Free-to-play model “simply made sense” for Xbox, says Microsoft

Starting next month, Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers can get a piece of the free pie

Tarryn van der BylAugust 28, 2012

Whether or not free-to-play gaming turns out to be the next big thing, Microsoft is making sure they’ve got it covered just in case – with the September launch of ToyLogic’s Happy Wars, the company is officially clambering aboard the bandwagon to see where it goes.

“We’re always looking at ways to push the boundaries of the console and our digital platform. Bringing true free-to-play gaming experiences to Xbox 360 is a natural extension of that,” a Microsoft rep told OXM.

“With the ongoing success of the model on PC, and the interest from both our consumers and our partners looking to explore this system on console, it simply made sense to deliver this experience through great games that would take advantage of it. In this pilot program, Microsoft Studios will support free-to-play gaming with Happy Wars, due out in September, as well as the recently announced game Ascend: New Gods which will ship in several months.”

According to the rep, free-to-play games will be available to all Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers, and in-game microtransactions will use Microsoft Points pretend-cash so it’s that much harder for you to keep track of how much you’re spending on neon pink horse armour or whatever.