Star Trek Online engages free-to-play January 17

Cryptic Studios launched Champions Online and Star Trek Online within a few months of each other, but their switch to free-to-play hasn't been quite as in lockstep. With Champions Online having assumed its new business model earlier this year, Cryptic has announced that Star Trek Online will begin its free-to-play service beginning January 17.

Originally scheduled for later this year, Star Trek Online's transition to free-to-play splits players' payment options into two forks. For $15 per month, gamers can purchase a Gold membership, which grants expanded character slots, inventory space, veteran rewards, and priority login to the game's servers.

Those who opt for a free Silver membership will still have access to all of the game's areas and sections. However, those who go the free-to-play route will have limited access to parts of Star Trek Online, such as in-game chat, customer support, and forums.

A full breakdown of the differences between the two ways to play Star Trek Online is available through Cryptic's website. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.