Microsoft is planning to release a second 'season' of Xbox One fighter Killer Instinct in 2014, according to creative director Ken Lobb.

The free-to-play reboot is set to be available at launch with a single playable character, with a further five fighters (and two more after launch) available for purchase at $4.99 / £3.99 / €4.99 each.

Alternatively, Xbox One owners will be able to purchase the entire character roster for $19.99 / £16.99 / €19.99.

According to Microsoft's Lobb - most famous for being named after the worst gun in N64 classic GoldenEye - Microsoft is planning to launch another set of eight characters in 2014 under the same payment structure.

"You can pay $20 again and now you have 16 characters, or you pay $40 again and you'll get the everything version," Lobb told Eurogamer, confirming that future characters will also be available to purchase individually.

Microsoft's ultimate goal for Killer Instinct is to continually release these 'season' packs throughout the Xbox One's lifespan, Lobb said.

"Obviously like everything else, it depends on whether it sells, but my expectation is yes. That's the goal.

"What happens if we make a game that's a generation, but it's really one game? That doesn't mean we won't refine the engine. That means we refine the engine and suddenly the older version looks better or does something different, without you having to pay."

Killer Instinct will be free to download at Xbox One's launch with Jago as the first included character. Three months after launch Jago will be swapped out for another free character, "so in that sense you can play for free over years," says Lobb.

Posted: Aug 28, 2013 5:14 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/426731/killer-instinct-season-2-planned-for-2014/