EA's Battlefield Heroes Attains 2 Million Players

Team-based shooter Battlefield Heroes' battlefield runneth over with heroes, according to publisher Electronic Arts, which claims the game has reached 2 million registered users. The free-to-play PC game launched three months ago, and is one of EA's two diverging download-only titles continuing the successful Battlefield series, the other being the more traditional Battlefield 1943. Both are set during World War II, the setting that kicked the series off, and both are developed by Sweden-based franchise creator DICE. In addition to the free gameplay, Heroes offers user customization items that can be purchased with in-game points or real-world money. Heroes also generates revenue through in-game advertising. The game reached 1 million players in July, only a few weeks after release, suggesting new user growth has slowed. But the game had been in various forms of closed and open multiplayer beta for over a year, giving a lengthy head start to capture a substantial base before the official "ship date." Next week, DICE will add to the game with the "Heroes of the Fall" update, which includes a new map as well as numerous class and ranking system updates.