Command & Conquer Generals 2 will be part of a free-to-play C&C service

EA has announced that Command & Conquer Generals 2 has been transformed and will now be released as the first "universe" in Command & Conquer, a new free-to-play online service powered by the Frostbite 2 engine.

The Command & Conquer service will feature at least three different C&C universe's, Generals 2 will become the Generals universe, while two other universes based on Red Alert and Tiberium will be added after launch.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity to transform Command and Conquer into a premier online experience,” said Jon Van Caneghem, VP/GM at EA. “For nearly two decades, this franchise has existed as something you buy; now we are creating a destination where our fans will be able to access the entire Command and Conquer universe, starting with Generals and continuing with Red Alert, Tiberium, and beyond. With Frostbite 2, we are able to keep an emphasis on the AAA quality our consumers expect while staying true to the RTS gameplay they know and love – all available online for free.”

Command & Conquer will be available as a free, client-based game for the PC in 2013. Gamers can sign up for a chance to be among the first to try the closed beta of Command & Conquer at www.CommandandConquer.com/free.