Company of Heroes launching free-to-play in US [UPDATE]
Update: The official press release on this went live this morning. We've added it to the bottom of the post, since the source link seems to have gone dead.
Original: THQ will release its free-to-play version of WWII RTS Company of Heroes in the US, says VentureBeat.
THQ will announce today that Company of Heroes Online will be released in the US market as a free-to-play online game.
Players will be able to play online for free, but will be able to accelerate progress in the game by spending real money on virtual goods.
“In the past, our multiplayer experience was a quick game session that was over as soon as the match was over,” said Tim Holman, senior producer at Relic Entertainment.
“With this game, you get an extended experience over time.”
The single-player game will also be given away free.
Free-to-play versions of Company of Heroes are already running in China and South Korea.
No date's been given for the US launch as yet.
Press release is below.
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI - News) today announced the evolution of its critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes®, into a unique free-to-play micro-transaction online multiplayer experience scheduled for release in the North American market this fall.
Developed by THQ’s Relic Entertainment studio, creators of the award-winning Company of Heroes and Dawn of War franchises, Company of Heroes Online is an online multiplayer real-time-strategy game that is free to download and play. Building on the frenetic Real-Time-Strategy action of the original Company of Heroes, Company of Heroes Online offers army specialization, commander customization, and persistent progression, allowing players to strategize on and off the battlefield. Players will also have the opportunity to earn or purchase special units and upgrades and improve their army with each and every multiplayer victory.
Travis Plane, Vice President of Global Brand Management commented, “We are delighted to bring this award-winning franchise to gamers in a whole new way with the online version of the Company of Heroes experience. Players will benefit from the persistent upgrades and the ability to tailor their armies to really suit their play style making this a unique experience for everyone.”
About Company of Heroes Online
The critically acclaimed real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes, will be available as a unique free-to-play micro-transaction online multiplayer experience. Take command of your company as you wage online warfare across the ravaged battlefields of World War II-era Europe. Choose from one of six different divisions, from the brutal German Blitzkrieg to the deadly efficient Allied Airborne, each with its own combat style and unique Commander Abilities. Customize your army and enter each battle with your own unique set of battle-tested Heroes, upgrades, and devastating Commander Abilities. Become the ultimate military commander as you unlock new abilities with every conflict and build your army with every victory. For more information about Company of Heroes Online, please visit www.companyofheroes.com.