Sometime next year, Microsoft will make available free-to-play (F2P)
games through Xbox Live, a trusted source told IGN. This will allow
publishers and developers to release games through the service for free
where users can then purchase additional content, such as weapons,
experience points, in-game currency, and perks.
The F2P business model is traditionally used for massively multiplayer
online games on PC, such as Vindictus and Dungeon Fighter Online from
Nexon and League of Legends by Riot Games. Electronic Arts also began
experimenting with a F2P model for shooters, including Battlefield
Heroes in 2009 and more recently with Battlefield Play4Free, which is
currently in open beta.
Joy Ride for Kinect was originally pegged as a F2P game for Xbox Live
Gold and Free members when it was first unveiled at E3 2009. Game modes
and environments were planned to be free. Customization options were
going to cost Microsoft Points, however.
