Rumor: Free-to-Play Games Coming to Xbox Live

Microtransaction-based games coming next year.

Sometime next year, Microsoft will make available free-to-play (F2P) games through Xbox Live. This will allow publishers and developers to release games through the service for free where users can then purchase additional content, such as weapons, experience points, in-game currency, and perks. 

The F2P business model is traditionally used for massively multiplayer online games on PC, such as Vindictus and Dungeon Fighter Online from Nexon and League of Legends by Riot Games. Electronic Arts also began experimenting with a F2P model for shooters, including Battlefield Heroes in 2009 and more recently with Battlefield Play4Free, which is currently in open beta. 

Joy Ride for Kinect was originally pegged as a F2P game for Xbox Live Gold and Free members when it was first unveiled at E3 2009. Game modes and environments were planned to be free. Customization options were going to cost Microsoft Points, however.