Free-to-play Xbox Live game hits 2 million players

Xbox Live's first free-to-play game, Happy Wars, has been downloaded more than 2 million times since launch in October, developer Toylogic announced today. That figure is up from 1.2 million in December.

Though Happy Wars is free to play, gamers can purchase "happy tickets" with real-world money to upgrade their characters' appearance and equipment. This can also be achieved by unlocking "happy stars" through play. Additionally, gamers must hold an Xbox Live Gold subscription ($60 per year) to download Happy Wars.

Toylogic also announced today that a "major" update for Happy Wars has been released. It includes a new Special Match mode, which introduces new multiplayer rules, as well as additional customization slots (from one to three). Lastly, the new Happy Wars update extends the level cap for items from 10 to 15.

The game supports simultaneous play for up to 30 players (15 vs.15), who must attack their opponents' castle while simultaneously defending their own.

Happy Wars may be the first free-to-play game for Xbox Live, but it won't be the last. Signal Studios' third-person role-playing game Ascend: New Gods will also be available through the platform for free when it launches in "several months."