Star Trek Online going free-to-play beginning January 2012

After DC Universe, it’s now time for Cyrptic Studios’ Star Trek Online to go free-to-play starting on January 17, 2012.

Star Trek Online is just like any other fictional MMORPG, only that it takes place in the Star Trek universe, you’re able to visit iconic locations and take the place of famous characters from your favourite franchise.

While it will be free-to-play (or F2P), players will be divided into two separate categories; Silver and Gold members. We all know what that mean, whenever there is a Silver and a Gold division, there is a limitations for one of them.

Obviously, the Silver gets limited, but it’s rather low on the limitations, you still get access to the majority of the Star Trek Online universe, sector missions, PVP access, weekly episode, classes, joining guild, playabvle species and Klingon play. The limitations means that Silver members will have advertisements in the in-game Vivox voice chat, and perks will need to be purchased.

The Gold member, on the other hand, will get the perks along their subscription as well as starting with certain features that Silver members have to unlock  (for example standard ships). Gold members will also have the benefit of having access to the forums and in-game chat without the advertisements.

Other features include the priority login, and a new system that will start on December 1 consisting of a ‘pay’ of 400 free Cyptic points to subscribers each month as a thank you for their loyalty (a $5 value).

The Chinese firm Perfect World that purchased Cryptic Studios believes that the new model will have bigger potential in both the U.S. and China markets.

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