If Electronic Arts recent statement about an open gaming platform in the future wasn't exciting enough, they've announced they will release a free online version of the popular Battlefield game to be supported by adverts and micro payments.

This move marks EA's first attempt to gain revenue just from adverts rather than the consumer in the Western world.

EA hopes the free download status could be applied to other franchises it owns, setting a trend for other video game developers to follow. The company has already released a free version of Fifa 2008 in South Korea, last year earning more than $1 million (£500,000) a month through in-game sales.

Gerhard Florin, from EA, was once again on hand with a statement to the press.

"People want to play games in new ways, with easier access that is quick to the fun. With Battlefield Heroes, EA brings its first major franchise to North America and Europe with a new distribution model and pricing structure adapted to the evolving way that people play."

He later went on to comment that Battlefield Heroes will only be available online later this year for the PC, and will not be sold in shops.

The game is believed to have a more mass market appeal than current titles in the series. EA and the game's developer, Dice, however are yet to specify how adverts will work in the game, nor what type of in-game content will be available for purchase.

Tags : 2008 : America : battlefield : EA : electronic arts : europe : fifa : Gerhard Florin : heroes : pc

Comments

By: Evren On: 05:59 Jan 21st, 2008 Offline	Free? EA?! snort That wont last long, they'll come back to thier senses soon enough. Never really a fan of battlefield myself, and most people who are, have already bought it.

By: dragongee On: 06:05 Jan 21st, 2008 Online	I've never heard of battlefield before - although if you show me the front cover of a game i would prob recognise it... The thing that dargged me in to this article wasnt the "free" - it was Mr Gerhard Florin. He always seems to have an opinon on things especially in the best interests of a gamer...

By: Shad On: 02:37 Jan 21st, 2008 Offline	EA did the whole In Game Advertising thing before in Battlefield 2142 and it flopped there like a mother. Only a few companies got behind it like intel and, umm, I think that was about it. Oh, it totally killed immersion, too. Now, if the battlefield game was set in modern day times, I'd have no problem with a signpost or billboad sprouting the golden arches, because it belongs there in modern cities. EA have been heading towards micro transactions for a while now; in Tiger Wood's Golf cheats could be purchased for a few dollars here or there, I imagine unlockable content will be the same deal here. Upgrade your gun? $5 please. Want extra ammo storage or the ability to sprint further? Cough up. It's an interesting little experiment. I wonder if EA think they can honestly turn a profit from this sort of thing? Guess we'll find out after this game is out for a few months.

By: EvilxBunny On: 04:11 Jan 22nd, 2008 Offline	It worked for Turok and Prince of Persia ;p. I dont think its a bad idea.

By: dilmanator On: 07:43 Jan 22nd, 2008 Offline	It didn't work for far cry. I played the free version of the game and was so sickened by the ad's I went out and paid 20 AU dollars and picked it up from the budget shelf. Well I suppose if it made me go out and do that it did work for the developer :P

By: boa On: 10:06 Jan 23rd, 2008 Offline	Depends on what the micro transactions are for. If it's weapon/character upgrades, then people with the money would have an advantage. Those and enthusiasts. Oh, and little old me and many other people, lack the ability to even get this game...

By: Dragonfly On: 01:07 Jan 24th, 2008 Online	Honestly, this just seems like a strange direction for Electronic Arts to take. Micro-management games are a hit and miss thing. I fail to understand why they'd even be interested in pursuing it.

By: boa On: 09:02 Jan 24th, 2008 Offline	Cause if it hits, great. If it misses, they can afford and possibly release it the stanard way "due to popular demand"