EA unveils first free commercial PC game

Games giant Electronic Arts has announced plans for its first ever completely free commercial PC game.

Battlefield Heroes, which is being developed by Battlefield 1942 creators DICE in Stockholm, will not be available through the usual retail outlets, but instead will be available as a free-to-play download.

Unlike most other free titles, however, EA's cartoon-style shooter, which aims to make money by selling in-game advertising and player item transactions, promises the same quality as users would expect from a commercially-released game.

“Online gaming garners a massive audience,” said Gerhard Florin at EA. “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.”

“We put a different twist on this Battlefield game, going with the cartoon-style graphics and gameplay,” added Ben Cousins, senior producer at DICE. “There’s something here for all types of players - be it our core Battlefield fans or casual gamers. With the new online model, we will continually add new content to keep the game fresh and keep players engaged, while integrating player feedback in real time. As a game developer, it is such a cool new way to make games.”

Battlefield Heroes will be released in Summer 2008.