Command & Conquer Generals 2, originally announced at the VGAs as a new retail game by BioWare Victory, will now be released as the first "universe" of a free-to-play service called simply "Command & Conquer."

Command & Conquer will launch next year as a platform for the delivery of new experiences in the strategy franchise, starting with the material originally planned as Generals 2. This move allows "gamers complete access to the cutting-edge visuals, sound and destruction of a full, AAA strategy game – for free," as EA puts it. Future "universes" will include Red Alert and Tiberium.

We'll find out more about this sudden transition, and this new service, at Gamescom. Closed beta access will be given to some fans who sign up at theofficial site.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/co...ree-to-play-c/