Command & Conquer may be getting starter packs, to have shorter matches

Command & Conquer's episodic, story-driven missions will mean shorter matches for those who wants a quick match before heading off to do something else.

Speaking with Polygon at gamescom, Victory Games' general manager Jon Van Caneghem said the team changed the pacing of the matches since the average time spent in one has gone down considerably since C&C: Generals was released in 2003.

"We've been noticing since the original Generals, the preferred play session has gone done from an hour plus to 30 to 45 minutes," said Van Caneghem. "So we've changed the pacing to deal with that.

Van Caneghem went on to say that those who like to spend an hour or more battling it out will still be able to do so.

While the free-to-play title will not see a "retail release," full episodic campaigns and other long-term support content is planned.

Monetization of the game will work similar to that of World of Tanks and League of Legends, meaning players can gain unlockables through experience or purchasable generals, perks, extra credits, XP boosters and more.

The team is also considering selling starter packs.

"We are toying around with starter packs, maybe selling them for $30 to $40 and including a half-dozen generals and some currency," added Van Caneghem. "That would be for players who don't want to start from scratch and don't want to be a totally free player."

Command & Conquer will launch later this year and is currently in Alpha.