Microsoft Announces Happy Wars, First Free-to-Play Xbox 360 Game

Video game publisher Microsoft has announced that it will launch the first free-to-play title for the Xbox 360 home console during the fall, opening the door for other games that use the same business model.

Happy Wars is developed by Toylogic, a development studio from Japan, and will be offered to all those who have an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Gamers will be able to get the core experience for free and those who are willing can also customize their in-game character by purchasing virtual items with real world money.

It’s not clear whether players will get access only to items with visual characteristics or whether they are also able to get items that have an impact on the gameplay of Happy Wars.

More options and items will be added after the game launches.

Microsoft is probably testing the water with Happy Wars and more free-to-play titles will probably get ports if it proves successful.