Project Spark Will Be Released Free To Play

Project Spark, the map/game/world creator tool, will reportedly be launched for free once the game is completed. A producer on the game, David Sapienza, told Siliconera that a pack containing environment pieces, a terrain builder, building parts and enemy models with be available in a pack for free download. He also noted that you can also download other players’ maps for free, and that everything seen at E3 would be part of that free pack.

This is an excellent decision for a game in the map-editing sub-genre. The software allows you to choose what kind of game you want to make (action, adventure, shooter, fantasy, etc.), and with its seemingly silly nature that it was shown off with at E3 suggests that the game might be released with an E for Everyone ESRB. If they can do that, the developers at Team Dakota could be setting up the next generation of game devs by giving kids (and adults alike) an entry-level game creator and getting them interested in their profession.

It also allows Microsoft a world of partnering opportunities with film, TV and other gaming companies. Similar to Little Big Planet and its Metal Gear-themed packs, Project Spark can release downloadable content with specific focuses on textures, enemies, songs and more from other games. As well, in a business sense, it sets up a buy-what-you-want model that can earn them more money over time. Yes, the game could have shipped for $60 and charge extra content as it goes, but by releasing it for free it allows a much larger base of players to get hooked on what this game can do, and in turn gets more people buying downloadable content.

Project Spark will be released on the Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.