BBCNews reports that EA will release Battlefield Heroes, a free PC version of the popular Battlefield game supported by adverts and micro payments. EA hopes the model of a free game as download that is supported by adverts and micro-payments could be applied to other franchises its owns.

The new version of Battlefield is designed to have more mass market appeal than current titles in the series, which have sold about 10 million copies worldwide. The games has a "cartoon-feel" and has been made simpler to play, with more emphasis on participation and fun than skill and strategy. EA and the game's developer, Dice, have not specified how adverts will work in the game, nor what type of in-game content will be available for purchase. Battlefield Heroes will be released for the PC as a free download in summer 2008.