EA Announces Free Battlefield Game

Electronic Arts has unveiled a free, ad-supported addition to its popular Battlefield series of games, called Battlefield Heroes.

Unlike previous entries in the franchise, Battlefield Heroes will feature "cartoon-style" graphics, along with a built-in matchmaking system to help ensure fair play by putting together gamers of equal skill, character customization options and a "deep online meta-game" which will offer numerous hours of gameplay to gamers of all levels. The game is being developed by Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment (EA DICE), the studio behind the previous Battlefield games.

"We put a different twist on this Battlefield game going with the cartoon-style graphics and gameplay," said EA DICE Senior Producer Ben Cousins. "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."

Gerhard Florin, executive vice president at EA, added, "Online gaming garners a massive audience. 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."

Along with advertisements, the game will use microtransactions to generate revenue, although details of how they will be implemented were not given. Battlefield Heroes is currently scheduled for release as a free download in summer 2008.