EA has announced Battlefield Play4Free, a free-to-play title based on its Battlefield 2 and Bad Company retail games. Unlike microtransaction-funded casual game Battlefield Heroes, Play4Free will focus on core gamers.
The PC game will support 32 players and include the most popular maps from previous Battlefield releases. A closed beta is scheduled to begin next month, followed by a full release in Spring next year.
"We broke new ground in 2009 with the launch of Battlefield Heroes; a game that has six million registered players worldwide," says senior producer, James Salt. "Now we are complementing that arcade shooter with a core, realistic Battlefield shooter experience that fans have been clamouring for. Battlefield Play4Free is for serious shooter fans who are looking for a premium - but free - experience that rivals top console titles."