden trade between countries in Europe.
"social network's aspiration to turn Credits into an international virtual currency, comparing its potential to the Euro, which she said helped broaden trade between countries in Europe. "
What ever she is smoking can I have some please.