VG247.com reports that in a recent conference call with investors, Chinese publisher Perfect World indicated that before the end of the year, it would be transitioning Star Trek Online to a free-to-play model. The Star Trek-based MMORPG was launched in early 2010, and originally published by Atari. Developer Cryptic Studios was acquired by Perfect World, a large operator of Chinese MMORPGs, earlier this year.
Kelvin Lau, the CEO of Perfect World, indicated that he believes the game will have more potential in the North American and Chinese markets if relaunched as a free-to-play title, and added that his company already has extensive experience with the free-to-play market.
This game was destined for this from the get-go. Should have launched as one imo, but that was never going to happen. Sucks for those who spent so much on lifetime subscriptions etc.