14 DAY TRIAL // Atari, as the publisher, and Cryptic Studios, as the developer, have announced that their superhero-based MMO Champions Online would be moving to a free-to-play and microtransaction business model starting on January 25.
The move had been announced for some time, with initial information coming out in late 2010, but only now have the two companies decided when the switch is made.
After January 25, gamers will be able to log into the C-Store, an Internet-based marketplace created by Cryptic Studios, and download the game package for Champions Online and then proceed to play it for as long as they like without paying anything.
Of course, the developers are offering those who are interested in getting a better experience the choice to purchase adventure packs, more items, better powers and more costume pieces to augment their player character and to experience a better fleshed out in-game universe.
Gamers also have the option of continuing to play a subscription rate of 15 dollars per month for full access to all that the Champions Online MMO has to offer.
The move to a free-to-play and microtransaction model for Champions Online comes just as Sony has launched DC Universe Online, another superpowered MMO that makes good use of well-known comic book characters like Superman and his line-up of villains.
Another player in the same space is City of Heroes, which was also created by Cryptic.
The MMO space is becoming more interested in mixing free to play elements and paid content and the move seems to be profitable for those who make it.
A developer working at Turbine on The Lord of the Rings Online has said that the MMO has seen its revenue triple since it has gone free to play and Dungeons & Dragons Online has seen an even bigger increase.
More information on the free-to-play aspect of Champions Online can be found on the official site.