Free-To-Play Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes Announced

BioWare will be getting in on the new free-to-play craze. Today they announced Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes, a PC player-versus-player game based on the MMO Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

"Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes will advance online action games by delivering instant, fast-paced, and competitive PvP arena gameplay – for free!" says BioWare. "In this thrilling game, players form three teams and will dive into epic 18-player battles using a variety of characters and iconic Warhammer Online heroes, settings, and weapons. The course of conflict can quickly turn against you as players switch from one hero to another mid-battle, and alliances between the teams are forged – and broken."

There's no mention of how the game will support itself financially. Presumably you'll be able to purchase optional items for real money. These optional sales - known as microtransactions - are the common way that free-to-play games turn a profit.

For a chance to play in the closed beta, head to the game's website. The game's public launch is scheduled for Fall 2011 for North America and Europe.