14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is currently striking partnerships with developers to release free-to-play games for its Xbox 360 console, at least according to a new report.
While the regular gaming model, with full priced titles being sold for all sorts of platforms is still doing quite well, free-to-play games have started seeing massive improvements in terms of quality, and increases in popularity on platforms like the PC, as well as on the PlayStation 3, where Sony deployed the Free Realms MMO.
Now, it seems that Microsoft is keen on getting a piece of the free-to-play pie, as UK magazine Develop is reporting that the North American company has begun striking partnerships with several developers to develop free-to-play games for its Xbox 360 console.
The arrival of such titles on the platform requires Microsoft to implement new pricing schemes as well as a microtransaction model, which lets gamers play for free while allowing them to make small purchases on in-game items when they want.
This system needs to be as intuitive as possible, so that players will be inclined to spend their actual Microsoft Points on items for their free game.
The company has revealed plenty of brand new things for its Xbox 360 console earlier this month at E3 2011, including a new dashboard centered around the Kinect sensor, and plenty of interesting features.
If this free-to-play initiative is actually true, then the company is certain to reveal even more unique experiences.
As of yet, however, the company declined to comment on the report, so Xbox 360 owners are still going to have to pay for their own games.
Many companies are getting behind the free-to-play movement, with the likes of Electronic Arts pushing titles like Battlefield Play4Free on the PC, while Valve just made its extremely popular Team Fortress 2 online shooter free to play last week, allowing anyone to get a free account, which is upgraded the first time the player makes an in-game purchase.