Well...it depends. The points work a lot like level-ups in an RPG, you can use the points to give you different weapons/abilities or make you stronger/better, which can lead to balancing issues, especially since there is no filtering system.Tribes Ascend has a mix. You can earn new classes, weapons, etc. through playing the game or purchase it upfront (I remember Battlefield doing something similar). From what I've heard of the game, though, this really hasn't affected much in the way of the game's balance. There are also cosmetic items to purchase as well.