DICE, the developer behind Battlefield: 2, are keen to take the fight to rival 2 with the release of on the same day that releases its first map pack for the best-selling shooter.

The VIP Map Pack 2 will be available on March 30 as a free download if you picked up a copy of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 new. Providing these maps for free flies in the face of Modern Warfare 2, which is charging a premium for its upcoming Stimulus Package DLC.

"[New content] also plays a vital part in making sure you, the players get proper value for the money you've invested in Battlefield: Bad Company 2," DICE posted to its blog. "This is why these map packs are available at no extra cost, contradicting the standard and what our direct competitors are doing."

Free versus paid - which DLC will reign supreme come March 30?

By Tracy Erickson