Microsoft's first foray into free-to-play on Xbox Live has become something of a success. Today, the developer has revealed that Happy Wars has reached over 1.2 million players worldwide. Given the price of entry is simply an Xbox Live Gold account, it's unsurprising that players would give it a try.

"We put a lot of effort into making a game that would appeal to every type of player, but it is still incredible to see so many join the battle so quickly," game director Yoichi Take said in a press release.

A new "Holiday Update" launches for the game today, introducing a new "Special Challenge" that has you and a partner taking on boss challenges. It will be available for a limited time.

Like many other F2P games, while downloading and playing Happy Wars is free, the game features an extensive marketplace of virtual goods to buy while rummaging through the online world. Here's the latest trailer: