Xbox Live Achievement Points - what are they good for?

[peachadelic]

First off, I don't own an Xbox or a PS3, so this is not a rhetorical question. I really don't know what these points are good for. I think the PS3 has a similar system, but right now I'm only sure about the Xbox having these "Achievement points".

I watched a bit of a let's play Assassins Creed 2 video on youtube and at some point it said "earned 200 Points", to which the player commented "That was an easy 200 points". So does that mean it's really desirable to get these points? Can you get something for them?
I think that you can buy retro games and such on Xbox Live Arcade, and you buy them with some sort of points. Is that related in any way?
Do you earn points in games to be able to buy stuff (cheaper) on Xbox Live arcade, or for some DLCs or something like that? Can you actually do something with it?
Or is it just a score for people to brag with? Because if it was just for bragging, as in "Hey look how many points I got on Assassin's Creed2" then the player I watched in the video wouldn't have said "Wow that was easy", because it was one of the first missions, 200 points that anyone playing the game will get. It won't put him ahead of others in terms of reaching a highscore.

 

[FallenJellyDoughnut]

Its so wankers can brag about how they wasted thier life getting all these stupid achievements.

 

[Scikosomatic]

they mean nothing

 

[hypothetical fact]

It's a symbol representing how many games or how much time you've spent on your games. Also it lets you flex your e-peen.

Its so wankers can brag about how they wasted thier life getting all these stupid achievements.

Someone is small in the e-pants.

 

[Cherry Cola]

It's satisfying to get them. Some people might not think that, then it's ok for them.

 

[FallenJellyDoughnut]

It's a symbol representing how many games or how much time you've spent on your games. Also it lets you flex your e-peen.

Its so wankers can brag about how they wasted thier life getting all these stupid achievements.

Someone is small in the e-pants.

No I just can't stand it when my friends go "Hey, check out all my trophies! Aren't they awesome?" Usually I just say "No, fuck you, can we play the fucking game now?!"

 

[Fenring]

They're just a fun thing to have. It can be a nice way to show off your mad crazy skillz when friends come over without replicating the event. Now they unlock Avatar Awards in certain games.

 

[SonicKoala]

It's purely for the gamer's satisfaction. I own a PS3, which has the trophy system, which is basically the same thing. I really enjoy them as it gives me something to strive for in a game.