Star Trek Online Going Free to Play

It seems to be a growing theme in the massive online gaming world. More and more subscription based MMO's are getting closer and closer to the free to play model. Games like LoL have perfected this method, allowing players to play the game completely free. What these games do to make money is get you into the game, by virtue of being free. Then, you want stuff... cool stuff. Awesome stuff that you can buy, with teh monies.

You tell yourself "I mean.... I didn't pay anything for it... if I had bought this game.. I would have spent $40-$60. What's $20?" and boom. Money made.

Star Trek Online seems to be following similar method. Players will be able to play the game for free (potentially with optional subscriptions, that will yield fancy paid player only goodies.). When this change will take place is up in the air, but word is, it will take place by the end of the year, says Perfect World, the (now) new owner of Cryptic Games.

We have seen that Cryptic can make the free-to-play model work with their success with Champions. Personally I'm intrigued and will probably being trying it out, once the game goes free.