Cryptic Studios' MMOG Star Trek Online will offer a free-to-playoption, while retaining its existing subscription model, from January 17.
The new system, explained at the source link below, will see those paying a monthly subscription fee renamed Gold members, with those playing for free given Silver accounts with fewer features.
Free players will be able to recruit additional bridge officers, re-spec characters, and access premium ships through microtransactions using a new virtual currency, Cryptic Points. Fleet creation, in-game chat and mail, forums and customer service access will also be limited compared to paying players. Veteran awards and priority login will be restricted to paying subscribers.
While the switch won't come fully into effect until January 17, developer Cryptic Studios is seeking to lure back lapsed subscribers by unlocking the free-to-play Silver option early for those who have paid for the game in the past.

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/star-tr...ree-play-model