In August, Microsoft announced that the first free-to-play game (with microtransaction purchases) for its Xbox 360 console would be Happy Wars from Tokyo-based Toylogic. Happy Wars, a multiplayer third person shooter with a cartoony art style, was launched for Xbox Live Arcade gamers in October. This week, Toylogic revealed that Happy Wars has now logged over two million players since going live.
The press release, via Gamasutra, would seem to prove that the free-to-play microtransaction business model for games, which first started on the PC, can continue to consoles such as the Xbox 360. Toylogic also announced a new title update for Happy Wars that goes live this week, which will include a Special Match mode where players can participate in online matches featuring different rules than the normal gameplay design.
Microsoft has plans to launch a second free-to-play game for the Xbox 360 later this year. Ascend: New Gods, which was first announced at E3 2012 last June, is being developed by Signal Studios. Unlike Happy Wars, Ascend: New Gods is being developed as an "M" rated fantasy action-RPG title. The game will also have some kind of mobile phone support as well.
Today, Activision's official community blog, One of Swords, confirmed that the Xbox 360 version of the hit shooter Call of Duty Black Ops 2 will add microtransaction items starting on Wednesday. They will include personalization packs for player weapons and more. The blog states, "At the end of the day, all of these items are completely optional, and were created for players who’ve asked for more customization options."
Source: Toylogic press release | Image via Toylogic
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