'Fable II' Episode Free On Xbox Live

If Microsoft's new "Fable II" strategy works, the Xbox Live Marketplace may to turn into a veritable software deli. "Fable II," long available as a disc will now be broken up and sold in chapters overs over XBL -- and the first chapter is free. Four more "Fable II: Game Episodes" installments will follow with undisclosed price points.

"As an incentive for those curious about the adventures that await them in 'Fable II,' Microsoft Game Studios is making the first episode free to download," Microsoft's press release states.

The episodes promise to integrate profiles and save files seamlessly, as players add chapters or switch over to a hard copy disc.

"Players who decide to purchase 'Fable II' either digitally or on disc after a foray into the first game episode will find their saved progress, character profile, and items from the first episode will be transferred seamlessly as they continue their journey," according to Microsoft.

The big lingering question seems to be how much the episodes will run individually. As hard drives grow, this distribution model certainly makes a lot of sense for games that make sense release in such a manner. If the strategy grows legs, we might even seen a blurred line between downloadable content and straight-up ongoing game serialization, which has some cool implications. For now, though, free never hurt anyone, and non-"Fable II" owners now have a free demo to download on XBL.

What do you think of Microsoft's new strategy for selling "Fable II"? How much do you think they should charge for individual chapters? Share your reactions in the comment section below.

Tags fable, Fable 2, lionhead studios, microsoft game studios