Free 2 play games heading to the 360?

Microsoft is reportedly set to launch free-to-play video games on its Xbox Live service.

According to a "trusted source" speaking to IGN, publishers and developers will be able to release games for free and then charge users for additional content, such as weapons, experience points, in-game currency, and perks. The first of these titles is expected to arrive next year.

The news is particularly surprising considering Microsoft's notorious refusal to make Xbox Live an 'open' service for third-party developers - meaning that any microtransaction or upgrade requires MS approval, and preventing developers offering upgrades direct to consumers.

Companies such as Valve have admitted frustration with the limitations this places on upgrades and patches to titles such as Team Fortress 2.

Microsoft is therefore likely to publish any F2P title itself. The business model has won popularity online, with titles such as League of Legends by Riot Games and more recently EA's BattleField Play4Free attracting legions of gamers.

I hope this is true, titles like Battlefield and Need for Speed have great free 2 play versions

This could be interesting, the first couple of titles on this could make or break the long term support from either side of dev or gamer based on how much content is given for free and how much comes at a premium

contrary to popular belief, ms are not always money grabbing twats - although the zune hd didnt really take off they periodically bring out new apps for it for free.

It will be the likes of EA I would be more worried about - they offer DLC on launch to unlock everything in a game and its not always cheap.

Take a look at the new Tiger Woods game and add up the cost of the game plus all the DLC and it comes to a horrendous amount if you wanted the lot on day 1....