Star Trek Online going free-to-play in January

Cryptic Studios have today announced that the Sci-Fi MMO Star Trek Online will be going free-2-play this January 17th, 2012.

When Star Trek Online free-to-play launches, anyone can download and play the game for free without purchasing a retail copy or subscription. All players will be able to take advantage of Star Trek Online's many features for free, from customizing avatars, crews and the very ships they command, to exploring the galaxy. Players will also be able to access additional features through a virtual goods store.

Paying subscribers ($14.99 per month) will be classed as 'Gold members' and will be able to access all the features available in Star Trek Online. Also Gold members will receive 400 Cryptic points monthly, beginning this December, on the day of the month when the subscription began. Cryptic points are the currency used for microtransactions and can be redeemed for in-game items, such as Star Trek costumes for your characters and extra bank slots.

The differences between paying Gold Members and free Silver Players can be found at: http://www.startrekonline.com/f2p